industry news
Subscribe Now

Microchip’s Dual-Channel USB Port Power Controller Maximizes System Reliability and Uptime Using Dynamic Thermal Management

CHANDLER, Ariz., Nov. 9, 2015 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced the expansion of its programmable USB-port power controller portfolio with the dual-channel UCS2112. This new port power controller supports two ports, with eight programmable continuous current limits for each port, ranging from 0.53 to 3.0 Amps for faster charging times at higher currents. Features for protecting and increasing overall system uptime also include integrated current monitoring, precision current limiting, charge rationing and dynamic thermal management. The UCS2112 helps designers address a wide breadth of host devices, such as the laptops, tablets, monitors, docking stations and printers found in automotive, computing, education and aviation applications, as well as multi-port charging accessories and storage. This device has the flexibility of working individually or in concert with USB hubs, to create a complete charging and/or USB-communication system.

For an overview of Microchip’s USB Hubs and Devices, please visit http://www.microchip.com/USB-102615a.

“There is a trend toward higher-current capabilities for USB charging, mainly driven by the larger phones and tablets which have higher-capacity batteries,” said Rich Simoncic, vice president of Microchip’s Analog Power and Interface Division. “Our UCS2112 addresses the requisite safety features of these solutions while also incorporating current monitoring and a thermal-management scheme to maximize system uptime and reliability.”

For a better end-user experience, the UCS2112’s dynamic thermal-management feature throttles back the current limit as it approaches the thermal limit, preventing shutdown and allowing for charging where other devices have stopped completely. The UCS2112’s integrated current monitor eliminates the need for an external sense resistor and enables an “attach detect” signal that does not rely on the main power to be active for hosts that are off or sleeping. Current monitoring and rationing also helps manage multiple charging devices and can balance a dynamic load current for systems with smaller power supplies. 

The UCS2112 also aligns with the USB Power Delivery initiatives from the USB Industry Forum, and is in compliance with various charging specifications, including the USB-IF BC1.2.

Development Support

The UCS2112 port power controller is supported by Microchip’s new UCS2112 Evaluation Board (Part # ADM00639, $140), which is available today frommicrochipDIRECT, any Microchip sales representative and all authorized worldwide distributors.

Pricing & Availability

The UCS2112 is available now for sampling and volume production in a 20-pin QFN package. Pricing starts at $1.80 each, in 5,000-unit quantities. For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/UCS2112-102615a. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.

Follow Microchip

About Microchip Technology

Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:  MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/Homepage-102615a.

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Apr 2, 2026
Build, code, and explore with your own AI-powered Mars rover kit, inspired by NASA's Perseverance mission....

featured paper

Quickly and accurately identify inter-domain leakage issues in IC designs

Sponsored by Siemens Digital Industries Software

Power domain leakage is a major IC reliability issue, often missed by traditional tools. This white paper describes challenges of identifying leakage, types of false results, and presents Siemens EDA’s Insight Analyzer. The tool proactively finds true leakage paths, filters out false positives, and helps circuit designers quickly fix risks—enabling more robust, reliable chip designs. With detailed, context-aware analysis, designers save time and improve silicon quality.

Click to read more

featured chalk talk

GaN for Humanoid Robots
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Infineon
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Eric Persson and Amelia Dalton explore why power is the key driver for efficient and reliable robot movements and how GaN technologies can help motor control solutions be more compact, integrated and efficient. They also investigate the role of field-oriented control in humanoid robotic applications and why the choice of a GaN power transistor can make all the difference in your next humanoid robot project!
Apr 20, 2026
691 views