Silicon Labs Complete USB Type-C Reference Design Now Available for Developers

Silicon Labs has introduced a comprehensive reference design that reduces the cost and complexity of developing cables and cable adapters based on the USB Type-C specification. Silicon Labs’ new USB Type-C reference design features cost-effective, ultra-low-power EFM8 microcontrollers (MCUs), USB Power Delivery (PD) protocol stacks certified by the USB Implementation Forum (USB-IF), and USB Billboard Device source code.

Renesas Electronics announced a new Universal Serial Bus (USB) Power Delivery (PD) controller that supports USB Power Delivery 3.0. The new controller features DC power supply with safe and secure power delivery technology that implements power supply and data communications over a single USB cable. Renesas also introduced the first power supply IC supporting the power rules requirements in USB 2.0 and 3.0 Power Delivery.

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced the USB Type-C Authentication specification, defining cryptographic-based authentication for USB Type-C chargers and devices. USB Type-C Authentication empowers host systems to protect against non-compliant USB Chargers and to mitigate risks from maliciously embedded hardware or software in USB devices attempting to exploit a USB connection.

Microchip just announced its new UTC2000 Controller to enable simple and quick implementation of the new USB-C reversible-plug connector for all kinds of USB devices and USB cabling in a wide range of applications. A new USB-C Evaluation Kit is also available, enabling designers to convert a traditional USB connector to type C for both UFP and DFP.

Recently announced by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group, the release of the USB Type-C specification, combines SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps and USB Power Delivery up to 100W, providing a flexible enough solution to fit the varied needs of consumers. Now, VESA confirms the new USB Type-C Connector also enables DisplayPort capabilities.