Diodes Incorporated today announced the dual-role PI3USB9201 USB BC 1.2 detector, which incorporates both host and client circuitry, enabling designers to optimize the BoM size and cost of adding USB Type-C interface circuitry in devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, drones, and small home appliances.

Unlike current market solutions that require devices dedicated to either host or client mode, the PI3USB9201 enables developers to fully support the reversible and bidirectional flexibility of the USB Type-C interface with a single chip.

The PI3USB9201 reports detection results to the system via a 1MHz I2C interface. Four-pin selectable slave addresses help avoid bus conflict.

When configured as a host, the PI3USB9201 broadcasts the device status as standard downstream port (SDP), charging downstream port (CDP), or dedicated charging port (DCP) via the USB D+/D- pins, in accordance with BC 1.2. As a client, the PI3USB9201 monitors the D+/D- pins to detect the attached host type.

Featuring differential pass-through USB switches, the PI3USB9201 supports USB switch pass-through in host mode to permit system wakeup via mouse or keyboard. Further attributes include a wide supply-voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, ensuring dependable operation in battery-powered equipment and energy-saving sub-1µA current in shutdown mode.

The PI3USB9201 is in production now in the 2mm x 2mm 12-pin QFN package. Pricing starts at $0.60 each in 3000 piece quantities.