Renesas Launches USB PD EPR Solution with Type-C Port Controller and Buck-Boost Battery Charger

The new solution delivers enhanced efficiency and safety for power tools, portable vacuums, lawn mowers, two-wheelers, and other applications.

Renesas Electronics Corporation has unveiled the RAA489118 buck-boost battery charger and the RAA489400 USB Type-C® port controller, forming a top-tier Extended Power Range (EPR) USB Power Delivery (PD) solution.

Renesas, a global leader in USB-PD solutions, offers a robust portfolio of products, including turnkey systems tailored for diverse applications. Their extensive development ecosystem and pre-certified USB-IF reference designs help customers accelerate time-to-market. Renesas solutions deliver exceptional efficiency, safety, quality, and power density.

The RAA489118 serves as both a battery charger supporting two to seven battery cells in series and a voltage regulator handling 30V input and output. Leveraging Renesas’ patented R3™ (Robust Ripple Regulator) technology, it combines the advantages of fixed-frequency and hysteretic PWM technologies. This results in acoustic noise-free operation, rapid dynamic response, and superior light-load efficiency for extended battery life.

The RAA489118 features an SMBus (System Management Bus) interface commonly used in power tools, home appliances, and light industrial products. Its buck-boost and bidirectional capabilities, combined with the SMBus interface, enable seamless integration with the RAA489400 and other USB-C PD components. Additionally, its voltage compatibility with mainstream solar power systems makes it ideal for portable solar power stations.

The RAA489400 port controller supports USB-PD VBUS power up to 48V/5A. It integrates a PHY, Sink and Source Power Path Gate Drivers with external NFETs, short-circuit protection, VBUS discharge, a VCONN MUX, and dead battery support, ensuring reliable performance.

Key Features of the Renesas USB EPR PD Solution:

Battery Charger: Supports 2–7 battery cells in series.
Buck-Boost Regulator: Handles 30V input and output.
R3™ Technology: Offers minimal power loss, improved efficiency, and acoustic noise-free operation.
Fast Transient Response: Enhances system performance.
Thermal Management: Ensures safety and reliability.
Adaptable Configurations: Supports diverse applications.
Protection Features: Guards against overcharging, overheating, and voltage anomalies.
Bidirectional Power Flow: Ensures operational flexibility.
USB-IF Certification: Simplifies compliance testing.
Comprehensive Design Support: Provides tools and resources to streamline development.

Renesas also offers a turnkey USB-PD Charger Winning Combination with USB-PD controllers, battery management ICs, and Type-C port management products. These technically vetted system architectures ensure seamless integration, reduced design risk, and faster time-to-market.

The RAA489118 is available in a compact 4×4 mm 32-lead TQFN package, while the RAA489400 comes in a 3×5 mm 32-lead FCQFN package. Both products are now available from Renesas, supported by comprehensive design tools, including VIDWriter configuration tools and a battery charger GUI for optimized design workflows.