Buck controller for USB-C power boosts performance, cuts size

Renesas Electronics has recently unveiled the RAA489300/RAA489301 high-performance buck controller, specifically engineered with a three-level buck topology to cater to the needs of battery charging and voltage regulation in USB-C systems. This innovative solution is targeted towards a wide range of applications, including multiple-port USB-PD chargers, portable power stations, PC docking stations, robots, drones, and other devices that demand a high-efficiency DC/DC controller.

The three-level buck converter topology integrated into the RAA489300/RAA489301 offers exceptional efficiency and plays a crucial role in reducing the necessary inductance for regulating the output voltage. By leveraging this advanced design, power loss is minimized, and system size is significantly reduced, making it an ideal choice for compact and high-performance applications.

Compared to a conventional two-level buck converter, the three-level topology of the RAA489300/RAA489301 incorporates two additional switches and a flying capacitor. This flying capacitor effectively decreases voltage stress on the switches, enabling designers to utilize lower voltage FETs with superior figures of merit. Consequently, conduction and switching losses are reduced, and the use of a smaller inductor with a peak-to-peak ripple of only about 25 percent of that of a two-level converter is made possible, leading to decreased inductor core and direct current resistance losses.

According to Gaurang Shah, the Vice President of the Power Division at Renesas, "This three-level buck controller topology exemplifies Renesas’ global leadership in battery charging. The innovative technology, which includes patent-pending breakthroughs, provides our customers with clear advantages over competing USB-C power solutions."

The 3-Level DC-DC RAA489300/RAA489301 battery charger and voltage regulator boasts superior thermal performance, which in turn reduces cooling requirements and translates into cost and space savings. This forward-thinking approach effectively addresses the escalating demand for compact and efficient power management systems in the market.

Furthermore, the RAA489300/RAA489301 battery charger and voltage regulator offer a broad range of input and output voltages suitable for various battery packs and PD adapters. Equipped with integrated safety features, including protection mechanisms against overcharging, overheating, and voltage irregularities, this buck controller ensures scalability for easy adaptation to diverse power levels and application requirements. The optimised switching architecture divides the voltage across power switches, thereby enhancing efficiency, while lower power consumption contributes to environmentally friendly designs. Additionally, lower thermal stress enhances system reliability and extends product lifespan.

Renesas provides customers with the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W and the 240W Dual-Port Daughter Card Winning Combinations, which streamline the process of integrating USB-C battery charging into their products. The RAA489300/RAA489301 is currently available in a 4×4 mm 32-lead TQFN package, accompanied by comprehensive design support and tools, such as the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W Kit and the RTKA489300DE0000BU Evaluation Board.