Single-port USB smart hub ICs can optimise system costs for manufacturers

Microchip has introduced new single-port USB Smart Hub ICs to enlarge its family of USB automotive products, giving automotive manufacturers the capability to offer dependable and convenient connectivity while optimising system costs. The USB4912 and the USB4712 give what is needed for single-port implementations and can be utilised to add a single port under the radio, in the centre console or together with wireless charging implementations.

Employing the same patented methods as the multi-port family, the USB 2.0-compliant devices provide single-port ICs in smaller footprint packages, optimising a customer’s BoM and reducing total system costs. Now with both single and multi-port options which share the same software, designers can pick configurations and seamlessly execute solutions that meet their designs and get to market faster. These diverse USB solutions support tablets, smartphones, and other connected devices, with no compromise on signal integrity.

By employing native USB drivers and mechanisms such as the company's patented role-swapping technologies, multi-host reflector and FlexConnect, the ICs optimise design and effortlessly integrate with infotainment head units, enabling a seamless connection with the smartphone ecosystem of software and applications. Each device comprises an embedded 32-bit MCU for the implementation of USB I/O bridging. Both devices support USB 2.0 Low Speed, Full Speed and Hi-Speed with a single USB 2.0 Hi-Speed upstream port for host connection. As a configurable, low-power, USB 2.0 hub controller, the USB4912 provides connectivity to be extended to GPIO, I2C, SPI and UART so that the USB Smart Hub becomes the centre for system connectivity and control.

The devices are provided in a 40-pin VQFN package, compliant with the USB 2.0 specification and have passed AEC-Q100, grade 3 testing.