Microchip introduces New Power Transmission Software Framework (PSF)

     With Microchip's new Power Transfer Software Framework (PSF), designers can now modify and own IP in their USB-C power transfer systems. By combining their proprietary code with Microchip's full-featured PD stack, designers have the flexibility to create differentiated products while choosing from a variety of Microchip SmartHub, MCU, and stand-alone PD solutions for their USB systems.

     USB Type-C with Power transmission (PD) capabilities and open source software are two technologies that are leading the next wave of wired connectivity. With a new Power transmission Software Framework (PSF) from Microchip Technology Inc., designers can now modify and own IP in their USB-C power transmission systems. By combining their proprietary code with Microchip's full-featured PD stack, designers have the flexibility to create differentiated products while choosing from a variety of Microchip SmartHub, MCU, and stand-alone PD solutions for their USB systems.

     The Microchip PSF solution provides an open source code library for power transmission and a comprehensive programming environment that eliminates the dependence on the manufacturer and allows users to easily program the MCU and modify the PD code as the system upgrades. With this industry-leading solution, customers can take control of their product development by reducing time to market and overall bill of Materials (BOM).

     Leveraging the software and hardware framework, developers can also choose from Microchip's new controller family to have PD capabilities, including the newly launched UPD301B and UPD301C standalone PD controllers. The openness of the PD architecture makes it easy for customers to add USB-C/PD ports to a variety of embedded applications, while also allowing customers to reallocate unused pin or CPU memory to other system functions. It also supports a variety of Microchip SAM and PIC microcontrollers as well as dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSC). By adding UPD350 PD transceivers or integrating PD into complex products with proprietary system code, the PSF solution gives designers the option to run PD on top of existing Microchip MCU infrastructure.

     Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip's USB and Networking Business unit, said: "With our new PD software framework, all Microchip microcontrollers and individual controllers that support USB-C can now share the same PD code base. These codes are freely available to customers and are easy to configure and modify, enabling our customers to implement new features and update systems themselves without having to go through the manufacturer to customize the code. Microchip's PSF product changes the way USB-C PD is integrated into customer systems."