Type-C PD switch protects consumer and computer equipment

12th February 2021

Caroline Hayes

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Alpha and Omega Semiconductor has released the AOZ1374, a high voltage source switch which exploits Type-C PD for ease of connectivity

The smart protection switch provides up to 28V (maximum) voltage and true reverse current blocking for Type-C PD ports. It is supplied in a small, thermally enhanced 3.0 x 3.0mm DFN package to minimise board space in space-constrained designs, such as computers and monitors as well as gaming equipment.

The AOZ1374 features true reverse blocking and on resistance (Rds on) of 36mΩm. This which allows the use of back-to-back MOSFETs, advises Alpha and Omega Semiconductor.

The switch can be used in consumer and computing equipment, where USB ports can receive up to 100W typically and which have an AC/DC adapter to support Type-C PD ports. The host device typically sources 5.0V at 3.0A or up to 15W. In addition to notebook applications and desktop PCs, Type-C PD ports are becoming more popular and commonplace in smart monitors and power banks. For these applications, a high voltage sourcing switch is expected to deliver up to 100W power.

Type-C high voltage sourcing switches are also increasingly common in graphics cards or game consoles to power high-end virtual reality gaming goggles, where the small form factor of the AOZ1374 can help to minimise the size of the final product. Other savings and added convenience can be achieved because a single Type-C cable can also be used to connect to a monitor for both power and data.

The AOZ1374 IC’s IP was originally developed for the AOZ1375DI high voltage bi-directional source/sink Type C protection switch. Integrated features eliminate the eternal current limiting resistor and the IC has 28V absolute maximum voltage with the current limit capability, and start-up safe operating area (SOA) management.

The USB Type-C and USB PD 3.0 standards have thinner profile and higher power which allows device connection to as simple as a single wire for both power and data, explained Alpha and Omega Semiconductor's power IC senior marketing director, Peter Cheng.

There are two versions available, the AOZ1374DI-01 (auto-restart) and AOZ1374DI-02 (latch-off) after fault release. Both are supplied in a 3.0 x 3.0 DFN-10L package and available immediately in production quantities with a lead-time of 12 weeks.