Multiport Type-C & PD Charger Topology and Control Methodologies

Various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, are configured to receive or transfer power through a universal serial bus (USB) Type-C connector according to a USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) specification. As these devices have become ubiquitous , many chargers or power adapters have begun to include multiple USB ports or sockets. Moreover, to reduce electronic waste, many government regulations are driving OEMs to adopt universal chargers and also eliminate the shipment of inbox power adapters. This will drive consumers to choose universal USB-C-based adapters that can power multiple devices. Most of the multiport Type-C PD power adapters use combined flyback converter (single primary) and multiple buck converters on the secondary side (one per port). A secondary side integrated multiport PD controller that integrates buck converters paired with an external synchronous rectifier is an optimal solution for multiport chargers. Here we introduce different control methodologies for a multiport charger and adapter to pass the EU DoE VI efficiency standard along with other key advantages.