Microchip, for differentiation of USB PD systems
Release of open source PD software supporting code integration


On the 15th, Microchip released the 'Power Delivery Software Framework (PSF),' which supports IP modification and ownership of USB-C Power Delivery (PD) systems.

Developers can combine proprietary code with the Microchip PD stack to gain flexibility for developing differentiated products and select standalone PD solutions for various Microchip SmartHub, MCU, and USB systems.

PSF provides an open-source codebase and a comprehensive programming environment for power supply. Developers can easily program MCUs without relying on vendors and immediately modify PD code as the system evolves. By directly managing the entire process from product development to production, it enables shorter time-to-market and reduced BOM costs.

Developers can leverage both software and hardware frameworks to host PD functions, including the new 'UPD301B and UPD301C' standalone PD controllers, within Microchip's expanded family of controller options. The open approach of the PD architecture allows USB-C and PD ports to be easily added to a wide range of embedded applications, and unused pins or CPU memory can be reallocated to other system functions.

Various Microchip SAMs, PIC® MCUs, and Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs) are also supported. The PSF solution enables developers to run PDs on existing Microchip MCU infrastructure by adding 'UPD350' PD transceivers or integrating PDs into more complex product families via proprietary system code.

The free downloadable PSF solution is supported by the Microchip MPLAB® X IDE development environment. PSF evaluation boards featuring the 'SAMD20' MCU and UPD350 PD PHY are also currently available. The UPD301C is priced at $1.50 per unit in 10,000-unit quantities.