Facilitates Easy Migration to USB-PD 3.0 PD
Certified Two-Chip Solution Including Port Controller

ST Microelectronics has launched X-CUBE-USB-PD, new software that enables implementation of TCPM (Type-C Port Manager) across all general-purpose STM32 microcontrollers.

This software supports engineers in designing existing or new products to leverage the latest USB PD (Power Delivery) features and diverse USB Type-C™ connectivity.

ST's X-CUBE-USB-PD stack is designed to manage separate single or multi-port TCPC (Type-C Port Controller) chips while complying with the USB TCPCi (Type-C Port Controller Interface) specification, implementing the protocol layer and policy engine of the USB PD specification (USB-PD 3.0 v1.1).

This stack requires minimal STM32 resources as it occupies small memory space and uses only a single I2C bus address and one Alert Pin per port. Additionally, it ensures simple interoperability with all TCPC devices through a standard register map.

X-CUBE-USB-PD supports all USB-PD 3.0 options including PPS (Programmable Power Supply) for fast charger connectivity, FRS (Fast Role Swap) providing seamless user experience during cable insertion or removal, and authenticated message exchange enabling data and power transmission only to genuine devices or chargers.

By supporting provider and consumer roles as well as DRP (Dual-Role Port) mode, this stack enables leveraging USB Type-C advantages in product design not only for power hubs, auxiliary batteries, docking stations, gaming devices, PC peripherals, and multi-function accessories, but also for small appliances such as wireless vacuum cleaners, portable speakers, lighting products, and dedicated chargers.

ST has tested this stack using FUSB307B, ON Semiconductor's USB-PD 3.0 v1.1 certified TCPC chip, thereby implementing a complete certified, ready-to-use solution for centrally managing TCPM for multiple USB-PD ports.

FUSB307B provides a 1Mbps I2C microcontroller interface and handles functions such as plug insertion/orientation detection and power supply for discharged batteries.

Time-sensitive PD functions that effectively offload the microcontroller enable management of multi-port, multi-function USB-PD interfaces across all STM32 devices including entry-level devices.

Currently X-CUBE-USB-PD includes libraries tested on STM32 Cortex®-M0 and Cortex®-M4 microcontrollers, and developers can choose from over 420 different components. Libraries for other STM32 series are scheduled for release by the end of 2018.

Additionally, the ON-FUSB3-STM32, ON Semiconductor's FUSB307B evaluation board, is currently available for simplified development. This board is equipped with STM32F072 microcontroller and USB-C connector, demonstrating single-port control.