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Targeting 5 V USB VBUS, this page shows how an eFuse implements OCP/OVP, controlled VBUS discharge, reverse-backfeed blocking, BC ID pin protection, and IEC 61000-4-2 ESD as an integrated port-level safeguard. It provides A→A / A→B substitution paths with unified PG/FAULT semantics and a telemetry field set for small-batch purchasing and fast validation.
Problems and What Each Hook Fixes
Five real issues on 5 V VBUS: hot-plug inrush trips, residual VBUS causing bad resets or enumeration, dual-source backfeed, post-ESD “latch-up” or false FAULT, and BC ID damage or mis-detection. Each maps cleanly to an eFuse capability: OCP/OVP & dV/dt, controlled discharge, reverse-block, IEC ESD with robust FAULT policy, and ID pin protection.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Probe | Priority | eFuse Hook | Quick Test | Pass/Fail Gate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-plug trips | Inrush over limit | VIN ramp + load step | H | I_lim / I_trip_fast / dV/dt | 10–100 µs short pulse | I_trip_fast = 1.5–2.0 × I_load |
| Bad re-enumeration | VBUS residual | Decay to Vsafe | H | Controlled discharge | Detach then time-to-0.3 V | t_discharge ≤ budget |
| Backfeed/dual source | Reverse path open | Inject 5 V at port | H | Reverse-block | Record I_rev_peak | V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV eq |
| Post-ESD “dead” | Latch/false FAULT | IEC 61000-4-2 contact | M | ESD + FAULT policy | Clear & retry count | Recoverable & logged |
| BC ID failure | ESD or mis-sense | Probe ID pin | M | Series-R + clamp | ESD at ID node | No mis-detect after ESD |
Mechanism and Signal Path
The port-level flow features I_lim/I_trip_fast, V_OVP, soft-start (dV/dt), the discharge branch to Vsafe, reverse-block towards the source, and PG/FAULT/ALERT to the MCU. Priority of actions is: Fast-short > OVP > Thermal > Discharge (discharge only after source detach).
- I_lim ≥ 1.2 × I_load_max;I_trip_fast = (1.5–2.0) × I_load_max
- t_discharge ≤ t_system_reset_budget(e.g., 100–300 ms to Vsafe)
- Reverse/dual source: V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV eq(near ideal-diode behavior)
Selection Dimensions and Threshold Windows
Define a comparable header for cross-brand decisions and enforce windows for A→A and A→B substitution. Hard gates protect re-enumeration, reverse-blocking, and ESD survivability; soft gates allow fine tuning without changing behavior seen by the system stack.
V_OVP
5.8–6.2 V (fixed or programmable). Higher than 6.2 V risks hot-plug / enumeration timing.
t_discharge → Vsafe
100–300 ms to ≤ 0.3 V, derived from system reset/reconnect budget.
V_rev_thresh / I_rev_peak
≤ 30 mV eq target (dual-source/backfeed). Log I_rev_peak and block delay.
ESD (IEC 61000-4-2)
≥ ±8 kV contact / ±15 kV air at VBUS and BC ID pin; recoverable and diagnosable.
PG / FAULT / ALERT
PG debounce > 2–5 ms; FAULT behavior must match latch / hiccup / auto-retry policy.
| I_lim | I_trip_fast | V_OVP | t_discharge (to 0.3V) | V_rev_thresh / I_rev_peak | ESD (IEC 61000-4-2) | PG / FAULT / ALERT | Interface (I²C/PMBus) | AEC-Q100 | Pkg θJA / RθJA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 1.2 × I_load_max | 1.5–2.0 × I_load_max | 5.8–6.2 V | ≤ 100–300 ms | ≤ 20–30 mV / log peak | ±8/±15 kV (port/air) | PG 2–5 ms; FAULT policy | Optional | If required | as datasheet | Re-enumeration safe |
0.5 A peripherals
- I_lim ≈ 0.6–0.7 A;I_trip_fast ≈ 0.8–1.0 A
- Require controlled discharge:Yes(frequent re-enumeration)
- Alert bus:Optional;AEC-Q100:App-dependent
- V_rev_thresh ≤ 30 mV
1.5 A hubs / docks
- I_lim ≈ 1.8 A;I_trip_fast ≈ 2.5–3.0 A
- Require controlled discharge:Yes(multi-port timing)
- Alert bus:Recommended(health / retry logs)
- V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV(dual-source common)
3 A fast USB loads
- I_lim ≈ 3.6 A;I_trip_fast ≈ 5.0–6.0 A
- Require controlled discharge:Yes(clean reset mandatory)
- Alert bus:Recommended;AEC-Q100:If automotive
- V_rev_thresh ≤ 20 mV(near ideal-diode behavior)
Tuning and Validation Flow
Use the following executable script to complete a 48-hour bring-up. Each step states stimulus → measurements → pass gate. Keep logs for ilim_set, ilim_fast, t_discharge, i_rev_peak, fault_code, and recovery timing.
