
Integrated 60W USB-PD programmable controller for automotive
Indie Semiconductor in the US has developed a highly integrated dual-channel USB Power Delivery (PD) programmable controller for automotive designs.
The iND87300 uses an ARM Cortex M0 core with 64kB Flash and 16kB SRAM memory to support custom power profiles. This follows the launch of a programmable USB PD chip by ST Microelectronics last week based around an M0+ core.
The chip supports any configuration of USB Type A and Type C ports, and the ARM core means it can be upgraded in the field to future proof device interoperability and user experience using indie’s firmware tools and global support.
Related USB PD articles
- World’s first M0+ USB-C PD 3.1 controller
- First 28V USB PD 3.1 chip
- USB-PD boosts USB-C power delivery to 240W at 48V
The controller measures 8.8mm x 10mm in a QFN package that includes a dual channel buck-boost controller co-packaged with lowside power FETs (RDSON < 12mOhms). These support maximum current up to 5A and can deliver up to 60W output power per channel simultaneously.
The power controller has a programmable output between 3.3 and 21V and uses a spread-spectrum switching scheme to minimize EMI. It incorporates cycle-by-cycle current limiting with over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-temperature protection. It has a programmable reverse current limit, VBUS slew rate, soft-start timer, and operates at over 95% efficiency. The output voltage is programmable between 3.3V and 21V and supports maximum currents up to 5A
There is also a 12bit housekeeping Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) and a variety of system interfaces including UART, I2C and LIN. A USB-PD PHY and firmware stack supports USB-C channel configuration and PD port control..
“At indie, we are creating innovative technologies to meet the increasing demand for personalized in-cabin user experiences,” said Michael Wittmann, vice president of product marketing at indie Semiconductor.
“Drivers and passengers expect to be able to charge phones, tablets, laptops and other battery-powered devices conveniently and safely. Our highly innovative solution allows OEMs to meet current and future USB charging requirements with fewer components and reduced design complexity. We are excited to be working with multiple Tier 1 and OEM customers to bring iND87300-based solutions to high volume production in early 2023,” he said.
The chip supports both charging downstream port (CDP) and dedicated charging port (DCP) in addition to Apple and Samsung charging schemes. Direct connection to the vehicle power supply is made possible by the ability to withstand a 40V load dump from the vehicle battery and 24V tolerant pins that protect against shorts to VBAT and GND.
The iND87300 is sampling now, qualified for AEC-Q100 Grade 1 and is fully compliant with USB BC1.2 and USB PD2.0/3.0 standards as well as a number of proprietary charging modes.
Other articles on eeNews Power
- Northvolt raises $1.1bn as Volkswagen breaks ground on battery cell gigafactory
- Iceotope raises £30m for immersive cooling
- In-memory neuromorphic AI slashes power consumption to nW
- Custom power integrity tool shows 3x productivity gain
- Panthronics teams to accelerate NFC wireless charging
