Fast Role Swap, Linear ORing with TPS25947 and LM73100 in USB Type-C systems

1 Introduction

USB Type-C interface is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways of connecting electronic devices. From speakers to laptops, a single USB Type-C port can deliver power and offer high-speed data transfer. However, USB Type-C faces its own set of design challenges such as the process of Fast Role Swap (FRS). Its power-protection devices also need to qualify for the unique design specifications while protecting the port from overvoltage, short circuit, and reverse current. The TPS25947 efuse and LM73100 ideal diode can offer power protection while meeting the USB-Type C requirements for robust high power delivery, high-speed data transfer, and FRS.

Figure 1-1 USB Type-C Power Protection Block

Figure 1-1 shows that two protections devices are needed per port to protect the system at all times especially during FRS.

2 Fast Role Swap (FRS) Explained

Fast Role Swap (FRS) Explained

FRS describes the process when the device transitions from a power sink to a power source and vice versa. A laptop docking station, for example, requires robust FRS design and protection to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its accessories when external power disconnects. To further put FRS into perspective, imagine the setup in Figure 2-1: a laptop and its docking station connected through a single USB Type-C. The docking station initially charges the laptop and powers the other accessories through external power source. When the external power is removed, the laptop needs to quickly transition from a power sink to a power source to continuously supply power for its connected accessories. There are two major challenges in FRS:

The switching time must be less than 150 µs. Denoted by tSrcFRSwap, the time is defined to be from Vbus dropping below 5 V to the new source beginning to supply power at 5 V.
The Vbus voltage immediately before FRS is uncertain. With external power, the docking station charges the laptop at about 20 V. Once FRS begins, the system needs to promptly switch to the new source within the 5-V specification.

While meeting FRS requirements with fast charging and linear ORing, TPS25947 and LM73100 also feature adjustable overvoltage and undervoltage protection that ensures a smooth FRS within the 5-V specification.

Figure 2-1 FRS for a Laptop Docking Station