-
Power-up current limiting — VIN trapezoid + load step.
Measure: I_inrush, PG bounce, FAULT. Pass: no false trip; PG debounce ≥ 2–5 ms. -
Fast short (10 µs / 100 µs / 1 ms) — pulse to ground.
Measure: I_trip_fast, action policy (latch/hiccup/auto-retry), t_recover. Pass: matches configuration; no abnormal reset. -
VBUS controlled discharge — detach source and time to 0.3 V.
Measure: t_discharge, re-enumeration success. Pass: t_discharge ≤ budget; stable reconnect. -
Reverse backfeed block — inject 5 V at the port or parallel source.
Measure: I_rev_peak, block delay, V_rev. Pass: V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV eq; no sustained backfeed. -
ESD (IEC 61000-4-2, port & BC ID) — contact/air levels per target.
Measure: recoverability, fault_code_after_esd, clear steps. Pass: Recoverable & logged; no “dead” state. -
Thermal cycling + repeated hot-plug — high/low temp with cycles.
Measure: PG/FAULT repeatability, T_junction, drift. Pass: consistent behavior; no abnormal rise.
≥ 2–5 ms debounce; no chatter.
t_discharge ≤ reset budget; Vsafe ≤ 0.3 V.
V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV eq; I_rev_peak within limit.
±8 kV contact / ±15 kV air; recoverable & logged.
Seven-Brand Mapping and Substitution Paths
Use the matrix below to map 0.5 A / 1.5 A / 3 A USB VBUS ports to brand series and representative part numbers. Hard gates are enforced for V_OVP, t_discharge to Vsafe, V_rev_thresh, ESD, and PG/FAULT policy. For A→B moves, align telemetry fields (fault_code, t_discharge, i_rev) before build release. Values should be verified against the latest datasheets for the exact suffix/grade.
5.8–6.2 V (USB timing safe)
100–300 ms to ≤ 0.3 V
V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV eq
±8 kV contact / ±15 kV air
PG debounce 2–5 ms; FAULT policy fixed
A→A (Pin-to-Pin, same series)
- Allow: I_lim fine tune within ±10%.
- Disallow: degradation on V_OVP, t_discharge, V_rev_thresh, ESD, FAULT policy.
- PG debounce must remain within gate.
A→B (Cross-brand)
- Map telemetry:
fault_code,t_discharge,i_rev. - No downgrade in t_discharge or V_rev_thresh, ESD, AEC-Q100, or thermal.
- PG/FAULT semantics must be aligned before release.
| Brand | Series (USB eFuse / Power Switch) | 0.5 A PN | 1.5 A PN | 3 A PN | Discharge | I²C/PMBus | AEC-Q100 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TI | TPS25xx USB power switch / TPS2595x eFuse | TPS2553 | TPS2561 | TPS2595 | Yes (family-dep.) | Some variants | Options | USB 5 V oriented; verify exact suffix. |
| ST | STEF / STUSB power switch | STEF05 | STEF12-5V class | STEF33-5V class | Yes/series-dep. | Limited | Options | Pick 5 V-focused variants; confirm V_OVP window. |
| NXP | NX5P / NX3P USB load/OVP switch | NX5P2553 | NX5P3090 | NX3P2901 class | Yes (typ.) | No/Some | — | Known for OVP + reverse blocking on USB. |
| Renesas | ISL6185/86 USB switch; RAA/ISL eFuse | ISL6186 | ISL6187 class | RAA489xxx eFuse class | Series-dep. | Some | Options | Classic USB distribution controllers. |
| onsemi | NCP380 / FPF21xx / NCP361 OVP | NCP380-0.5A class | FPF2123 | NCP380-3A class | Series-dep. | No | Options | Check reverse-block spec per device. |
| Microchip | MIC2005/2026/2545A USB switches | MIC2005 | MIC2026-1 | MIC2545A | Basic (ext. RC) | No | — | Widely used per-port power limiting. |
| Melexis | N/A for USB eFuse / USB power switch | — | — | — | — | — | — | No native USB eFuse series (do not substitute). |
BOM Remark Template (Procurement Gate)
Add the following copy-ready lines to your BOM to prevent unsafe substitutions. Each line corresponds to a validation step and encodes the non-degradable windows from this page.
