Maxim introduces USB-C power transmission solution, reducing development time by 3 months and solution size by half

     Maxim Integrated announced the launch of the MAX77958 USB-C PD Controller and the MAX77962 28W liter/Buck charger to help designers overcome USB-C Power transfer (PD) design challenges. As new technologies such as 5G wireless communication and 4K video continue to be added to portable devices, many devices are shifting from single-battery powered architectures to dual-battery (2S) powered architectures.

     The converted system requires higher power to be delivered via USB-C PD and charged at greater power (25W or higher). With the MAX77958 USB-C PD controller, designers instantly have an out-of-the-box USB-C PD compatibility solution that can reduce design time by up to three months, while halving the solution size with the MAX77962 liter/step-down charger.

     The MAX77958: USB-C PD system can meet the requirements of next-generation portable consumer products, industrial and medical devices, but to comply with the USB-C specification requires the use of multiple devices and customized firmware, which can take months to develop. The MAX77958 standalone USB-C PD controller provides out-of-the-box USB-C PD 3.0 compatibility with Fast Role Exchange (FRS) and dual Role port (DRP), saving up to three months of design, development, and test time. The MAX77958 integrates features not typically found in traditional USB-C controllers, such as BC1.2 detection and D+/D- switches, to support traditional USB ports. To support a highly reliable design, the IC withstands a 28V VBUS voltage rating and provides CC pin short-circuit protection and moisture detection to help prevent corrosion.

     MAX77962: Supports the new USB-C PD system design for fast charging of 2S Li+ batteries with 5V to 20V input voltages. The MAX77962 integrates high voltage FETs (30V maximum rated voltage) to deliver 28W charging power in half the size of other 28W charging solutions. The liter/buck charger can accept input voltage ranges from 3.5V to 23V and supports USB-C PD as well as traditional USB power supplies.

     The MAX77962 liter/step-down charger and MAX77958 USB-C PD controller are ideal for applications such as game consoles, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) devices, cameras, wireless speakers, portable printers, handheld computers, as well as industrial equipment and medical devices.