Renesas introduces two ICs for USB PD EPR applications

Renesas Electronics Corporation has introduced the RAA489118 buck-boost battery charger and the RAA489400 USB Type-C® port controller. The two new ICs provide a leading Extended Power Range (EPR) USB Power Delivery (PD) combination that that enhances efficiency and safety.

Ideal for USB-C PD applications, the RAA489118 functions as either a battery charger supporting two to seven battery cells in series or as a voltage regulator supporting 30-V input and 30-V output. It employs patented R3™ (Robust Ripple Regulator) technology developed by Renesas, which combines the best features of fixed-frequency and hysteretic Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) technologies. R3 modulation technology delivers acoustic noise-free operation, fast dynamic response, and best-in-class light-load efficiency for longer battery life.

The RAA489118 includes an SMBus (System Management Bus) interface that is widely employed in power tools, home appliances and light industrial products. The SMBus interface, combined with the buck-boost and bidirectional features, allows the RAA489118 to work seamlessly with the RAA489400 and other components in USB-C PD implementations. Its input and output voltage levels also match mainstream solar power voltage levels, making it an ideal fit for solar portable power station applications.   The RAA489400 port controller supports USB-PD VBUS power up to 48-V/5-A. It features an integrated PHY, both Sink and Source Power Path Gate Drivers with external NFETs, short-circuit protection, VBUS discharge, a VCONN MUX and dead battery support.   “Renesas has been a worldwide leader in battery charging for many years based on advanced technology, adaptability, and exceptional value,” said Chris Allexandre, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Power at Renesas. “The RAA489118 and RAA489400 bring those strengths along with Renesas’ strong legacy of safety and reliability to new applications such as power tools and light industrial products. We expect to see strong demand from customers across multiple markets.”

Key features of the Renesas USB EPR PD combination can be summarised as follows: 

• Battery charger supporting two to seven battery cells in series
• Buck-boost voltage regulator supporting 30V input and 30V output
• Renesas R3™ technology ensures minimal power loss and improved efficiency
• Advanced control scheme delivers fast transient response and system performance
• Robust thermal management and protection features for safety and reliability
• Adaptable configurations support a wide range of applications
• Built-in protection against overcharging, overheating, and voltage anomalies  Bidirectional power flow
• USB-IF certified reference design reduces compliance testing time and effort
• Comprehensive design support and tools

Along with other USB-PD controllers, battery management ICs, and Type-C port management products, Renesas offers a turnkey USB-PD Charger Winning Combination that minimizes the effort required for customers to integrate USB-PD and battery management system features into their products

The RAA489118 comes in a 4-×4-mm 32-lead TQFN package, and the RAA489400 is packaged in a 32-Ld 3- x 5-mm FCQFN. Both products are available. Comprehensive design support and tools, including VIDWriter configuration tools and battery charger GUI software to configure designs, are also available.