Robust USB Type-C and USB PD controllers for 18-140W adapters in consumer applications

Nexperia has introduced a new series of USB Type-C and USB PD controller ICs to support up to 18-140W charging designs for the consumer USB charger market. The release of these controllers positions the company as the sole semiconductor manufacturer to deliver all of the components needed to implement an efficient 18-140W power charging adapter. It provides designers with a turnkey solution to simplify supply chains and accelerate time-to-market.

The NEX52041 and NEX52080 feature an embedded MCU with 16kB and 32kB of MTP-ROM, respectively, providing the flexibility to design and update customised features while also enabling firmware updates required to ensure chargers continue to comply with changing USB standards. These USB PD controllers provide excellent compatibility with different charging protocols to ensure that USB ports can charge phones, laptops, and other tools from various manufacturers. Apart from USB PD, these controllers also support multiple D+/D- based fast charging protocols for improved compatibility with recent and legacy devices.

The devices are single-port USB PD controllers. They are available in 4mm x 4mm QFN-16 and QFN-24 packages with sufficient programmable GPIOs and I2C interfaces to support multi-IC communication for smart power distribution in multi-port charger applications and save system power budgets.

Unlike similar competing devices, which rely on extra external components to supply adequate protection, these devices provide up to 30 V of overvoltage tolerance on the connector pins. This ensures robust performance while also lowering the BOM by minimising the need to use external components.

The NEX52041 and NEX52080 are designed with a CV, CC control loop to support applications using an optocoupler and provide interoperability with different DC-DC or AC/DC converters. Designers can conveniently combine these USB PD devices with the company's AC/DC, MOSFETs, GaN FETs and TVS/ESD products to quickly implement a turnkey solution for use in varied USB charger applications.