New Renesas USB-C Power Solution with Innovative Three-Level Topology Improves Performance and Reduces System Size

　　Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today introduced the RAA489300/RAA489301 high-performance buck controller designed with a three-level buck topology used for battery charging and voltage regulation in USB-C systems such as multiple-port USB-PD chargers, portable power stations, PC docking station, robots, drones, and other applications that need a high efficiency DC/DC controller.

　　The three-level buck converter topology enabled by the new IC delivers exceptional efficiency and significantly reduces the required inductance for regulating the output voltage. Its innovative design minimizes power loss and reduces system size, making it ideal for compact, high-performance applications.

　　The three-level topology consists of two additional switches and a flying capacitor compared to a conventional two-level buck converter. The flying capacitor reduces voltage stress on the switches, allowing designers to use lower voltage FETs with better figures of merit. The result is reduced conduction and switching losses. This topology also enables the use of a smaller inductor with peak-to-peak ripple of only about 25 percent of that of a two-level converter, enabling reduced inductor core and direct current resistance losses.

　　Renesas is a worldwide leader in USB-PD solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products, including turnkey solutions for various applications. Renesas helps customers shorten their time-to-market with an extensive development environment and pre-certified USB-IF reference designs. Renesas USB-PD solutions offer superior quality and safety, along with high efficiency and power density.

　　“This three-level buck topology solution is a prime example of Renesas’ worldwide leadership in battery charging,” said Gaurang Shah, Vice President of the Power Division at Renesas. “The innovative technology includes patent-pending breakthroughs that offer our customers clear advantages over competing USB-C power offerings.”

　　The 3-Level DC-DC RAA489300/RAA489301 battery charger and voltage regulator offers superior thermal performance, which reduces cooling requirements and results in cost and space savings. This innovative approach addresses the growing demand for compact and efficient power management systems.

　　Key Features of the RAA489300/RAA489301 battery charger and voltage regulator

　　Wide range of input and output voltages for use in voltage battery packs and with various PD adapters

　　Integrated safety features with built-in protection mechanisms against overcharging, overheating, and voltage anomalies

　　Scalability for easily adapting to various power levels and application requirements

　　Optimized switching architecture divides the voltage across power switches, improving efficiency

　　Minimizes power consumption, contributing to greener, more sustainable designs

　　Lower thermal stress improves system reliability and extends product lifespan

　　Winning Combinations

　　Renesas offers the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W and the 240W Dual-Port Daughter Card Winning Combinations that minimize the effort required for customers to design USB-C battery charging into their products. Winning Combinations are technically vetted system architectures from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimized, low-risk design for faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 400 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from the Renesas portfolio to enable customers to speed up the design process and bring their products to market more quickly. 

　　Device Availability

　　The RAA489300/RAA489301 is available today in a 4×4 mm 32-lead TQFN package. Comprehensive design support and tools, including the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W Kit and the RTKA489300DE0000BU Evaluation Board, are also available.