Microchip introduces a new smart hub with FlexConnect

     Microchip Technology has introduced the first USB3.0 smart hub product with host and device port switching, I/O bridging, and various other serial communication interface features. The new USB5734 and USB5744 devices include an integrated microcontroller that brings new capabilities to the USB hub, reducing overall BOM costs while also reducing software complexity. The USB5734/44 series has been marked by the USB-IF Institute (TID 330000058) for the best signal integrity, enabling more robust PCB designs and reducing sensitivity to different cables, connectors and cabling.

     A smart hub is a USB hub that integrates system-level functionality normally associated with a separate MCU or processor. Microchip's new USB3.0 smart hub allows uplink host controllers to communicate with many types of peripherals without using a USB connection via direct bridge from USB to I2C™, SPI, UART, and GPIO interfaces. This integration function does not require additional external microcontroller, greatly reduces the complexity of system design, and enhances the control function of USB host hardware.

     Microchip's patented FlexConnect technology gives the USB5734 smart hub the unique ability to dynamically exchange USB hosts and USB devices via hardware and/or software system commands, allowing new USB hosts to access downlink resources as well. Similarly, FlexConnect technology can also switch shared downlink resources between two different USB hosts. Since the class drivers and application software reside on the device converted to the host, integrating FlexConnect functionality into the system greatly simplifies the overall software requirements for the master host.

     USB5734 and USB5744 USB3.0 controller hubs are used in a wide range of applications, including computing, embedded, medical, industrial and networking markets. Examples of end-use applications include HDTVS, tablets, laptops, e-book readers, cameras, docking stations, displays, handheld devices, POS devices, ATMs, set-top boxes, distribution boxes, and motion sensors. Available in a 56-pin 7x 7mm package, the USB5744 is the industry's smallest USB3.0 hub for board space-constrained applications.

     Mitch Obolsky, Microchip's vice president of USB and Networking, said: "Microchip's new smart hub products draw on the successful experience of the previous three generations of USB 3.0 hubs, integrating more advanced features through additional communication interfaces. At the same time, our unique FlexConnect technology adds host port switching and switching capabilities to the new product. The USB-IF certified USB5734 and USB5744 not only simplify system design, but also reduce board area, bringing Microchip's proven USB hub interoperability capabilities to the industry.