USB PD controller supports standard and proprietary protocols in a small package

Diodes Incorporated has launched the AP43770 USB Type-C PD controller, a highly integrated solution for executing PD over USB in portable and fixed devices, and offline power adapters. The device is ideal for a range of applications where USB PD is used, including AC adapters, battery banks, power hubs, and USB PD converters. It offers an embedded microcontroller operating firmware compliant with the latest USB Type-C specification and USB PD Revision 3.0 V1.1. Support for Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC) 4/4+ is incorporated into the device. Also, the inclusion of QC3.0, QC2.0, and BC revision 1.2 and other legacy protocols with auto-detection means that backwards compatibility can be supported with existing equipment.

The PPS feature, added with the latest version of the USB PD specification, is also supported by the device. The PPS function enables the output voltage to vary based on the load demands; this is delivered using a relevant APDO. Support for PPS with APDO is performed in the device through a CC/CV output driver that is adjustable in 50mA steps up to 6A, and 20mV steps between 3V and 20V, respectively.

As USB PD has the potential to achieve high levels of power, the USB eMarker feature is frequently applied to active cables. The device comprises the required support for eMarker technology, to detect and identify cables before power is delivered. Cable compensation is also supported.

When coupled with a suitable PWM controller the device provides a total PD solution. It also offers up to 8kb of OTP (for main firmware code) or MTP (for user configurable parameters). MTP memory can be employed to set up power specification and protocol options to the manufacturer’s specifications.