Introduction

Traditional flyback architectures can no longer meet the requirements of high switching frequency, high power density, and high efficiency for high-power adapters. As a result, the LLC architecture, better suited for higher power outputs, has been introduced into 100W+ high-power adapters. This effectively improves conversion efficiency, reduces size, enhances portability, and increases product competitiveness.

Additionally, due to the use of large-capacity filter capacitors in rectified switching power supplies, which exhibit capacitive loads, significant high-order harmonics are generated during the charging and discharging processes, causing pollution and interference in the power grid. To address this, engineers have begun incorporating PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuits into switching power supplies. For power supplies exceeding 75-85W, PFC circuits are mandatory to improve the power factor and correct load characteristics.

In response to the current trends of high efficiency and miniaturization in adapters, MPS has introduced a range of PFC+LLC combo controllers to help manufacturers significantly enhance product integration. Recently, ChargerLab identified multiple devices equipped with MPS PFC+LLC controllers. The following article will provide a detailed introduction.

MPS HR1211

The MPS HR1211 is a multi-mode PFC and current-mode LLC two-in-one controller that integrates functions typically requiring 2-3 separate chips into a single chip. The PFC controller supports both CCM and DCM operating modes. 

The HR1211 features a digital control core with programmability via a UART interface. Its built-in energy-saving technology optimizes efficiency across the entire operating range. The chip supports high-voltage startup and intelligent X-capacitor discharge. The PFC stage supports operating frequencies up to 250kHz, while the LLC stage includes a 600V half-bridge driver with an integrated bootstrap diode, achieving operating frequencies as high as 500kHz. Additionally, it offers comprehensive protection features.

Application Cases

L Lab 140W GaN Charger

L Lab has launched a USB PD3.1 charger with built-in gallium nitride devices, which supports 140W output power. The charger has 2 USB-C and 1 USB-A ports. The two USB-C ports can each support 65W of power when outputting at the same time.

Teardown of L Lab 140W GaN Charger

AENZR 130W 4 USB-C GaN Charger

AENZR's four-port GaN charger supports 130W high-power output, comes with a 1.5-meter extension cable, supports desktop charging and wall charging, and supports fast charging of 4 devices at the same time. When dual-port output supports 100+30W or 65+65W power distribution, meeting the needs of high-power fast charging output and charging two laptops at the same time.

Teardown of AENZR 130W 4 USB-C GaN Charger

Momax 100W Six-port GaN Wireless Desktop Charger

This desktop charger from Momax has an output power of 100W and a wireless charging function. It also has four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. The USB-C1 and USB-C2 ports both support 100W fast charging, USB-C3 and USB-C4 support 30W fast charging, and the USB-A port also supports fast charging and automatic power distribution. It supports comprehensive, fast charging protocols to meet the needs of charging multiple devices at the same time.

Teardown of Momax 100W Six-port GaN Wireless Desktop Charger

Momax 140W GaN Charger

This gallium nitride charger from Momax has a white shell, foldable pins, and a faceted end design. The charger is equipped with a 140W fast charging port, and the other two ports have a maximum output power of 100W and 30W. The overall performance is strong, meeting the application needs of Apple multi-device users for extremely fast charging, portable use, and simultaneous fast charging of multiple devices.

Teardown of Momax 140W GaN Charger

Rewoda 140W Three USB-C Ports GaN Charger

Rewoda 140W GaN charger is equipped with three USB-C ports. USB-C1 port supports 20W fast charging, and the other two USB-C ports support 140W fast charging. It also supports a 65W+65W+20W output strategy to meet the ultimate performance needs of business travelers. In addition, although it is a full C port configuration, it also supports FCP, SCP, AFC, QC3.0, PD3.1, and PPS fast charging protocols and has good overall compatibility to meet the fast charging needs of different brands of devices.

Teardown of Rewoda 140W Three USB-C Ports GaN Charger

lifeme 140W GaN Charger

This gallium nitride charger from lifeme has a white body and is equipped with folding pins, which are stylish and portable. The charger has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port. The USB-C ports support 140W fast charging, and the USB-A port supports 18W fast charging. When the two USB-C ports are used at the same time, they support 65+65W power distribution, which can meet the charging needs of two laptops at the same time. The USB-A port can also meet the changing needs of traditional, old-fashioned devices. Overall, it is quite practical.

Teardown of lifeme 140W GaN Charger

Microsoft Xbox Series X Console 255W Power Supply

Although the maximum power of the Xbox Series X console power supply can reach 255W, the overall design of the power supply is still quite compact and modular, reflecting first-class design skills. At the same time, it is also very friendly to the Xbox Series X console, which is not large in itself, and it is very good at reducing the space pressure inside the machine.

Teardown of Microsoft Xbox Series X Console 255W Power Supply

SATECHI 165W Four USB-C GaN Desktop Charger

SATECHI has launched a gallium nitride desktop charger with four USB-C ports. This charger has a total output power of 165W, and any port supports 100W output. It supports automatic power distribution and can meet the changing needs of three or four laptops and mobile phones at the same time. It also supports 3.3-21V 5A PPS fast charging, and it also supports flagship high-power fast-charging mobile phones.

Teardown of SATECHI 165W Four USB-C GaN Desktop Charger

Summary of ChargerLAB

ChargerLAB learned that the three chips launched by MPS, HR1211, HR1270, and HR1275, integrate LLC and PFC technologies, bringing new digital solutions for high-power power adapters and industrial power applications. The built-in digital cores of these three chips support UART interfaces, allowing engineers to program through an intuitive graphical interface, greatly simplifying the design process and improving product efficiency and reliability.

The chip combines the PFC+LLC two-in-one design, which not only simplifies the primary circuit but also reduces the number of peripheral components used, making it a highly competitive power chip. At present, MPS's LLC+PFC chip has been adopted by high-power adapters of many manufacturers such as Microsoft, Momax, lifeme, and L Lab. It is believed that in the future, more high-power power supplies will choose to be equipped with MPS's LLC+PFC chip to achieve more efficient and stable DC output.