TOKYO, Japan, August 21, 2025 – Renesas has introduced the RAA489300 and RAA489301 buck controllers, built on a three-level buck topology that trims power loss and system size for USB-C designs. Targeting multiport chargers, docking stations, drones, and robotics, the controllers aim to pack more performance into smaller, high-efficiency systems.
The three-level buck converter topology enabled by the new IC delivers efficiency and reduces the inductance for regulating the output voltage. Its design minimizes power loss and reduces system size, making it best-fit for demanding applications.
The three-level topology consists of two additional switches and a flying capacitor compared to a two-level buck converter. The flying capacitor reduces voltage stress on the switches, allowing designers to use lower voltage FETs. The result is reduced conduction and switching losses. This topology also enables the use of a smaller inductor with peak-to-peak ripple of only about 25% of that of a two-level converter, enabling reduced inductor core and direct current resistance losses.
“This three-level buck topology solution is a prime example of Renesas’ worldwide leadership in battery charging,” said Gaurang Shah, vice president of the Power Division at Renesas. “The innovative technology includes patent-pending breakthroughs that offer our customers clear advantages over competing USB-C power offerings.”
The 3-level DC-DC RAA489300 and RAA489301 battery charger and voltage regulator improve thermal performance, lowering cooling needs. This design reduce costs and save space, supporting reliable power management solutions in North America.
Key Features of the RAA489300/RAA489301battery charger and voltage regulator:
- Wide range of input and output voltages for use in voltage battery packs with various PD adapters
- Safety features with built-in protection mechanisms against overcharging, overheating, and voltage anomalies
- Scalability for adapting to various power levels and application requirements
- Optimized switching architecture divides voltage across power switches
- Minimizes power consumption, contributing to greener, sustainable designs
- Lower thermal stress improves system reliability and extends product lifespan
Winning Combinations
Renesas offers the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W and the 240W Dual-Port Daughter Card Winning combinations that minimize the effort required for customers to design USB-C battery charging into their products. Winning combinations are tested system architectures built from compatible Renesas devices that function together as a unit. Renesas provides over 400 of these Winning combinations to help customers develop products faster and simplify design decisions for North American markets.
Click here for more information on Winning combinations.
Device Availability
The RAA489300/RAA489301 is available in a 4×4 mm 32-lead TQFN package. Design support and tools, including the RTK-251-SinkCharger-240W Kit and the RTKA489300DE0000BU evaluation board, are also available.
Source: Renesas Electronics
About Renesas Electronics
Renesas Electronics Corp., headquartered in Tokyo, is a supplier of power management integrated circuits (PMICs), shipping more than 1.5 billion power devices annually for computing, industrial, IoT, data center, and communications sectors. Its lineup includes PMICs, discrete devices, GaN power products, and design tools like PowerCompass and PowerNavigator, paired with microcontrollers, SoCs, and connectivity solutions to accelerate system design. Created in 2010 through the merger of Renesas Technology and NEC Electronics – and with roots in Hitachi, Mitsubishi, and NEC semiconductor units – the company has grown into a key global player. For the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2024, Renesas posted revenue between $9B to $10B, underscoring its strong presence in the electronics industry.