Cypress introduces a high-throughput, low-power USB 3.0 controller that enables seamless Gigabit Ethernet connectivity between laptops and docking stations

      Cypress Semiconductor has introduced a high-throughput, low-power SuperSpeed USB controller that converts Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) data to USB 3.0 data. This EZ-USB® GX3™ controller application is targeted at laptops with ultra-thin USB Type-C ports and without bulky Ethernet ports. GX3 provides driver support for all major operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android and Chrom, and enables seamless hot-swappable operation via USB 3.0 ports on laptops, tablets, docking stations, IP set-top boxes and smart TVS.

     Traditional USB 3.0 to GigE bridge solutions have limited data throughput performance and face power management challenges. In terms of throughput, converting GigE packets to USB 3.0 packets reduces the throughput capacity of the USB 3.0 to GigE bridge controller to 700-800 Mbps. EZ-USB GX3 uses a unique data transfer mechanism that bursts multiple GigE packets over USB to deliver 910-Mbps throughput, which is closer to the GigE solution's original 950-Mbps data throughput. In terms of power consumption, traditional USB 3.0 to GigE solutions struggle to support the low power modes in USB 3.0 and the GigE standard, but the GX3 can provide a high energy efficiency solution with multiple energy saving modes for both.

     Mark Fu, senior Director of marketing for Cypress's USB 3.0 product line, said: "Apple MacBook removed the Ethernet interface several years ago, and ultrabook and Chromebooks have followed suit, but consumers still want GigE connectivity for high-definition video content and other applications that require high bandwidth. Our new EZ-USB GX3 solution provides all USB 3.0 systems with the ability to seamlessly connect to high-data throughput GigE Ethernet, whether through the standard USB Type-A or the new USB Type-C port. The GX3 further enhances our SuperSpeed USB product line. Together with our pioneering programmable EZ-PD™ USB Type-C power solution and EZ-USB HX3 USB 3.0 Hub, Cypress has been able to provide a true single-cable docking solution for notebooks, tablets and other portable devices."

     The EZ-USB GX3 controller includes a 1000-gigabit Ethernet MAC and PHY, supports 802.3az energy efficient Ethernet and other advanced power management features, including LAN access wake-up, dynamic power saving mode during idle or low traffic. And the AutoDetach feature to "soft disconnect" the GX3 from the USB host when the Ethernet cable is removed. The USB PHY and controller are fully compliant with USB connection Power Management (LPM) regulations and support U0, U1, U2 and U3 low power states. In addition, GX3 includes an IPv4/IPv6 packet check and offload engine (COE) to reduce CPU load, perform IPv4 IP/TCP/UDP/ICMP/IGMP and IPv6 TCP/UDP/ICMPv6 checksums and generation.

     The USB Type-C standard is rapidly gaining support among top PC vendors, with its small, easy-to-use connectors and cables capable of transferring data over multiple protocols and the ability to deliver up to 100 watts of power - a significant improvement over the previous 7.5-watt standard. The plug height of the Type-C standard connector is only 2.4mm, significantly less than the existing 4.5mm USB Type-A standard connector. And it also allows USB signals to be transmitted over the same connector, as well as display port signals.