USB Type-C IP to ease end users’ frustration
Synopsys has launched DesignWare IP that supports the reversible USB Type-C connector.
Gervais Fong, product marketing manager in the solution group at the company said: “I call the traditional connector the three-try connector.”
The Type-C connector, as used in the latest Apple MacBook, can be plugged in either way around and “just works”, according to Fong. Other features of the specification include support for bidirectional power delivery of up to 100W, and alternate modes that support audio multiplexing and video standards such as DisplayPort and MHL.
“It’s really doing everything except wireless,” Fong joked.
The Synopsys IP implementation supports data rates of up to 10Gbit/s and meets the requirements of the USB 3.1, 3.0 and 2.0 specifications.
Implementing Type-C means reconfiguring the PHYs used with other USB connectors. The USB Type-C connector requires two SuperSpeed or Enhanced SuperSpeed data paths to ensure that one of the two data paths is always connected, despite the connector’s reversibility.
Designers can either implement two non-Type-C USB PHYs in a dual-PHY solution, with discrete multiplexers or crossbars, or one PHY designed for Type-C.
The Synopsys USB-C PHYs eliminates the need for the discrete multiplexers and crossbars, reducing pin point buy up to 40 per cent, so saving silicon area and cost.
The USB-C 3.1 PHY supports 5 and 10Gbit/s datarates, consuming less than 55mW at 10Gbit/s.
The USB-C 3.0 PHY supports all USB 3.0 and 2.0 speed modes (SuperSpeed, High-Speed, Full Speed and Low Speed).
The PHYs are part of Synopsys’ USB solution, which includes controllers, verification IP, IP prototyping kits and IP software development kits.
The DesignWare USB-C 3.1 PHY, DesignWare USB-C 3.0 PHY and DesignWare USB 3.1 PHY are available now.
More information
Tech Design Forum’s seven-article series on USB 3.0 starts here
If you are new to designing with USB, or looking for tips on implementing USB 3.0 IP, attend Synopsys’ ‘USB 3.0 University.’ Topics in this instructional video series range from a basic USB overview, to implementing USB on FPGAs, to top-level synthesis, and more. Click on the links below.
USB 3.0 Protocol Layer – Part 1
