New EZ-PD CCG3 controller streamlines the design of USB-C accessories

Cypress Semiconductor has announced a new USB-C controller featuring Power Delivery (PD) that streamlines the design of USB-C accessories, such as adapter dongles, power adapters and power banks. The new EZ-PD CCG3 controller offers an unparalleled level of integration that minimizes bill-of-material costs and simplifies designs, replacing multiple discrete components with a single-chip solution. The EZ-PD CCG3 controller supports direct 3.3V to 20V operation. It integrates independent 20V VBUS gate drivers for provider and consumer power paths, two 1-W VCONN Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) that provide power to USB-C cables, and a USB Billboard Controller that informs the USB host of supported Alternate Modes and failures. The 20V operation is enabled by the integration of a high-voltage regulator and analog blocks that protect systems against overvoltage and overcurrent conditions. The CCG3 controller includes an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, two 64KB flash memory banks with read-while-write operation and an integrated Crypto Engine for fail-safe firmware updates with authentication. CCG3 also incorporates an analog switch for non-USB signals, such as DisplayPort control signals, along with four serial communication blocks, each of which can be configured to I2C, SPI or UART serial protocols, says the company. "With the USB-C and PD specifications continually evolving and the next-generation PD 3.0 standard scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2016, customers continue to seek reduced system complexity and lower solution cost," said Ajay Srikrishna, vice president of the USB product line, Cypress. "Cypress's programmable EZ-PD controllers enable our customers to easily implement updates to keep up with these changes, and now, our highly-integrated EZ-PD CCG3 controllers with 20-V support, built-in Billboard controller, crypto engine and dual 64kB flash memory banks enable easier system design and reduce bill of materials." The EZ-PD CCG3 controller includes support for legacy USB battery charging schemes, ensuring CCG3-based hosts and accessories are interoperable with legacy USB power providers and consumers. Integrated electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits provide system-level protection up to 15kV. Embedded World 2016, February 23-25, Booth 148, Hall 4A, Nuremberg Messe, Germany.