Buck controller streamlines in-vehicle USB charging
Diodes’ APK43070Q synchronous buck controller integrates a USB Type-C PD 3.1 source controller, simplifying automotive single- and multi-port charging designs. Operating from a 4-V to 36-V input, it enables USB Type-C charging up to 140 W. The device supports USB extended power range (EPR) and adjustable voltage supply (AVS) up to 28 V, along with standard power range (SPR) and programmable power supply (PPS) up to 21 V.
The constant-frequency controller features integrated drivers, optimized dead time, and elevated gate drive voltage for efficient mid- to high-power charging using external N-channel MOSFETs. This allows flexible MOSFET selection to balance thermal performance and power loss. A VIN DC pass-through mode further improves converter performance by enabling the high-side MOSFET to act as the VBUS switch, eliminating the need for an additional output switch.
An I2C interface with a controller/target addressing scheme enables power sharing across up to eight USB Type-C ports via resistor selection without an external MCU. The APK43070Q also includes overvoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage, and thermal protection.
The APK43070Q is priced at $0.80 each in 1000-unit quantities.
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