Microchip looks to USB-PD solutions to simplify power deliver

1 min read

Microchip has unveiled two new solutions that look to simplify USB Type-C PD designs by removing the complexity and high costs traditionally associated with implementing USB Type-C in a range of applications.

The USB705x family is one of the industry’s first USB-IF-certified USB 3.1 SmartHub devices with integrated support for Power Delivery (TID1212) and enables fast device charging as well as introducing unique PD implementations called HostFlexing and PDBalancing.

The UPD301A is a standalone USB Type-C PD controller that simplifies the implementation of basic USB Type-C PD charging functionality, making it suitable for applications from rear seat charging in vehicles to portable equipment to public charging stations.

The USB705x family includes two features that simplify USB Type-C PD implementations: HostFlexing and PDBalancing. HostFlexing simplifies the user’s docking station experience by allowing all USB Type-C ports to function as the “notebook” port, eliminating the need for cryptic labels that try and explain overall functionality of each USB Type-C port. PDBalancing provides a methodology for manufacturers to manage overall system power through centralised control, helping consumers to save money by being able to charge a number of PD enabled devices with less overall power.

To meet consumer demand for faster mobile device charging and data streaming, the USB705x family combines native support for USB Type-C PD with the 5 Gbps SuperSpeed data rates of USB 3.1. Ideal for docks, PC monitors and automotive infotainment, the family of devices, which consists of the USB7050, USB7051, USB7052 and USB7056, provides a range of USB configurations to meet varying PD and USB Type-C design needs. For example, the USB7050 supports three PD-enabled upstream and downstream USB Type-C ports, while the USB7056 provides only one upstream port alongside five traditional Type-A downstream ports.

The new hubs also support driver assistance applications that are available on all mobile handsets, allowing the graphical user interface of a phone to be displayed on a vehicle’s screen while simultaneously charging the mobile device.

With smartphones increasingly requiring more than standard BC 1.2 power, designers of electronic systems also have to be able to easily implement basic high-powered charging in systems. The UPD301A provides a simple, standalone solution for implementing USB Type-C PD charging in a variety of applications. The device supports both single and dual-port operation and uses a pin-configurable implementation that focuses on ease of use. The UPD301 complements Microchip’s expansive family of USB hubs and enables solutions from charge-only to full data, video and power management.

The USB705x and UPD301 come with a complete solution including the MPLAB® Connect Configurator hub configuration tool, evaluation boards with schematics and Gerber files to reduce development time.