Renesas Unveils USB-C Power Solution with Three-Level Topology
Renesas Electronics Corporation, a global leader in advanced semiconductor solutions, has raised the bar for USB-C power delivery with the launch of its RAA489300 and RAA489301 high-performance buck controllers. Designed around an innovative three-level buck topology, these new integrated circuits target battery charging and voltage regulation in a wide array of USB-C systems, from multi-port USB-PD chargers to portable power stations, docking stations, drones, robots, and beyond.
At the heart of this breakthrough lies a refined approach to power conversion that boosts efficiency, trims down component size, and slashes energy losses. The result is a solution perfectly aligned with the market’s demand for smaller, cooler, and more sustainable electronics.
How the Three-Level Buck Topology Delivers Efficiency
Traditional two-level buck converters are effective, but Renesas’ new three-level design takes performance a step further. By introducing two additional switches and a flying capacitor into the architecture, the system reduces voltage stress on each switch. This innovation allows the use of lower voltage FETs with superior figures of merit, cutting conduction and switching losses dramatically.
The flying capacitor plays a pivotal role by dividing the voltage load, which in turn enables designers to use smaller inductors. The reduced inductor size results in peak-to-peak ripple of just 25% compared to standard two-level converters, minimising core and direct current resistance losses.
Superior Thermal Performance for Compact Designs
The RAA489300/RAA489301 series doesn’t just improve electrical efficiency — it also excels thermally. By optimising voltage distribution and switching behaviour, the design reduces heat generation, easing the cooling burden on devices. This not only saves space by reducing heatsink requirements but also lowers system costs.
Gaurang Shah, Vice President of the Power Division at Renesas, highlighted the competitive edge of the new design: “This three-level buck topology solution is a prime example of Renesas’ worldwide leadership in battery charging. The innovative technology includes patent-pending breakthroughs that offer our customers clear advantages over competing USB-C power offerings.”
Key Features Driving Market Appeal
The RAA489300 and RAA489301 are packed with features designed for flexibility, safety, and long-term reliability:
- Wide Input and Output Voltage Range: Suitable for different battery pack voltages and a variety of USB-PD adapters.
- Integrated Safety Mechanisms: Protection against overcharging, overheating, and voltage irregularities.
- Scalability: Easily adaptable to various power levels and device requirements.
- Optimised Switching Architecture: Voltage division across power switches boosts efficiency.
- Low Power Consumption: Supports greener and more sustainable electronic designs.
- Reduced Thermal Stress: Improves product lifespan and overall system reliability.
Accelerating Design with Winning Combinations
To help customers integrate USB-C battery charging more seamlessly, Renesas offers pre-tested, ready-to-use design architectures called Winning Combinations. Two notable examples for the RAA489300/RAA489301 include the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W and the 240W Dual-Port Daughter Card. These reference designs combine mutually compatible components from the Renesas portfolio, reducing design risk and speeding up development cycles.
Renesas currently offers over 400 Winning Combinations, covering a broad range of applications from industrial automation to consumer electronics. Each solution is technically vetted, ensuring optimised performance and faster time-to-market for manufacturers.
Applications Across Industries
The potential use cases for the RAA489300/RAA489301 go well beyond consumer gadgets. Their compact footprint and thermal efficiency make them ideal for:
- Portable Power Stations: Enhancing efficiency for renewable energy storage solutions.
- Robotics: Delivering reliable power to high-torque motors and onboard computing.
- Drones: Enabling longer flight times with lighter, more efficient power regulation.
- Docking Stations and Hubs: Supporting multi-device charging with minimal heat.
- Industrial Tools: Powering equipment with precision and stability in demanding environments.
Availability and Development Support
Renesas is making the RAA489300 and RAA489301 available immediately in a compact 4×4 mm 32-lead TQFN package. Developers can also access a full suite of design tools, including the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W Kit and the RTKA489300DE0000BU Evaluation Board, to streamline prototyping and testing.
By offering robust hardware alongside comprehensive support resources, Renesas ensures that design teams can bring cutting-edge power solutions to market faster and with greater confidence.
Powering a Smaller, Smarter Future
With the RAA489300/RAA489301, Renesas is delivering more than just a new component — it’s offering a path to smaller, cooler, and more efficient products. As industries push for ever-compact designs without compromising performance, innovations like the three-level buck topology are set to become a defining feature in next-generation electronics.
For manufacturers looking to balance power density, efficiency, and sustainability, this new solution represents a significant step forward in USB-C power delivery.
