New USB Type-C Docking System Design from Texas Instruments Cuts Solution Size in Half

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a multiport USB Type-C and Power Delivery (PD) minidock reference design that provides audio, USB data, power and video support. This new TI Designs reference design can be powered by a traditional power adapter, USB Type-C adapter or notebook computer, offering end users flexible, intelligent functionality. The reference design provides a fully tested, verified plan for a 2- by 4-inch dock, at least 50 percent smaller than existing docking solutions.

TI’s new multiport minidock reference design speeds development of USB Type-C and Power Delivery docking stations. At the core of the USB Type-C and Power Delivery Minidock with Video and Charging Support Reference Design (TIDA-01243) is the TPS65982 USB Type-C and PD controller. The TPS65982 enables dual-role port USB Type-C functionality, capable of delivering 60 watts of power and supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode and USB data transmission. In addition, the design features the TPS65986 USB Type-C and PD controller, HD3SS3212 SuperSpeed multiplexer, TUSB321 dual-role port controller and HD3SS460 Alternate Mode multiplexer, which work together to provide dual-role port capability for power, data and video transfer.

The design allows for bidirectional power and data transfer, with autonomous PD negotiation for both source and sink, eliminating the need for an external microcontroller. By combining the highly integrated TPS65982 with other USB Type-C components in an optimized circuit, the minidock reference design allows engineers to develop up to 50 percent smaller docking stations compared to other designs available on the market with similar, comprehensive features. The minidock also supports USB 3.0 or 4K resolution video and digital audio through various output options, including DisplayPort and High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).
 
All integrated circuits (ICs) within the design are compliant with the current USB Type-C and PD standards, simplifying and speeding engineers' design cycles. The design combines the complete solution of TI USB Type-C and PD-compliant ICs, including port controllers, data multiplexers, DC/DC converters, load switches, field-effect transistors (FETs), signal conditioners and circuit protection, easing product selection and purchasing during design implementation.

The minidock TI Designs reference design (TIDA-01243) is now available for download. Additionally, an evaluation module - USB-CTM-MINIDK-EVM - allows quick evaluation and implementation of new minidock designs and is available today for US$499.
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