Type-C PD protects with SOA
Trench MOSFET and IC technology is combined in the AOZ1380 smart protection switch. The Type-C power delivery (PD) protection switch has source and sink capability for smart protection and provides what Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (AOS) says is an industry-leading safe operating area (SOA).
The Type-C PD-compliant, two-in-one combo protection switch is capable of up to 28V absolute maximum voltage. The AOZ1380 combines both current source and sink function into a single small thermally enhanced 3.0 x 5.2mm DFN package.
AOS’ co-packaging technology allows the AOZ1380 to combine a high-performance IC with protection features and AOS’ high SOA MOSFET. This provides true reverse current blocking intended for applications where protection from exposure to high voltages is required. The AOZ1380 is intended for use in notebooks, ultrabooks, Chromebooks and docking stations, with Thunderbolt/USB Type-C PD ports.
When sinking, two discrete back-to-back MOSFETs, resistors and capacitors provide soft start functionality to prevent Type-C power adapter brown-out at the plug-in. There is no programmability and protection features, such as reverse-current blocking and over-voltage and over-temperature protection. A Type-C port must also provide power delivery (PD) of up to 15W in a notebook application, creating a need for a 5V current limited load switch with protection features. The AOZ1380 provides this functionality and reduces board footprint by over 50 per cent compared to competing solutions, claims AOS.
The internal back-to-back discrete MOSFET that provides the sinking path has a low 20mOhm source-to-source resistance of 20mOhm. It is manufactured on AOS’ high SOA hot-swap platform of trench MOSFETs and has high SOA in soft start conditions. The low resistance enables high continuous current of 7A and peak currents of up to 20A, suitable for load switch for notebook applications where high peak current capability from the adapter are needed for CPU or GPU turbo mode events. The AOZ1380 also supports the sinking switch requirements with the fastest response time in the industry, says AOS, to support fast role swap events.
“The thinner profile, higher power, and greater flexibility offered by USB Type-C and USB PD 3.0 standards have prompted many computer manufacturers to drop the barrel jack in favour of USB Type-C ports for charging their notebook and ultrabook offerings,” said Peter Cheng, senior marketing director, power IC, at AOS.
The AOZ1380 is immediately available in production quantities with a lead-time of 12 weeks.
