E-Marker chips are used in USB Power Delivery cables, including USB Type-C, to report the characteristics a cable supports, such as current-carrying capability, protocols supported and vendor identification. The USB Type-C standard is gaining rapid support with top-tier PC and electronics manufacturers by enabling slim industrial designs, easy-to-use connectors and cables, and the ability to transmit multiple protocols and deliver up to 100W of power. The USB Type-C standard’s 2.4mm-high connector plug is significantly smaller than current 4.5mm USB Type-A standard connector. It also allows for transport of USB signals and PCIe or DisplayPort signals on the same connector.
The EZ-PD CCG1 USB Type-C port controllers are based on Cypress’s PSoC 4 programmable SoC architecture. PSoC’s programmability enabled Cypress to integrate the transceiver for USB Type-C communication within a matter of weeks and to get its product to market fast and first. The controllers provide design flexibility for multiple USB Type-C applications such as cables, power adapters, notebooks, dongles and monitors.
Optimised for 2.4mm thin USB Type-C cable connectors, the programmable EZ-PD CCG2 controller is fully capable of supporting any USB Type-C downstream facing port, upstream facing port or dual role port applications. The EZ-PD CCG2 is available in a 3.3mm2 20-ball WLCSP, a 14-pin DFN and a 24-pin QFN. The EZ-PD CCG2 is the first programmable solution to fully integrate the USB Type-C transceiver, system-level ESD protection, and termination resistors needed for all USB Type-C applications.
“USB Type-C is revolutionising universal connectivity and enabling new usage models for computing and mobile applications,” said Jeff Ravencraft, President and COO, USB-IF. “Cypress’s EZ-PD CCG1 and CCG2 controllers are part of the first group of E-Marker products to achieve USB-IF certification for USB Power Delivery, ensuring a seamless user experience for emerging USB Type-C products.”
“The programmability and field-upgradability of our EZ-PD USB Type-C solutions has enabled our customers to make last-minute changes using reliable and compliant USB-IF certified E-Markers,” commented Ganesh Subramaniam, Senior Director, USB product line, Cypress. “This design flexibility, along with our proven USB know-how, is enabling our customers to bring their innovative USB Type-C products to market quickly.”