Diodes Incorporated has introduced the APK43070Q, an automotive-grade synchronous buck controller integrated with a USB Type-C PD3.1 source controller. By combining multiple functions into a single chip, the solution minimizes external component requirements, reduces overall BOM costs, and streamlines the development of high-power USB Type-C charging systems for vehicles. The device is designed for use in both single-port and multi-port automotive USB-C charging applications.
Operating from a 4V to 36V input, the device supports USB PD3.1 extended power range (EPR) and adjustable voltage supply (AVS) up to 28V, and standard power range (SPR) and programmable power supply (PPS) up to 21V. These capabilities enable USB Type-C charging ports delivering up to 140W.
The constant-frequency synchronous step-down controller with high drive strength, optimized dead‑time, and an elevated gate‑drive voltage enables efficient mid‑ to high‑power charging using external N-channel MOSFETs. This allows designers to choose MOSFETs that optimize efficiency and thermal performance. To further enhance converter power efficiency, the VIN DC power pass-through mode is supported. This architecture allows the high-side MOSFET to act as the VBUS switch, eliminating the need for an additional output switch and further reducing system cost.
The APK43070Q integrates an I2C interface with a controller/target addressing scheme. This enables smart power sharing across up to eight USB Type-C ports through resistor selection without an external microcontroller (MCU). The result is a simpler system architecture for multi-port charging platforms.
The device includes several protection features to improve reliability. These include overvoltage, overcurrent, undervoltage, and overtemperature protection, plus connector moisture detection. The CC1/CC2 and DP/DN pins tolerate short-to-VBUS events up to 30V, helping protect the system from accidental faults.
The APK43070Q is available in the 4mm x 4mm W-QFN4040-24/SWP (Type A1-B) package and priced at $0.80 in 1,000-piece quantities. A standard-compliance version, the APK43070, is also available and is suitable for industrial and commercial applications.
