USB-C solutions enables robust charging accessories for laptops and mobile devices

Cypress Semiconductor’s USB-C controller portfolio now supports the latest USB PD 3.0 specification enabling more robust end-to-end power delivery and charging solutions for laptop and mobile devices. USB PD 3.0 provides a number of key enhancements over the current version of the spec, USB PD 2.0, to enhance robustness in power sources, sinks and cables. The company’s EZ-PD CCG3 and CCG4 USB-C port controllers are claimed to be the industry’s first solutions to support the USB PD 3.0 specification from the USB-IF. USB PD 3.0 provides the ability for an accessory to change modes from sourcing to sinking power quickly, preventing data corruption during a sudden disconnect of its power source. This feature, called fast role swap, enables charge-through dongles and docks. USB PD 3.0 also introduces an extended messaging capability that enables faster USB PD performance for firmware updates and offers a more-efficient mechanism to exchange security certificates. The extended messages can carry data payloads of up to 260 bytes, more than nine times the 28 bytes allowed in USB PD 2.0. USB PD 3.0 is fully backward-compatible with USB PD 2.0. “With the debut of the industry’s first solutions to support USB Power Delivery 3.0, Cypress continues to be the go-to source for the newest USB-C and PD capabilities,” said Ajay Srikrishna, vice president of the USB product line at Cypress. “Cypress’s broad portfolio of programmable EZ-PD and EZ-USB controllers gives our customers the unique ability to implement the powerful new features in PD 3.0 and easily implement specification changes.” The USB Type-C standard is gaining rapid support with top-tier laptop and electronics manufacturers by enabling slim industrial designs, easy-to-use connectors and cables, and the ability to transmit multiple protocols and deliver up to 100W of power. The USB Type-C standard’s 2.4mm high connector plug is significantly smaller than the current 4.5mm USB Standard-A connector. In addition to the transport of USB signals, DisplayPort and Thunderbolt signals can be delivered over the same connector via the USB Type-C standard’s Alternate Mode capability.