Helps organize cables used for connecting and charging various devices.
Integrated short-circuit, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection functions

ST announced STUSB16, a new solution that supports USB Type-C™ and Power Delivery with a single interface IC. The company stated that the product will help neatly organize tangled cables used for connecting and charging various consumer, industrial, and IoT smart devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, set-top boxes, and game consoles, in offices or homes.

The new USB Type-C connector and power delivery standard transform the USB ecosystem into a major power source encompassing wide-ranging, proven data interfaces, replacing data interfaces with previously limited power delivery. The connector allows for in-between plugs or cables to be inserted in any direction, and a single integrated cable enables data transmission of up to 10Gbps and power delivery of up to 100W.

The STUSB16 interface IC is manufactured using ST's 20V process technology and integrates short-circuit, overvoltage, and overcurrent protection functions without the need for external circuitry. It also supports a plug power (VCONN) with a programmable current capacity of up to 600mA and combines BMC (bi-phase mark coded) physical layer (PHY) coding and decoding logic for USB power delivery standards.

Andrea Onetti, General Manager of ST’s Mass MEMS business unit, said, “I know how annoying it is to have a bunch of incompatible cables lying around.” "As a board member and key active member of the USB Implement Forum, ST is actively working to build a robust and flexible portfolio of USB Type-C and power delivery solutions, including STM32 microcontrollers, ESD protection devices, and power management products. The new STUSB16 family enhances circuit protection and incorporates customer-configurable non-volatile memory, enabling IC configuration during charging without software support. Overall, ST's product portfolio provides flexible hardware and software solutions that meet all power profiles and customization needs with low BOM costs," the company stated.

By simply adding the STUSB16 companion chip to existing MCU-based designs, a transition to a USB Type-C port is possible, minimizing the need for MCU-related components compared to other solutions. This simplifies software development and shortens time-to-market, while allowing customers to focus on differentiating factors.

STUSB1600QTR, the first product in the STUSB16 family, is currently being supplied as a sample to key customers and is available at $0.95 per 1,000 units.