Texas Instruments TUSB321RWBR

Overview

TUSB321RWBR from Texas Instruments is a USB Type-C™ Configuration Channel (CC) logic and port controller IC that implements USB Type-C Specification 1.1 compliance for role detection, cable orientation, current mode advertisement (default/1.5 A/3.0 A), VBUS detection, and VCONN power delivery to active cables. It operates from 4.5 V to 5.5 V and supports DFP, UFP, or DRP configurations via tri-level PORT pin control. Used in mobile phones, tablets, and USB peripherals requiring robust, low-power CC management.

For engineers reviewing the TUSB321RWBR datasheet, TUSB321RWBR pinout, TUSB321RWBR application, or TUSB321RWBR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, real-world port control behavior, confirmed VCONN fault timing (7–13 µs), exact tri-level input thresholds (e.g., PORT mid-level = 0.28×VDD to 0.56×VDD), and validated dual-role switching duty cycle (30% DFP time).

Technical Context

The TUSB321RWBR integrates dedicated CC1/CC2 analog comparators with programmable voltage thresholds (e.g., VTH_UFP_CC_HIGH = 1.169–1.29 V) to detect DFP attachment and current mode. Its digital controller samples the tri-level PORT pin at power-up only, then locks into DFP, UFP, or DRP mode-DRP toggles between roles with fixed 50–100 ms period (tDRP) and 30% DFP duty cycle.

VBUS detection uses an external 855–920 kΩ resistor (RVBUS) to scale system VBUS (4–28 V) to a 2.95–3.80 V threshold window on VBUS_DET. VCONN is sourced through an internal 1.25 Ω FET with 200 mA current limit and automatic disconnect on over-current, signaled via open-drain VCONN_FAULT with 7–13 µs pulse width.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: X2QFN-12 (1.60 mm × 1.60 mm, 0.4 mm pitch, wettable flanks). Thermally enhanced for compact portable designs with RθJA = 169.3 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB Type-C configuration channel controller applications.

Compared with FUSB302BMPX and TUSB320RTER, the TUSB321RWBR uniquely integrates VCONN power delivery with fault protection and native 3.0 A current mode support in a 12-pin X2QFN package - eliminating external components and enabling simpler, more reliable USB-C port implementation.

Availability

TUSB321RWBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone charging ports, tablet docking interfaces, notebook peripheral hubs, and USB-C active cable adapters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TUSB321RWBR 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with leadership in USB interface solutions and automotive-grade reliability.

The TUSB321RWBR belongs to TI's USB Type-C port controller product line, designed specifically to simplify USB-C ecosystem adoption by offloading CC logic, role negotiation, and VCONN management from host processors.

FAQ

What is the function of the PORT pin on the TUSB321RWBR?

The PORT pin on the TUSB321RWBR is a tri-level input that configures the device's operational mode at power-up: pulled high to VDD for DFP (source), pulled low to GND for UFP (sink), or left unconnected for DRP (dual-role port). The TUSB321RWBR samples this pin once during reset and maintains the selected mode without software intervention. This hardware-based configuration eliminates firmware dependencies and ensures deterministic USB-C role assignment.

How does the TUSB321RWBR support VCONN for active cables?

The TUSB321RWBR supplies VCONN from its VDD rail through an integrated 1.25 Ω power FET to the unconnected CC pin when operating in DFP or DRP-as-source mode. It activates VCONN only after detecting a valid UFP attachment and entering the Attached.SRC state. Over-current protection triggers a 7–13 µs low pulse on VCONN_FAULT, and VCONN is automatically disconnected above 200 mA - all without external components. This makes the TUSB321RWBR self-contained for active cable support.

Can the TUSB321RWBR advertise 3.0 A current, and what is required?

Yes, the TUSB321RWBR can advertise 3.0 A current in DFP or DRP-as-source mode using the CURRENT_MODE pin. To do so, the pin must be pulled up to VDD with a 10 kΩ resistor - not left floating or pulled to GND (which defaults to 500/900 mA) or with a 500 kΩ resistor (which advertises 1.5 A). The device confirms high-current capability with ICC_HIGH_P = 304–356 µA pull-up current, and VDD must be ≥3.5 V for full 3.0 A advertisement per spec.

What is the purpose of the DIR pin on the TUSB321RWBR?

The DIR pin on the TUSB321RWBR is an open-drain output that signals detected USB-C plug orientation: low when CC1 is active (plug position 1), high when CC2 is active (plug position 2). It drives external USB3.1 multiplexers to route differential pairs correctly based on physical cable insertion - ensuring signal integrity without software polling or timing-critical GPIO reads. Its VOL ≤ 0.4 V @ –1.6 mA guarantees clean logic-level compatibility with common MUX enable inputs.

Does the TUSB321RWBR require an external resistor for VBUS detection, and what value?

Yes, the TUSB321RWBR requires an external resistor (RVBUS) between the system VBUS rail and the VBUS_DET pin for reliable detection in UFP or DRP modes. Per the datasheet, RVBUS must be 855–920 kΩ (typical 887 kΩ) to scale 4–28 V system VBUS into the device's 2.95–3.80 V detection threshold window. Leaving VBUS_DET unconnected is only acceptable in fixed DFP applications where VBUS detection is unnecessary - otherwise, omission causes failed attach detection.