Controlled discharge: USB eFuse must implement VBUS discharge with t_discharge ≤ ____ ms to Vsafe ≤ 0.3 V.
Current limit & fast short: I_lim = ____ A; I_trip_fast = ____ A; FAULT policy = latch | hiccup | auto-retry.
Reverse backfeed: V_rev_thresh ≤ ____ mV; parts lacking reverse-block are forbidden in dual-source/backfeed scenarios.
PG/FAULT semantics: PG debounce ≥ 2–5 ms. If I²C/PMBus is present, update cloud mapping (fault_code / t_discharge / i_rev) before release.
OVP window: V_OVP ∈ [5.8, 6.2] V; higher thresholds are not accepted due to USB hot-plug and enumeration timing.
ESD robustness: IEC 61000-4-2 at VBUS & BC-ID ≥ ±8 kV (contact) / ±15 kV (air); non-conforming parts are not acceptable.
Automotive & thermal: AEC-Q100 grade must not downgrade; θJA / RθJA must not worsen vs the original fit.
Fault Injection & Diagnostics
This section provides reproducible fault scripts for 5 V USB VBUS eFuse: short-circuit (SC), over-voltage (OVP), ESD, reverse backfeed, and thermal rise. For each, capture PG/FAULT/ALERT codes, telemetry fields, and recovery behavior. The goal is diagnosable & recoverable outcomes without repetitive “soft-dead” states.
Telemetry & Event Fields
fault_code (SC_FAST/OVP/THERM/ESD/BACKFEED), fault_time, recover_action (LATCH/HICCUP/AUTO_RETRY/MANUAL_CLEAR)ilim_set, itrip_fast, t_discharge_to_0p3V, i_rev_peak, v_rev_th, esd_level_kVt_block_delay, t_recover, pg_debounce_ms, re-enum_pass (bool)cold_boot_cnt, brownout_cnt, consecutive_fail_cntCold-boot Clear & Retry Backoff
- On power-up, clear FAULT if
consecutive_fail_cnt < N. - Hiccup retry:
t_retry = min(t0 × 2^k, Tmax).
Thermal Gate
- Block retries if
Tj > T_hot; allow whenTj < T_cool. - Record
THERMtransitions in logs.
Recovery Priority
- SOFT_CLEAR → PARTIAL_POWER_CYCLE → FULL_POWER_CYCLE.
- Only escalate if the prior step fails.
Re-enumeration Gate
t_discharge_to_0p3V ≤ reset_budget (100–300 ms).- Block retries if discharge is too slow.
Short-Circuit (SC_FAST)
Pulse widths: 10 µs → 100 µs → 1 ms (×5 each).
- Record
itrip_fast,t_block_delay,recover_action,t_recover. - Pass:
t_block_delay ≤ 2–5 µs, no hang states.
Over-Voltage (OVP)
Raise source to V_OVP + 0.2–0.4 V, hold 50–200 ms ×10.
- Capture
V_OVP_trip,t_discharge_to_0p3V,re-enum_pass. - Pass: discharge ≤ budget; re-enumeration ≥ 99%.
ESD (IEC 61000-4-2)
VBUS & BC-ID: ±8 kV contact / ±15 kV air, 10 shots each polarity.
- Log
fault_code=ESD,recover_action; try SOFT_CLEAR first. - Pass: recoverable & diagnosable, no “black-out”.
Reverse Backfeed
Inject 5 V at port or dual-source, step 0 → Iload_max.
- Record
i_rev_peak,v_rev_th,t_block_delay,fault_code=BACKFEED. - Pass:
v_rev_th ≤ 20–30 mV, boundedi_rev_peak.
Thermal Cycling
High/low chamber + rapid plug cycles.
- Track
THERMevents, PG/FAULT repeatability. - Pass: no thermal “soft-dead” or runaway retries.
