Etron Technology Launches Three USB ICs

Etron Technology, Inc. has launched a series of USB IC products based on USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) specifications:

• EJ898, a USB PD 2.0 controller IC;

• EJ179V, a USB Type-C Switch with integrated logic control;

• EJ988, integrated IC that combines a USB Type-C Switch with PD 2.0 functionality, leading the market and enabling system vendors to rapidly launch electronic products incorporating USB 3.1, USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery.

“USB-IF anticipates products incorporating the new USB specifications to begin entering the market in 2015,” said Jeff Ravencraft, president and COO, USB-IF. “Companies like Etron are enabling the development of the next generation of USB.“

Etron has to launch the EJ898, a USB PD 2.0 controller IC. USB PD controllers manage the transmission of voltage and current, providing new specifications for power delivery. USB PD includes both PD 1.0 for Type-A and Type-B connectors, and PD 2.0 which fits the needs of USB Type-C connectors. The EJ898 can deliver power up to 100 watts, (5 Amps at 20 Volts), and allows two-way power delivery between the power provider and the consumer of power, creating a high degree of flexibility and ability to optimize power management. The EJ898 is suitable for the USB 3.1, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 interfaces and other USB specifications and can be widely used in all sorts of electronic systems and devices with charging functions. Etron thus features a full range of USB PD 1.0 to USB PD 2.0 products to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Targeting the USB Type-C Switch solution, Etron has launched multiple IC products, starting with the announcement in October 2014 of the EJ179S, a USB Type-C Switch IC. Today, Etron is announcing the launch of an innovative USB Type-C Switch IC, the EJ179V, which integrates logic control. The EJ179V can support the USB Type-C reversible connector and the control signal from external power sources. With its integrated multi-function logic control, the EJ179V can reduce the number of components and size required for system circuit boards to meet the USB Type-C size specification of 8.4mm x 2.6mm. Also, to meet the charging needs of mobile and tablet devices, the EJ179V can provide 3 Amps at 5 Volts, or 15 Watts of USB power delivery, and multiple devices can share the plug, greatly improving convenience for consumers and eliminating duplicate resources.

Acknowledging the needs of most customers who have limited space in their system products or wish to reduce welding on motherboards, Etron Technology launch an IC that integrates the USB Type-C Switch and the PD 2.0 function, the EJ988. The EJ988 supports USB Type-C reversible cable and connectors, permits power delivery of 5 Amps at 20 Volts to reach up to 100 watts, and provides rapid data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s. Thus, the EJ988 reduces volume required for these USB functions and saves significant space on motherboards. The EJ988 is highly suitable for compact mobile devices and wearables.