USB Type-C® with Power Delivery (PD) capabilities and open source software are two technologies leading the next wave of wired connectivity. With the new Power Delivery Software Framework (PSF) from Microchip Technology Inc., designers can now modify and own IP in their USB-C® power delivery systems. By combining their proprietary code with Microchip’s full-featured PD stack, designers have the flexibility to create differentiated products while choosing from a wide range of Microchip SmartHubs (SmartHubs), microcontrollers (MCUs) and standalone PDs for their USB systems solution.
Microchip’s PSF solution provides an open source code library for power transmission and a comprehensive programming environment, eliminating manufacturer dependencies, allowing users to easily program MCUs and modify PD codes in time with system upgrades. With this industry-changing solution, customers can take control of their product development by reducing time-to-market and overall bill of materials (BOM).
Using the software and hardware framework, developers can also choose from Microchip’s new family of controllers for PD functionality, including the new UPD301B and UPD301C standalone PD controllers. The openness of the PD architecture allows customers to easily add USB-C/PD ports to a variety of embedded applications, while also allowing customers to reallocate unused pins or CPU memory to other system functions, supporting a variety of Microchip SAM and PIC® microcontrollers and dsPIC® digital signal controllers (DSCs). By adding the UPD350 PD transceiver or integrating the PD into a complex product with proprietary system code, the PSF solution provides designers the option to run the PD on existing Microchip microcontroller infrastructure.
“With our new PD software framework, all Microchip microcontrollers and standalone controllers that support USB-C can now share the same PD code library. This code is freely available to customers,” said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip’s USB and Networking business unit. , easy to configure and modify, enabling our customers to implement new features and update systems on their own without having to go through manufacturer custom code. Microchip’s PSF products change the way USB-C PD is integrated into customer systems.”
development tools
Microchip’s MPLAB® X IDE development environment supports PSF software solutions. The PSF evaluation board features a SAMD20 microcontroller and UPD350 PD PHY and is available now.
Availability and Pricing
Microchip’s open source Power Delivery Software Framework (PSF) is available for free download from Microchip’s official website. The UPD301C is available now, starting at $1.50 in 10,000-unit quantities.
About Microchip Technology Inc.
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and broad product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs that reduce risk while reducing total system cost and time to market. Microchip’s solutions serve more than 120,000 customers in the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip provides outstanding technical support, reliable product delivery and exceptional quality.
