Webinar Q&A
During the webinar, we reviewed the fundamentals of USB Power Delivery, design considerations when implementing USB-C and PD applications, and how Renesas USB PD, buck-boost, and battery charger devices can help speed time to market.
You had questions; we have answers:
Is there a voltage max and min for each voltage level on USB-C, i.e. 5V, 9V, 15V, 20V? Where is the measurement requirement taken - connector or end of cable?
Yes; please refer to the spec. When a product is designed (e.g. a captive cable power supply), one should consider the factors like IR drop (related to your question). USB-IF compliance will have a guideline to meet the standard.
Does this USB PD include Thunderbolt?
Thunderbolt support is one of the Alternate Modes in USB-C and PD.
Can you define SNK, SRC, and BC1.2?
Yes, SNK (sink), SRC (source), BC 1.2 (Battery Charging 1.2).
How do I obtain a copy of the slides?
Are the reference designs available as evaluation boards?
We are planning on releasing the information on our website, but the date is TBD.
Do you have a PD Controller with a Li-ion battery charger together?
Not as a standalone single silicon product, but as a reference design.
Is there any mandatory compliance certification requirement to implement a PD controller or just the Type-C controller on my system?
No. Compliance is not mandatory, but voluntary. Using compliant parts will get your product to compliance easier.
Which guide do you recommend for wireless chargers, please?
Wireless charging is not related to USB-C or PD directly.
Will PD controllers be integrated into Renesas MCUs?
The PD controller shown in the presentation has a Renesas MCU in it.
If you are designing a purely Type-C PD with 5 profiles, is a micro always required? Do you have a 24VDC to Type-C reference design (no alternate mode)?
Using an MCU is just one of the implementations of PD control in the market. There are other ways to do that (e.g. pure hardware logic). Our source reference designed is powered by a 19VDC, not 24VDC.
What USB-PC controller would be used to power a computer monitor using 30W or more?
The reference design shown is capable of outputting 30W power.
Is it mandatory to have a type-c controller even for implementing 15W of sink? Can we just implement it by using pull down on CC lines?
No, for 15W and below, one does not need to use a controller or logic. You can implement it by resistor.
When both ends are battery-powered, can the PD Controllers negotiate disabling charging?
Yes.
Do these chargers include galvanic isolation?
No, the charger in the presentation does not have galvanic isolation.
What do you see as the maximum input voltage a USB power port may get exposed to?
We have seen implementation-designed protection up to 28-30V actual voltage. Other factors, like ESD, might need to be considered.
Related Resources
Learn more about: PD Controller | Buck-Boost Voltage Regulator | Buck-Boost Charger
Learn more about: USB-IF Developers Materials | USB-IF Compliance Program | USB-C™ Power Delivery Testing
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