HWLLC topology pushes fast charging to 500 W
A half-wave LLC (HWLLC) platform from Renesas includes four controller ICs rated for up to 500 W for high-speed chargers. The HWLLC AC/DC converter topology scales from 100 W to 500 W, enabling chargers for power tools, e-bikes, and other appliances without the size, heat, and efficiency penalties of legacy topologies.
Combined in a 240-W USB EPR power adapter design, the HWLLC approach achieves a power density of 3 W/cm³ and 96.5% peak efficiency—described as the industry’s highest power density. The 500-W envelope broadens application range, while USB-C EPR capability enables a move beyond 100-W charging.
At the heart of the lineup is the RRW11011, an AC/DC primary-side digital controller with interleaved PFC and HWLLC operation. It delivers a wide 5-V to 48-V output for USB 3.1/3.2 EPR and other variable-load charging systems. The boost PFC stage minimizes ripple, total harmonic distortion, and EMI, while digital two-stage control enhances efficiency and reduces audible noise.
The platform also includes the RRW30120 USB PD 3.2 EPR controller with secondary-side regulation, the RRW40120 600-V half-bridge gate driver optimized for SuperGaN FETs and MOSFETs, and the RRW43110 synchronous rectifier controller.
The RRW11011, RRW30120, RRW40120, and RRW43110 are now in production, and samples are available for evaluation.
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