USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

baldengineer — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 18:41:09 GMT

I get confused about sources and sinks. The project I've wanted to do for a while is a variable voltage supply with USB-C as the input. Back when I was thinking about this idea, I thought the STUSB4500 was the right approach. (And maybe it is.)

Granted, I want to take this idea one step further than some of the other "supply" boards I have seen. I'd like something that is continuously variable, with the controller re-negotiating for different voltage (and perhaps current?) levels from the USB-C brick based on the output setting. I'd also like current limiting/protection on the front end. Essentially, a minimally viable bench supply powered by a USB-C brick.

That said, is the USB-PD PHY I need a source or sink in this case? [emoticon:c4563cd7d5574777a71c318021cbbcc8]

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

scottiebabe — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 18:36:06 GMT

I [emoticon:ffdd7b0ed07d454ba259894f328bbdc6] USB lol

I just recently bought an eval board presenting the LM399 in its bold and beautiful new identity as the ADR1399. It is a usb-c powered “pocket calibrator” minus the calibration certificate lol

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

genebren — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 17:12:28 GMT

It is clear that USB-C is the future for USB connected devices. That being said, when a client of mine asked about using USB-C connectivity on a project that I am designing for him, I gave him a hard no. The product had already by designed and the layout was complete and given that I had PCBs and parts in hand, I could find no compelling argument to make a change at this point. I did bookmark this blog as I feel that it would be helpful on future designs (or even a second version of this product).

Thanks for the informative and interest blog!

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

misaz — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:13:14 GMT

My wishlist contains Cypresss PMG1 MCU Eval Board which is very unique MCU with build-in CC interface and high-voltage LDO so it can be powered directly from VBUS line under all circumstances including situation when voltage is increased (up to 20V) for improving power capability. MCU has lot of similar with Cypress PSoC 4 and 6 and for example many peripherals are shared. When using this MCU you do not need any additional chip. Development IDE is the same and SDK is very similar to PSoC. You can use it for both negotiations on CC lines and application which is very nice.

https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/universal-serial-bus-usb-power-delivery-controller/usb-c-and-power-delivery/ez-pd-pmg1-portfolio-high-voltage-mcus-usb-c-power-delivery/

It is on my wishlist but I never tried it. Because it is not avalaible in Farnell store I also have not chance to get it as part of Project14 reward but currently it look avalaible at least at some different distributors.

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

beacon_dave — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 15:05:11 GMT

I saw an overview webinar on it a number of years ago if that counts. [emoticon:c4563cd7d5574777a71c318021cbbcc8]

Recording of it here:

Teledyne LeCroy - USB Type-C and Power Delivery Technology & Testing Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3OOMAfv1nw

May be of some interest even if it is a bit dated by now.

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

wolfgangfriedrich — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:43:55 GMT

I am experimenting with decoding the communication on the CC interface. Lots of lessons to be learnt before I an do a writeup on this topic.

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

wolfgangfriedrich — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:35:05 GMT

This is a very interesting subject. And we already have some knowledge in the community. There was a roadtest about a 60W PD supply. Jan was faster mentioning it.

And I had done a writeup about a board that I had build here:

[mention:d2f7df76aa4744edb9d2536c9e83b660:f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07]

It is a sink board similar to the click board above. Very easy to configure through resistor dividers, based on the CYPD3177 chip from Cypress, now Infineon. They announc3d the CYPD3176, which will also have programmable power supply (PPS) capabilities.

Shameless plug: I sell this board on Tindie.

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

Jan Cumps — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:09:14 GMT

Some of the Anker chargers are quite nice, because they use a GAN semiconductor device internally, for high efficiency while supporting high power USB-C Power Delivery loads.

This one was reviewed in a road test earlier: InnoSwitch 3-Pro GaN Controllable USB Power Supply

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

Jan Cumps — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:06:30 GMT

I'm definitely interested. Shabaz and I had discussed this before on a chat.

My main interest however lies in using USB-C for providing battery-sourced (could also be solar-sourced) power to laptops and mobile phones in the event of mains power outages.

My main interests are on the right side of the chain, power sinks:

learning to build power consumers, that can negotiate with a USB-PD to get to the higher voltages and currents served.
learning how to troubleshoot my own designs, and how to use a USB-C power meter to debug defect power consumers

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

dang74 — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 13:06:10 GMT

Thanks Shabaz. This blog is a nice launch pad for USB-C power delivery. I shall bookmark it.

RE: USB Type-C and Power Delivery: Any Interest?

Fred27 — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:03:09 GMT

This definitely an interesting subject. USB has become a standard for low voltage DC power supply whether that was the intention or not. It was easy enough before USB-C, as it was pretty much just "here's your 5V". USB-C PD is potentially more useful, but significantly more complex. I think we will need to know about it whether we want to or not.