USB fast charging over USB-C extended

The universal fast-charging ecosystem is rapidly expanding as products like mobile handsets gain ever-larger batteries. The latest USB PD chargers can have power ratings up to 100W and can optimise charging by dynamically adjusting current and voltage thanks to the USB Programmable Power Supply (PPS) feature of USB PD. A huge diversity of products such as smart speakers, power tools, wearables, robots, gaming controllers, power banks, and drones -- traditionally recharged at 5V through older USB micro-B or proprietary connectors -- can now leverage this ecosystem to benefit from the advantages and interoperability of USB-C technology while charging faster.

To support this migration, ST has created a USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certified evaluation board for up to 100W PPS USB Power Sinking Devices (PSD) that helps developers accelerate new designs and supports certification of the end product.

“Using our USB-IF-certified development board, customers can now quickly add all of the USB-C benefits and reuse a solid platform for certification of their own board, contributing to a safe and reliable USB Type-C and USB PD ecosystem,” said Ricardo de Sa Earp, Group Vice President, Microcontrollers Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics.

“The unmatched capabilities of USB PD over USB Type-C cables and connectors is driving rapid innovation in a variety of USB charging applications and markets,” added Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President and COO. “Inventive solutions, such as ST’s new evaluation board, are vital to support the continued growth of USB-IF-certified USB PD and USB Type-C devices that consumers can rely on.”

The certified device (USB-IF TID: 3036) combines ST’s Nucleo-G071RB and X-Nucleo-USBPDM1 development boards. The Nucleo-G071RB features an STM32G0 microcontroller, the industry’s first general-purpose microcontroller to integrate a USB Type-C Power Delivery controller on-chip, enabling greater system integration as well as the possibility to support new application use cases. The X-Nucleo-USBPDM1 board contains ST’s TCPP01-M12 companion chip for port protection.

Moreover, customers can leverage the powerful tools and software of the STM32 ecosystem to complete their projects quickly and easily. Applications already using a microcontroller with legacy 5V USB charging can be updated to USB Type-C with only a small number of external components.

The Nucleo-G071RB ($10.32) and X-Nucleo-USBPDM1 ($23.50) are available now from st.com or distributors.