CCG3 controller makes HDMI over USB-C possible

Article By : Cypress Semiconductor

The EZ-PD CCG3 controller integrates independent gate drivers for external provider and consumer power FETs that deliver up to 100W over USB-C cables.

Taiwan-based cable company Elka International has delivered the first HDMI Alternate Mode cable based on Cypress' EZ-PD CCG3 USB-C controller, which allows smartphones, digital cameras and set-top boxes with USB-C connectors to connect directly to displays with HDMI ports, according to Cypress Semiconductor.

All HD and 4K televisions include HDMI connections, but previously connecting USB-C enabled source devices required adapters or converters that do not enable all native HDMI features. Cypress said its HDMI alt mode solution allows source device manufacturers to utilise native HDMI features via USB-C connectors. The EZ-PD controllers support HDMI alt mode, along with USB Type-C standard support for audio, video and data protocols, as well as USB Power Delivery (PD) for fast charging, according to Cypress.

The EZ-PD CCG3 controller integrates independent gate drivers for external provider and consumer power FETs that deliver up to 100W over USB-C cables. The integration of a high-voltage regulator and analog blocks enables 2.7V to 21.5V operation, allowing CCG3 to be powered directly from the VBus. Leveraging integrated overvoltage and overcurrent circuitry and programmable detection thresholds, the controller protects systems against power overloads and other faulty operating conditions.

The CCG3 controller includes an ARM Cortex-M0 processor, two 64KB flash memory banks for fail-safe firmware updates and an integrated Crypto Engine for firmware update authentication. CCG3 also incorporates an analog switch for non-USB signals, such as HDMI control signals, along with four serial communication blocks and a USB full-speed controller for USB Billboard functionality.