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How Would You RoadTest the MAX77860: USB Type-C charger with integrated CC detection, Reverse Boost, and ADC

rscasny

I was forwarded some information on new device that features a switch mode charger with USB Type-C CC detection capability, reverse boost capability and a Safeout LDO. Called the MAX77860, it features a lot in just a  3.9mm x 4.0mm.  The charger features a single input, which works for both USB and high voltage adapters. It supports USB Type-C CC detection under BC 1.2 specification, and the power-path switch is integrated in the chip.image

 

The USB-OTG output provides true-load disconnect and is protected by an adjustable output current limit. It has an input current limit up to 4.0A and can charge a single-cell battery up to 3.15A. When configured in reverse-boost mode, the IC requires no additional inductors to power USB-OTG accessories. The on-chip ADC can help monitor the charging input voltage/current, battery voltage, charging/discharging current, and the battery temperature. For More Info about the MAX77860For More Info about the MAX77860

 

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Evaluation Board

It has an evaluation kit called the MAX77860EVKIT. The MAX77860 evaluation system (EV system) is a fully assembled and tested surface-mount printed circuit board (PCB) that evaluates the single input switched-mode battery charger and other features. For More Info About the EV KitFor More Info About the EV Kit

 

Features

  • Evaluates MAX77860 Single-Input Switch Mode Charger
  • Demonstrates 4.0V to 13.5V Input Operation Range
  • Demonstrates USB Type-C Charging Up to 3.15A
  • Demonstrates Adapter Detection
  • Demonstrates USB-OTG Functionality
  • Assembled and Tested
  • I2C Serial Interface

 

My Question to You: How Would You RoadTest This Product?

  • And the answer is, "with difficulty".

     

    The part comes in a 0.4mm pitch BGA - so the prototyping cost is high.

    The eval board and PC software would allow you to confirm that the part more or less performs according to the data sheet - but I'd assume that anyway.

    To properly test the part you need it on a real board in a package with a battery and some kind of application circuits and try controlling it with a micro and using it with real USB-C ports.

    Normally you would do this as part of a complete product development cycle.

    My most similar experience was with a much simpler charge control chip from TI (linear, no USB, one output, no processor interface) and I reckon that the battery management part of the job consumed about £10k worth of development effort.

    I would think that for this chip you are looking at double or more, >£20k. (as part of a project, lots more if done purely as a chip evaluation since it will need to carry the full cost of thermal and EMC testing)

     

    The only road test you can expect for this kind of part is for someone with time on their hands to play with the Eval board.

     

    MK

  • in reply to michaelkellett

    I have a little kit here at home, , that can mimic a USB C demand.

    That kind of utility, in combination with a DC load, could help assess if the Maxim chip performs as per (USB 3 and its own datasheet) spec.

  • Looks like a pretty capable part.  I like that they provide a GUI so that the EVK can be easily configured for testing.  I do agree that to do a reasonable test would require both a programmable source and programmable load, so that disqualifies me.