Renesas IW1791-16

Overview

The iW1791-16 from Renesas Electronics is an AC/DC primary-side rapid charge PWM controller supporting USB Power Delivery (USB PD), Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0/3.0, and proprietary protocols. It delivers high-resolution voltage/current control (10 mV DLNK step), quasi-resonant operation for >90% efficiency, and multi-level constant-voltage/constant-current regulation without secondary feedback. Used in compact, low-noise smartphone/tablet adapters requiring <20 mW no-load power at 5 V output.

For engineers reviewing the iW1791-16 datasheet, iW1791-16 pinout, iW1791-16 application, or iW1791-16 equivalent, key selection criteria include DLNK-based digital communication capability, source-charging VCC startup, 8-pin SOIC package compatibility, and support for 3.6–20 V programmable output with cable drop compensation.

Technical Context

The iW1791-16 implements Renesas' PrimAccurate™ primary-side regulation architecture, eliminating optocoupler-based feedback and loop compensation components while maintaining stability across line/load/temperature. Its proprietary DLNK protocol enables bidirectional digital communication over a single optocoupler for real-time voltage requests, current limits, undershoot detection, and OVP signaling.

It integrates source-charging VCC startup to achieve <20 mW no-load consumption at 230 VAC/5 V output, supports multi-mode PWM/PFM control, and uses SmartDefender+™ technology to manage soft shorts without latching. The device operates in quasi-resonant mode with load-adaptive maximum frequency control to optimize size, efficiency, and EMI performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead SOIC-8 with standard JEDEC MS-012AC outline, 1.27 mm pitch, and exposed pad not required.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar primary-side rapid charge controller applications.

Compared with MP6908A and UCC28780, the iW1791-16 uniquely integrates DLNK digital communication, 10 mV PPS resolution, and source-charging startup in a single SOIC-8 package-enabling compact, ultra-low-noise, multi-protocol rapid chargers without secondary feedback.

Availability

iW1791-16 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone rapid charging adapters, USB-C tablet power supplies, and proprietary OEM fast-charge solutions requiring stable component supply, consistent DLNK protocol implementation, and qualification for USB PD 3.0 and QC3.0 certification.

Supply support for iW1791-16 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global semiconductor leader delivering microcontrollers, analog, power, and SoC products for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications.

The iW1791-16 belongs to Renesas' Rapid Charge™ AC/DC controller product line, designed specifically for high-efficiency, digitally controlled primary-side regulation in compact USB PD and proprietary fast-charge adapters.

FAQ

What is the DLNK communication resolution supported by the iW1791-16?

The iW1791-16 supports 10 mV DLNK voltage step resolution, enabling precise USB PD Programmable Power Supply (PPS) compliance and fine-grained voltage transitions requested by mobile devices. This resolution is confirmed in the Ordering Information table for iW1791-16 and applies directly to its DLNK-based digital communication with compatible Renesas secondary-side controllers like the iW657P.

Does the iW1791-16 require an external active start-up (ASU) circuit?

No, the iW1791-16 uses source-charging VCC technology to charge its internal supply before startup, eliminating the need for an external active start-up circuit. This design enables <20 mW no-load power consumption at 230 VAC with a typical 5 V output setting, as specified in the Product Summary and validated in Renesas' application circuits.

Which secondary-side controllers are compatible with the iW1791-16 for USB PD implementation?

The iW1791-16 is optimized to work with Renesas' DLNK-based secondary-side controllers, specifically the iW657P for USB PD and iW676 for synchronous rectification, as shown in Figure 3.1 of the datasheet. These devices use the proprietary DLNK protocol for bidirectional communication of voltage requests, current limits, and protection status-ensuring full USB PD 3.0 functionality with the iW1791-16.

What protection features are built into the iW1791-16?

The iW1791-16 includes built-in single-point fault protections against output short-circuit (including soft and half short), output over-voltage, and output over-current. It also implements SmartDefender+™ control to reduce average output power during soft faults without latching, and supports configurable cable drop compensation to maintain regulation under varying load conditions.

Is the iW1791-16 pin-compatible with other members of the iW1791 family?

Yes, all iW1791 variants-including iW1791-00, iW1791-01, iW1791-02, and iW1791-16-share identical SOIC-8 pinout and electrical pin functions as defined in Section 4 of the datasheet. Differences between variants relate solely to factory-programmed parameters (e.g., kCC settings, DLNK resolution, OVP thresholds), not pin assignment or package geometry.