Microchip has introduced the first batch of USB3.0 smart hubs that can implement host and device port switching, I / O bridges, and various other serial communication interfaces. The USB5734 and USB5744 have integrated microcontrollers that can provide new functions for USB hubs while reducing overall BOM cost and software complexity. The company said that the USB5734 / 44 series has passed the USB-IF logo certification (TID 330000058), has first-class signal integrity, enables a more robust PCB design, and reduces sensitivity to changes in cables, connectors, and layout.
Smart Hub is a USB hub that integrates system-level functions usually associated with a separate MCU or processor. Microchip's new USB3.0 smart hub enables USB to communicate directly with I2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO interfaces, communicate with upstream host controllers outside the USB connection, and communicate with many types of peripheral devices. This integrated function can eliminate the need for other external microcontrollers, thereby greatly reducing the complexity of the system design, while providing improved control of the USB host hardware.
Microchip's patented FlexConnect technology provides the USB5734 Smart Hub with unique capabilities that can be dynamically exchanged between the USB host and the USB device through hardware and / or software system commands, allowing the new USB host to access downstream resources.
This same FlexConnect technology can also switch common downstream resources between two different USB hosts. Integrating FlexConnect into the system simplifies the overall software requirements of the main host, because class drivers and application software are always located locally where the device becomes the host.
System developers can easily configure ports and use low-cost resistor bootloaders to select application settings. If you need more advanced functions, you can use Microchip's configuration tool ProTouch2 to configure and program the USB5734 / 44. The USB5734 and USB5744 USB3.0 controller hubs can provide a wide range of applications in computing, embedded, medical, industrial and networking markets. Examples of end applications include HDTVs, tablets, laptops, e-readers, cameras, docking stations, monitors, handheld devices, point-of-sale devices, ATMs, set-top boxes, junction boxes, and motion sensors. The USB5744 is packaged in a 56-pin 7 x 7 mm package and is the industry ’s smallest USB3.0 hub, suitable for applications where board space is critical.
Microchip's USB 3.0 controller hub evaluation board (EVB-USB5734) and USB 3.0 small controller hub evaluation board (EVB-USB5744) support USB5734 and USB5744.
It is priced at $ 299.00 and can be bought today. The EVB-USB5734 contains mezzanine cards, which can be used as a preset application configuration to easily test and develop the USB5734 system.
The USB5734 is now available in a 64-pin QFN (9mm x 9mm) package, which can be used for sampling and mass production. The company said that the USB5744 can now be sampled and mass produced in a 56-pin QFN (7mm x 7mm) package.
