Cypress’s USB-C strategy began with programmable port and cable controllers in 2015, then expanded into chips for accessories, chargers, multi-port computers and USB4-ready designs. The progression shows how the company used the EZ-PD family to address more of the USB Type-C ecosystem, from power negotiation at a single port to complex notebook and desktop platforms.
What a USB Type-C port controller does
A USB Type-C port controller is a chip inside a product that manages the port’s configuration and power negotiation, and may handle related protection or routing functions. A USB Power Delivery controller applies that work to USB PD power negotiation. This matters because a Type-C connector is only 2.4 mm high, yet can carry multiple protocols and, in the releases Cypress cited, deliver up to 100 W. A controller helps a device determine how a connection should operate rather than treating the connector as a simple power or data socket.
Cypress’s product releases framed programmability and integration as practical advantages: vendors could configure a controller for a product’s role and, in some cases, update firmware as standards changed. The company’s stated design goal was to consolidate functions that otherwise might require multiple discrete components.
How the Cypress USB-C controller family evolved
| Announced | Controller | Target and role | Capabilities or distinction stated by Cypress |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | EZ-PD CCG1 | General USB Type-C ports | Cypress described it as the industry’s first programmable USB Type-C port controller and said it was sampling the device. |
| 2015 | EZ-PD CCG2 | USB Type-C cable connectors | Introduced for cable applications. CCG1 and CCG2 later passed USB-IF certification for dual-role, downstream-facing and upstream-facing port applications in August 2015. |
| January 2016 | EZ-PD CCG4 | Two-port USB-C implementations in desktops and notebooks | Added a two-port option intended to reduce the complexity of implementing multiple Type-C ports. |
| February 2016 | EZ-PD CCG3 | Accessories, adapter dongles, power adapters and power banks | Cypress presented it as a highly integrated single-chip controller. The company announced the CY4531 evaluation kit; samples were available, with production planned for Q2 2016. |
| August 2016 | CCG3 and CCG4 | Accessory and computer designs | Cypress said these were the first controllers in its portfolio to support USB Power Delivery 3.0. Firmware upgrades were planned for CCG2 and the EZ-USB HX3C hub controller. |
| May 2017 | EZ-PD CCG3PA | Power sources, including adapters, mobile and car chargers, and power banks | Targeted programmable power supply (PPS) and Qualcomm Quick Charge 4.0, with protection circuitry and firmware upgradeability. |
| June 2017 | EZ-PD CCG5 | Two-port notebook and desktop PC designs | Optimized for PCs with Thunderbolt 3 support. |
| March 2020 | CCG6DF and CCG6SF | Dual-port and single-port notebook and desktop designs | Cypress described the generation as USB4-ready, with simultaneous USB 3.2, DisplayPort and PCIe traffic and USB4 data rates up to 40 Gb/s. The stated architecture included an Arm Cortex-M0 and 64-KB embedded flash. |
The table tracks the use cases and capabilities stated in Cypress’s announcements; it is not a complete pin-level or electrical specification. The announcements do not establish present-day stock, lifecycle status, regional availability or pricing for these parts.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
From programmable ports to integrated accessories and chargers
EZ-PD CCG1/CCG2 established the starting point
The first move was to treat Type-C port behavior as something controlled by programmable silicon. CCG1 addressed general ports, while CCG2 targeted slim cable connectors. Their August 2015 USB-IF certification for dual-role, downstream-facing and upstream-facing applications gave Cypress a standards-based entry across multiple port roles.
CCG3 brought integration to accessories
With CCG3, Cypress shifted emphasis from the port or cable alone to complete USB-C accessories and power products. The single-chip approach was presented as a way to replace multiple discrete components in adapter dongles, power adapters and power banks. For designers evaluating that approach, Cypress announced the CY4531 CCG3 evaluation kit. The announcement described it as a design-evaluation tool, not as proof of current availability.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
CCG3PA focused on power-source flexibility
The CCG3PA addressed products that supply power, including chargers and power banks. Its announced support for PPS and Quick Charge 4.0, alongside protection circuitry and firmware upgradeability, positioned it as a USB-C charger controller for designs that needed to accommodate charging standards and potential firmware changes. In the announcement, Ajay Srikrishna, then vice president of Cypress’s USB product line, said the controller was intended to simplify USB-C power-source design and keep pace with changes in standards through firmware upgrades.
USB-C PD 3.0 and the move into PCs
CCG3 and CCG4 brought USB-C PD 3.0 support into the Cypress portfolio in August 2016. Cypress also said it planned firmware upgrades for CCG2 and its EZ-USB HX3C hub controller; the release described those upgrades as planned, not already completed.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
CCG4 and CCG5 extended the portfolio toward computers. CCG4 addressed systems with two USB-C ports, while CCG5 targeted two-port notebooks and desktops with Thunderbolt 3. By 2020, CCG6DF and CCG6SF were described as USB-C controllers for notebooks and desktops designed around USB4 readiness and concurrent USB 3.2, DisplayPort and PCIe traffic. Cypress stated USB4 rates of up to 40 Gb/s for that generation; that figure describes the announced USB4 capability, not a measurement of every implementation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Cypress’s product strategy amounted to
The family’s arc was a move from foundational Type-C port and cable control toward more integrated, application-specific designs. Across its announcements, Cypress addressed cable connectors, accessories, power sources, multi-port computers and higher-speed host platforms. Programmability was the connective idea: it let designers configure controller behavior for different product roles, while firmware upgradeability was explicitly called out for CCG3PA and planned for certain earlier products.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Integration was another recurring theme, but the claims were product-specific. Cypress positioned CCG3 as a single-chip replacement for multiple discrete components in selected accessory and power designs; it did not establish that every controller in the family eliminated the same external circuitry. Similarly, the portfolio announcements identify broad protocol and product targets, not a substitute for the device datasheet when choosing a part for a particular design.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What to check before choosing a controller
- Product role: Determine whether the design is a cable, accessory, power source, notebook or desktop. The family was divided across these use cases rather than built around one universal controller.
- Port count and system interfaces: Match a single- or dual-port requirement and verify the exact USB, display, PCIe or Thunderbolt needs against the relevant device documentation.
- Power behavior: Check the required USB PD revision and whether PPS or Quick Charge support is needed. An announcement of protocol support does not by itself specify every profile or implementation condition.
- Integration and protection: Review the datasheet for the regulators, gate drivers, load switches, protection functions and external components required by the intended circuit. The cited product summaries do not provide a complete comparison of those details.
- Firmware and lifecycle: Confirm upgrade mechanisms, software support, current lifecycle status and availability with Cypress or the relevant distributor before committing to a design. The historical announcements do not establish present-day supply.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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