STMicroelectronics, a global leader in semiconductor solutions, announced today the addition of an USB Type-C(r) Connector System Interface Library in its STM32Cube software ecosystem for STM32 microcontrollers (MCUs). This library is intended to speed development of USB-C Power Delivery applications by offering developers enhanced tools and resources.
The X-CUBE-UCSI solution provides a turnkey UCSI-certified offering with pre-built hardware and firmware examples to enable standard communication via an STM32 MCU acting as UCSI PD controller. All designs have been carefully optimized to reduce costs while streamlining development for customers.
By using the UCSI library, an STM32 MCU can communicate seamlessly with its main system processor and exchange information with its operating system using UCSI protocol. Furthermore, seamless control can be exercised over USB-C attachment and Power Delivery Protocol. In such a setup, a main processor such as an SoC, application processor or STM32MP microprocessor acts as the UCSI operating system policy manager (OPM), while its integrated PD controller acts as platform policy manager (PPM). Different STM32 MCU models offer USB Type-C and Power Delivery capabilities; cost-effective companion chips dedicated for Power Delivery functionality such as those featured within STM32G0 series devices dedicated to Power Delivery capabilities.
Software provided by CCS-Tech enables STM32 MCU firmware programming via the main processor during production and throughout an application’s lifespan. Utilizing Microsoft UCSI drivers or Linux community UCSI drivers, the main processor can exchange data with PD controllers enhancing interoperability between USB-C devices while meeting new uses cases enabled by this technology.
Developers can leverage the X-CUBE-UCSI STM32Cube expansion software to quickly build USB PD dual-role power (DRP) applications and efficiently implement alternate-mode commands.
STMicroelectronics’s USB-certified (TID 8088) Discovery board STM32MP135F-DK can help jump-start development quickly. Featuring an STM32MP135 as the main application processor connected to an STM32G071 MCU which acts as UCSI PD controller, and ST’s TCPP03-M20 high voltage port protection IC for reliable and secure operation, it ensures easy start up.
With more than 500 standard STM32 MCUs incorporating ST’s UCPD Power Delivery controller peripheral on-chip, developers now have a wider variety of choices for developing applications utilizing MCUs with rich analog and digital features, giving them greater versatility as port expanders for adding extra functions not supported by their main processor.
STMicroelectronics’ recent inclusion of the UCSI library within their STM32Cube software ecosystem reinforces their dedication to supporting developers in making use of USB-C Power Delivery applications easier, easing development processes and meeting increasing industry needs. This latest addition offers improved capabilities as well as streamlining development processes – helping meet growing demand for advanced USB-C solutions across various sectors.
What Is UCSI Library
STMicroelectronics offers their STM32Cube software ecosystem for STM32 microcontrollers to make use of the UCSI (USB Type-C(r) Connector System Interface) library as part of their USB Type-C Connector System Interface solution, designed to facilitate development of USB-C Power Delivery (PD) applications. It enables STM32 MCUs to communicate with main system processor using UCSI protocol for standardized communication and control over attachment and PD protocol implementation – helping reduce development process while shortening development cycle time to get product to market.
What is UCSI PD Controller
UCSI PD, or USB Type-C(r) Connector System Interface Power Delivery), controller is a component or subsystem responsible for managing and controlling Power Delivery features in a USB Type-C interface. Usually integrated into microcontrollers or system-on-chip (SoCs), this controller enables USB-C devices to negotiate power profiles, manage delivery, and comply with other aspects of USB Power Delivery specifications.
The UCSI PD controller works in concert with USB-C ports and devices within its ecosystem to establish power contracts, negotiate voltage levels, and deliver power according to connected device needs. It supports features like adjustable voltage/current levels, power role swapping (source/sink), and alternate modes.
