Cypress Semiconductor EZ-PD CCG3PA controller for fast smartphone charging

The EZ-PD CCG3PA USB Type-C and power delivery (PD) controller, from Cypress Semiconductor, supports the fast charging of smartphones, tablets, notebook PCs and power banks. A recipient of Qualcomm Quick Charge 4 certification, the highly integrated controller simplifies designs, allowing for straightforward development of next-generation fast-charging applications and products.

The controller supports USB-C power source and dual-role power source/sink. Additionally, the controller fully supports the USB PD 3.0 programmable power supply (PPS) specification, which allows smartphones to communicate with the charger to determine the ideal voltage and current levels. The Quick Charge 4 certification also incorporates improved safety features to ensure fast charging without overheating.

The programmable controller includes an Arm Cortex-M0 microcontroller and 64 KB of flash, enabling firmware upgrades that support future changes to fast charging standards. The one-chip device integrates several necessary components, including a 30 V-tolerant regulator, high-voltage PFET gate drivers, VBUS-to-CC short protection, a VBUS and current sense amplifier, and hardware dedicated to legacy charger protocols.

The controller is supported by system-level electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection as well as dedicated overcurrent and overvoltage circuitry. Enabling the safe performance of fast charging applications, the integrated safety features defend against faulty operating conditions like power overloads. The speed and consistency of the controller allows for the design of USB Type-C power adapters for a broad range of applications, including consumer electronics, power banks and vehicle chargers.