≥ 2–5 ms, no chatter
t_to_0p3V ≤ 100–300 msv_rev_th ≤ 20–30 mVRecoverable & logged
FAQ
Answers focus strictly on this page’s scope: 5 V USB VBUS eFuse (OCP/OVP, discharge, backfeed block, BC-ID protection, IEC ESD). Each answer is 40–70 words to fit FAQPage JSON-LD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I size I_lim and I_trip_fast to avoid nuisance trips?
Start with I_lim ≈ 1.2× the maximum steady load, then set I_trip_fast ≈ 1.5–2.0× to catch hard shorts without tripping on inrush. Verify with staged load steps and scope the upstream profile. If the upstream has a large bulk cap, add soft-start (dV/dt) to keep the startup spectrum inside the fast-trip window.
What V_OVP is safe for 5 V without breaking hot-plug timing?
For USB 5 V ports, a practical 5.8–6.2 V OVP window preserves hot-plug behavior while protecting against overshoot. Below 5.8 V you risk false trips during cable bounce; above 6.2 V you increase stress on downstream devices. Pair OVP with PG debounce and modest RC filtering to reject brief ringing.
How fast should VBUS discharge be for clean re-enumeration?
Size the discharge path so Vsafe ≤ 0.3 V within the system’s reset budget, typically 100–300 ms. Too slow causes brown-field states and failed re-enumeration; too aggressive can stress upstream switches. Validate by cutting the source, timing to 0.3 V, and measuring restart success over 100+ cycles.
How do I prevent backfeed when two USB sources are present?
Use an eFuse or ideal-diode stage with V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV and verify the reverse current peak during switchover. Avoid simple FET-OR unless the controller enforces tight reverse thresholds. Test with dual sources and a stepped load; record i_rev_peak and recovery time to ensure no persistent back-powering.
When should I choose latch, hiccup, or auto-retry?
Latch suits safety-critical or debug-friendly products—no surprise restarts. Hiccup limits thermal stress via duty-cycled retries—great for field resilience. Auto-retry gives quick recovery but can oscillate if faults persist. Pick based on service model, thermal headroom, and your logging/telemetry capability.
What if soft-start (dV/dt) is too slow or too fast?
If ramping is too slow, upstream rails may brown out or firmware may time out. If too fast, inrush spikes can trip the fast-short comparator. Tune dV/dt so the measured inrush crest fits under I_trip_fast with margin, then confirm enumeration completes within your timing budget.
How do I protect the BC-ID pin properly?
Use a small series resistor to limit surge and a clamp device to keep the ID node within safe limits. Include the BC-ID node in your ESD test plan and probe it during strikes. Avoid long, unshielded runs; route with a clear return and ensure the clamp’s trigger pairs well with the eFuse thresholds.
How should TVS diodes and the eFuse work together?
Select a TVS with a clamping level that stays below device abs-max but high enough to avoid constant conduction. Place it close to the connector with a short return to chassis or quiet ground. Ensure the eFuse’s OVP threshold and the TVS clamp do not “double-trigger” under normal transients.
Why does PG chatter during plug/unplug and how to fix it?
Cable bounce and connector arcing can create brief dips and overshoots. Apply a 2–5 ms PG debounce and consider a small RC filter in firmware or hardware. Improve grounding at the connector, reduce loop inductance, and validate with repeated hot-plug tests while logging PG transitions.
How do I avoid false latches in IEC 61000-4-2 tests?
Control discharge paths and reference ground, and probe VBUS and PG/FAULT during strikes. Try SOFT_CLEAR first, then partial power cycle, reserving full power-down for persistent errors. Keep TVS returns short and avoid shared noisy returns with logic references to reduce unintended latch conditions.
How should I write the BOM to block “no-discharge” parts?
State explicitly: “VBUS controlled discharge required: t_discharge ≤ ____ ms to Vsafe ≤ 0.3 V.” Reference the validation step and forbid substitutes lacking reverse blocking in dual-source cases. Include PG debounce, OVP window, and ESD levels so procurement can verify against a clear acceptance table.
What acceptance windows enable safe A→A/A→B substitution?
Keep V_OVP 5.8–6.2 V, t_discharge ≤ budget, V_rev_thresh ≤ 20–30 mV, and ESD at ±8/±15 kV. Align PG/FAULT semantics and map telemetry (fault_code, t_discharge, i_rev) before release. Do not downgrade automotive grade or thermal resistance relative to the original device.