Flexible charging solution set to replace plethora of barrel connectors

Cypress Semiconductor has introduced a USB-C PD solution designed to lessen the e-waste resulting from the estimated one million tons of power adapters manufactured per year. The Cypress EZ-PD Barrel Connector Replacement solution has the potential to succeed the myriad of barrel connectors used in power adapters that shoppers are currently burdened by. The solution can also succeed all legacy USB micro-B connectors that provide only 7.5W, which is not nearly enough to power many consumer electronic devices or industrial applications. The solutions provide up to 100W and are broadly being adopted in automobiles, smartphones, laptops and peripherals, and tablets. The controller provides a high level of integration in a small footprint package that reduces bill-of-material cost and simplifies designs, allowing developers to quickly convert their products to be powered via a USB-C connector with few external components and no firmware needed. The company speeds the transition to USB-C connectors with the new kit, which facilitates product developers to swiftly prototype without needing firmware development. “Using USB-C with Power Delivery as the universal power adapter solution makes sense across the board,” said Ajay Srikrishna, vice president of Cypress’ Wired Connectivity Business Unit. “For consumers, having one charger for multiple devices is much more convenient. For manufacturers, using our Barrel Connector Replacement solution to quickly prototype USB PD charging and eliminate the need to ship a custom charger with your product provides cost savings over the long haul. And, of course, the world as a whole benefits from the reduction of e-waste by maximizing the re-use and sharing of a universal charger for multiple devices.”