Hub controller with USB power delivery for notebook docks, monitors and accessories

Cypress Semiconductor announced it is sampling a USB Type-C hub controller with USB power delivery, claimed to be the industry’s first, and demonstrated it at the Computex 2016 trade show. The USB Type-C and power delivery specifications from the USB implementers Forum (USB-IF) are gaining support with top-tier PC makers by enabling slim industrial designs, easy-to-use connectors and cables, the ability to transmit multiple protocols, and delivery of up to 100W of power – a significant improvement over the previous 7.5W standard. Cypress’s new EZ-USB HX3C hub controller provides these companies with the integrated USB Type-C hub solution required to bring a new generation of notebook docking stations, monitors and accessories to market. Their new solution integrates a USB 3.1 Gen 1 hub controller, a USB Billboard controller and two USB Type-C port controllers into a space-saving, 10mm by 10mm BGA package. The hub controller presents itself to connected devices as a compound hub, providing three exposed downstream ports and one non-removable port. The two USB Type-C port controllers are associated with the upstream port and one downstream port of the hub, supporting Dual Role Port (DRP) on the upstream port and Down Facing Port (DFP) on the downstream port. The non-removable port is permanently attached to the embedded USB Billboard controller, which can be enabled or disabled via configuration settings. In addition to USB Power Delivery, the device supports USB battery charging v1.2 (BC 1.2) and Apple charging standards on all of its downstream ports, providing a complete USB charger solution for portable electronics. “The integration of four chips in one makes HX3C the most compelling USB hub solution for any applications requiring multiple USB Type-C ports supporting power delivery and battery charging standards,” said Mark Fu, Sr. marketing director of Cypress’s USB Business Unit. “HX3C can help customers save 30% on PCB size and 10% on BOM cost compared to discrete solutions. HX3C greatly reduces system design complexity of USB Type-C docking stations, monitors and accessories, and helps PC OEMs to broaden their USB Type-C and Power Delivery product offerings quickly.” “USB Type-C’s slim mechanical design, reversible plug orientation, scalable power delivery and alternate modes provide end-users with an easy-to-use, single-cable solution for data, video and power,” said Jeff Ravencraft, USB-IF president and COO. “We welcome Cypress’s continued expansion of its USB Type-C and power delivery portfolio, which adds to the rapid growth of the USB ecosystem.”