USBC PD multiport TCPM/TCPC

[petertan]

Hi, 

We are developing PD multiport design with TCPM/TCPC architecture, but we've come across a post of CPM stack should be no longer supported for newer products. https://community.st.com/t5/stm32-mcus-embedded-software/usbc-pd-tcpm-on-the-stm32u5/m-p/637207 

We understand G series have replaced much of the PD functions. That aside, our question is: is there a reason that ST no longer support TCPM/TCPC style design, whether the trend is moving to obsolete this model?

Thank you.

[FBL]

Hi @petertan 

Which product are you using? TCPM/TCPC will be no longer supported on new products since newer products embeds UCPD peripheral. We recommend using the full ST solution with the UCPD peripheral. 

[petertan]

Currently we are looking at FUSB30x, as we can chain together to around 8 on a single uP. If using UCPD, that would require 4 processors. We'd like to know if there is major reason TCPC design shouldn't be still developed and used.

Thank you

[FBL · Accepted solution]

Hi @petertan 

Yes, it's one of the reasons, we reduced TCPC support because we had internal UCPD in the STM32. AFAIK, FUSB30x doesn't refresh to support latest PD releases. Also, because of responsiveness and speed of I2C, we cannot have more than 3 TCPC on 1 I2C.