The USB-C interface is transforming how we power and connect electronic devices. Unlike traditional connectors, a USB-C cable can be plugged into a smartphone, tablet, or even a superbook from either end. The C-type connector is designed to be bi-directional, meaning it can be inserted in any orientation, and it’s also non-polar, so you don’t have to worry about which side faces up. During the connection process, the system automatically identifies the polarity, making the user experience seamless.
Beyond charging, USB-C supports high-power data transfer and bidirectional power delivery. The default voltage is 5V, but through negotiation with the connected device, the port can increase the voltage to 20V at the agreed current level. This means USB-C can deliver up to 100W of power—enough to charge even laptops efficiently. These features have made USB-C a popular choice among manufacturers for their next-gen products.
As more devices adopt USB Power Delivery (PD) and USB-C, the demand for advanced power management has increased. Traditional USB-A and USB-B ports had fixed voltages, but USB-C allows variable input and output voltages, ranging from 5V to 20V. This flexibility enables laptops and other mobile devices to replace bulky AC/DC adapters with compact USB-C solutions. Some customers are now integrating multiple USB-C ports into their systems to enhance functionality and performance.
However, managing multiple USB-C ports can become complex, especially when trying to meet the diverse needs of users. This white paper introduces a new system architecture using Renesas Electronics’ ISL95338 buck-boost regulator and the ISL95521A combo battery charger. We’ll explore how this design simplifies implementation while fully supporting all USB-C features, including fast charging and On-The-Go (OTG) capabilities.
We’ll also discuss how this architecture can be used on the adapter side to implement a Programmable Power Supply (PPS), which allows for dynamic voltage adjustments to match the varying input requirements of USB-C ports.
A New USB-C Architecture
Figure 1 illustrates a new USB-C architecture that uses two ISL95338 buck-boost regulators and the ISL95521A combined battery charger. This design enables battery charging via the USB-C port and supports fast charging when two PD chargers are connected to USB-C_1 and USB-C_2. No additional control logic or ICs are needed, and both ports fully support USB 3.1 OTG.
Figure 1. Renesas Electronic Battery Charger Architecture – Dual USB-C Port with Two Buck-Boost Regulators and One Buck Charger
When comparing Figures 1 and 2, it becomes clear that existing architectures require more components and complex external circuits to achieve similar performance. Each charger channel typically needs a USB-PD controller, which increases cost and complexity. In contrast, the Renesas solution eliminates the need for many of these components, reducing both cost and design complexity without compromising performance.
Figure 2. Existing Battery Charger Architecture - Single Buck-Boost Charger + Complex External Logic
The Renesas architecture presented here addresses all these limitations. By using two ISL95338s in parallel and connecting them to the ISL95521A battery charger, the system becomes more efficient and cost-effective. Many components such as PD controllers, ASGATEs, and OTG gates are eliminated, yet the performance remains strong. For instance, when charging a battery, power can be directly supplied from the USB-C input to the ISL95521A.
Additionally, the parallel configuration of the two ISL9538s gives more flexibility. For example, two USB-C inputs with different power ratings can be used to provide higher charging power than a single input. One ISL95338 can handle the voltage loop, while the other manages the current loop, allowing the system to automatically optimize power usage based on the input.
For OTG functionality, the battery can supply power through a diode, and the ISL95338 can regulate the output to the USB-C port. This eliminates the need for a separate 5V buck converter and OTG gate. Furthermore, SMBus communication between the ISL95338, ISL95521A, and PD controllers allows for adjustable OTG voltage instead of a fixed value.
Figure 3 shows a high-power fast charging application where the new Renesas architecture can be expanded to include four ISL95338s in parallel with an ISL95521A or ISL9238 battery charger. Each USB-C port can operate independently as a sink or source. The system can also integrate traditional adapters as a power source without increasing costs.
Figure 3. Renesas Electronic Battery Charger Architecture with 4 USB-C Ports - 4 Buck-Boost Regulators + 1 Buck Charger
Programmable Power Solution
In traditional USB-A and USB-B applications, the input voltage is fixed, but USB-C introduces variability. To address this, the Programmable Power Supply (PPS) feature allows for precise control of output voltage and current in 20mV/50mA steps. This makes it ideal for optimizing power delivery. As shown in Figure 4, the ISL95338 buck-boost regulator is well-suited for PPS because it uses SMBus communication with the USB-PD controller to adjust voltage dynamically.
Figure 4. New Renesas Electronic PPS Architecture
In conclusion, using the ISL95338 in a multi-port USB-C charging system offers a more efficient and cost-effective solution. Renesas’ new architecture not only reduces system complexity but also enhances performance, enabling faster charging and longer battery life. It fully supports all USB-C requirements, including the ability to implement PPS—a key feature for future USB applications.
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