The reference design helps engineers build USB Type-C Power Delivery adapters with 45 W output, safety features, better efficiency, and an easier development process.
GaN (Gallium Nitride) based adapters are revolutionizing the power supply industry due to their superior efficiency, compact size, and ability to handle higher power levels. Unlike traditional silicon-based adapters, GaN adapters offer significant advantages, such as improved energy conversion, faster charging speeds, and better thermal management, making them suitable for modern electronic devices. The EVLVIPGAN50PD reference design from STMicroelectronics gives design engineers a powerful tool to create advanced USB Type-C Power Delivery 3.0 adapters for various applications.
Leveraging the VIPERGAN50 high-voltage converter with its integrated 650 V HEMT Power GaN transistor, engineers can design isolated power supplies optimized for quasi-resonant flyback converters, capable of delivering up to 50 W of output power across a wide input range. Including the SRK1001 adaptive synchronous rectification controller enhances secondary-side efficiency, ensuring optimal power conversion and reliable performance.
The reference design integrates the STUSB4761 controller for CC/CV regulation and USB Type-C PD interface management, enabling engineers to implement a complete hardware-based USB Power Delivery stack. This ensures robust, deterministic, and safe device communication fully compliant with USB PD standards. The design’s built-in protection features, including safeguards against overvoltage, undervoltage, overpower, and short circuits, allow engineers to create reliable and durable solutions suitable for various portable electronics.
By utilizing this reference design, engineers can streamline their development process and reduce the bill of materials, making it a cost-effective solution for creating high-performance adapters. Its pre-designed architecture simplifies prototyping, enabling engineers to quickly develop chargers that support multiple output voltages—5 V, 9 V, 12 V, 15 V, and 20 V—and flexible output currents of up to 3 A for lower voltages and 2.25 A for 20 V. The design is suitable for use with a universal AC input range of 90 to 264 VAC, operating at 47 Hz to 63 Hz frequencies. It achieves peak efficiency above 92%, meeting stringent energy standards like CoC Tier 2 and DoE Level 6.
This comprehensive design supports USB Type-C connectivity and Power Delivery, ensuring compliance with modern EMI noise regulations (IEC55022 Class B) and making it an ideal choice for developing smart AC-DC chargers for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other handheld devices. With its streamlined approach and advanced components, such as the VIPERGAN50, STUSB4761, and SRK1001, the EVLVIPGAN50PD empowers engineers to deliver efficient, reliable, and high-performing power solutions tailored for today’s portable electronics.
STMicroelectronics has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.
