How VCONN, a USB-C Feature, Changes the Car-to-Passenger Experience

Automotive USB ports have a problem. Although vehicle OEMs invest in quality charging technology, passengers bring unsuitable cables into the car. They blame the car for the poor performance since they don’t have the same problem at home. This common scenario is a frustration point for OEMs, but a low-voltage power supply gives them a way to fix it. The technology, called VCONN, communicates with passenger accessories and cables and is a key differentiator for a positive passenger experience.
 
This 60-minute Webinar explains the importance of adding VCONN to OEM RFQ requirements for automotive USB-PD ports as the market shifts from traditional standard A receptacles to newer USB Type-C™ receptacles. It also discusses how adding VCONN to USB-C ports makes it possible to detect and query passenger’s type-C cable identity and performance features and then use this information for the following benefits: 

• To tune the USB-C port to increase performance according to the features of the passenger's cable (Without VCONN, a passenger that brings high-performance cables into the car will see no benefit)
• To present a message on the car infotainment display to make a recommendation for cable upgrade so the passenger knows why poor charging is happening
• To data mine the passenger cable use information in the car and use it, as an OEM company, to plan features to meet passenger needs

The Webinar also looks at how vehicle OEMs who invest R&D dollars in non-VCONN USB-C ports will not be able to meet the ever-growing expectations of car buyers for fast charging, which can have a detrimental effect on brand perception.

An audience Q&A follows the technical presentation.

Speakers :

Michael Miskho, Director, USB Business Management, Automotive Business Unit, Maxim
Integrated

Michael Miskho is a USB strategic marketing expert who delivers high-energy keynote presentations that challenge audiences to apply important concepts to everyday experiences. Michael earned his
MBA from Arizona State University after using his engineering degree in the computing industry for 10 years. During the last eight years, he has helped consumer product-focused business units
establish leadership positions with USB Power Delivery 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Most recently Michael has been working in the automotive industry amidst the transition to USB-PD. He has played a key industry role of training and evangelizing the technologies of USB Power Delivery, helping customers and industry partners relate them to real-world use cases and business opportunities.

 Moderator : Lisa Arrigo, SAE International