USB PD Controller and Step-Down Converter Use Case: Power Tools

USE CASE

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Power tools can be handheld, portable devices or stationary tools. The rise of battery power in power tools has revolutionized the industry, providing users with greater mobility, longer runtimes, and improved performance. Some power tools manufacturers have started integrating USB Type-C and USB power delivery (PD) ports into their chargers or power adapters. These chargers can simultaneously charge the power tool’s battery and other USB Type-C compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, or other low-power accessories (see Figure 1).

For power tools with USB Type-C or USB PD ports, it is vital to have a solution that can negotiate power delivery between devices and manage voltage or current levels between the battery source and power tool to avoid damaging the battery or device.

This use case examines the application of MPS’s MPF52002, MP4248, and MP4581, which can be utilized in power tool applications to complete the overall solution. The USB PD controller allows devices to negotiate and deliver power over USB Type-C connections. It enables faster charging and higher power transfer capabilities. Meanwhile, the very-low quiescent current, highly efficient buck converter helps power other rails in the system and extends the battery power.

The MPF52002 is a highly integrated USB PD controller with an integrated 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 Microcontroller. The device supports automatic dual-role power (DRP) toggling or sink port, and the CC pins support firmware updates. The MPF52002 is available in a QFN-24 (4mmx4mm) and has the following features:

• 3.3V to 21V Bus Voltage (V_BUS) Range in Standard Power Range (SPR) Mode with Discharge Function
• Supports Up to 48V V_BUS in Extended Power Range (EPR) Mode with External V_BUS Divider Resistor
• 4.6V to 5.5V Input Voltage (V_IN) Range
• Compliant with USB PD 3.1 with PPS, USB Type-C 2.1, and TCPC 2.0
• Supports USB PD Alternate Mode for Display Port

The MP4248 is a buck-boost converter with two low-side integrated power switches. The device can deliver up to 140W of peak output power within a certain input supply range with excellent efficiency. The MP4248 also provides the benefits listed below:

• 3.6V to 36V Start-Up Input Voltage Range
• 1V to 36V Output Voltage (V_OUT) Range with 1% Accuracy
• Up to 98% Peak Efficiency
• Accurate Output Current (I_OUT) Monitor (IMON) Function.
• Meets USB PD 3.1 EPR AVS and PPS Specification
• Available in a QFN-20 (3mmx5mm) package

The MP4581 is a high-efficiency, ultra-low quiescent current (I_Q), synchronous step-down converter with integrated power MOSFETs in a small SOIC-8EP package. The converter regulates the battery voltage to achieve a stable power supply and increase the power tool’s overall battery life. Additional features of the MP4581 include:

• 8V to 100V V_IN Range
• 1V to 30V V_OUT Range
• 15µA Typical I_Q
• 2µA Maximum Shutdown Current (I_SD)

To learn more about the MPF52002 or the MP4581 and learn about additional applications that can use these parts, see the USB charging port and step-down converter pages on the MPS website for more information. Table 1 shows other related solutions.

Table 1: Related Solutions