HL8261 offers four-channel USB Type-C port protection
To protect computing, docking and adapters, Halo Microelectronics’ latest release is the HL8261, a four-channel USB Type-C port protector IC.
Today, sideband use (SBU) channels can carry high speed data, which complicates protecting the SBU pins from electrostatic discharge (ESD) because the mechanism used to shield the pins adds capacitance to the SBU channels, therefore limiting the data transfer bandwidth. Type-C connectors have more pins and smaller pin pitches while operating at much higher voltages than previous USB connectors, increasing the likelihood of damage from over-voltage, voltage surge and shorts, explained Halo. Additionally, the configuration channel (CC) and SBU pins are next to the VBUS pins in the Type-C connector, making them vulnerable because VBUS pins operate at a high voltage.
When the HL8261 USB Type-C connector protection IC detects an over-voltage condition on the CC and SBU pins, it shuts down all four conducting paths to protect the system downstream from damage. With four input pins at 24V DC absolute maximum rating, the IC provides robust protection against 20V short-to-VBUS over-voltage conditions, said Halo.
The HL8261 has a fast over-voltage protection response time of 30 nanoseconds. The nearest competitor is 70 nanoseconds, said David Nam, CEO of Halo Microelectronics. “The response time is how fast the switch can shut down when an over-voltage condition occurs. Therefore, it’s a critical performance metric for load switches,” he said.
The HL8261 is designed to be RoHS and green-compliant and comes in a 16-bump WLCSP package, suitable for personal computers, Chromebooks, docking stations, port dongles and adapters.
Halo Microelectronics develops analogue and power management integrated circuits (PMICs) for mobile, IoT and automotive systems.
