STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has announced a new IC that extends the range of universal chargers to 140W, enabling existing applications such as smartphones and tablets to charge devices such as power tools and e-bikes with a single AC/DC adapter.

ST announced on the 8th that it has obtained USB-IF (USB Implementers Forum) certification for two ICs applied to the adapter (source) and device (sink) of its USB Power Delivery (USB PD) EPR power supply/charger products.

The new IC extends the range of universal chargers to 140W. This allows for charging not only existing applications such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, but also devices such as computers, smart home actuators, power tools, and electric bicycles with a single AC/DC adapter.

“As a technology leader among semiconductor manufacturers, ST is now able to meet customers’ needs for high-power, industry-standard universal chargers and adapters with the USB-IF-certified reference designs and chips,” said Matteo Lo Presti, Executive Vice President, Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group, Analog Sub-group, STMicroelectronics. “By moving quickly to get this certification to support USB PD EPR, we are helping to support the growing number of applications that will replace custom power plugs and DC barrels with the USB-C® connector, enabling charging with universal AC or DC adapters while reducing cost and environmental impact.”

With USB-IF certification to deliver up to 140W (28V@5A), REF_STUSB140W (sink) and ST-ONEHP (source) demonstrate a complete USB PD reference design for solutions.

The Sync reference design enables designers to implement USB PD integration that is efficient and economical. ST-ONEHP is supplied pre-loaded with certified USB PD 3.1 EPR firmware.

The new USB solution, which brings the two together, expands the use of the USB-C connector to a wider range of applications and supports charging with universal AC/DC adapters.

This will reduce the number of adapters end users need to carry, reducing e-waste as well as reducing transportation costs and CO2 emissions.

“The USB PD 3.1 specification is a major breakthrough in enabling charging beyond 100 W for a wide range of applications,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF President and COO. “ST’s latest IC, one of the first USB PD EPR reference designs to receive USB-IF certification, will accelerate the transition from proprietary power connectors to USB Type-C®.”

ST Solutions, which has been actively contributing to the USB PD 3.1 specification, including the Extended Power Range (EPR) definition, is among the first designs to receive this certification.