Renesas Unveils USB-C Buck Controller with Three-Level Topology for Enhanced Efficiency

Renesas Electronics has introduced the RAA489300/RAA489301 buck controller, featuring a three-level buck topology for USB-C systems, including multi-port USB-PD chargers, portable power stations, PC docking stations, robots, and drones. The topology incorporates two additional switches and a flying capacitor compared to a two-level buck converter, reducing voltage stress on switches and allowing the use of lower voltage FETs with improved figures of merit.

The design minimizes conduction and switching losses, reduces inductance requirements by about 25% compared to two-level converters, and enables smaller inductors with lower core and direct current resistance losses. The RAA489300/RAA489301 offers a wide range of input and output voltages, integrated safety features for protection against overcharging, overheating, and voltage anomalies, and scalability for various power levels. Its optimized switching architecture enhances efficiency, reduces power consumption, and lowers thermal stress to improve system reliability and lifespan.

Renesas provides design support through the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W Kit and the RTKA489300DE0000BU Evaluation Board, along with pre-certified USB-IF reference designs. The company also offers the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W and 240W Dual-Port ...