The USB5734 and USB5744 integrate a microcontroller that adds new functionality to USB hubs while reducing total bill of materials costs and software complexity. The USB5734/44 family is certified with the USB-IF logo (TID 330000058) and features best-in-class signal integrity for the most robust PCB designs, as well as reduced sensitivity to cable, connector, and trace variations.
A Smart Hub is a USB hub that integrates system-level functions typically associated with a separate microcontroller or processor. The new USB 3.0 Smart Hubs allow the host controller to communicate with numerous types of external peripherals beyond the USB connection by directly bridging USB to I2C™, SPI, UART, and GPIO interfaces. This integrated functionality can greatly reduce system design complexity by eliminating the need for an additional external microcontroller and providing enhanced control from the USB host hardware.
Microchip's patented FlexConnect technology gives the USB5734 Smart Hub the unique ability to dynamically switch between a USB host and a USB device using hardware and/or software system commands that grant the new USB host access to downstream resources.
This same FlexConnect technology can also allow common resources to be shared between two USB hosts. Incorporating FlexConnect into a system simplifies software requirements for the primary host, as drivers and application software remain local to the device that becomes the host.
System developers can easily configure ports and select application settings using low-cost bootstrap resistors. For more advanced functionality, the USB5734/44 can be configured and programmed using Microchip's ProTouch2 configuration tool.
The USB5734 and USB5744 USB 3.0 controller hubs cover a wide range of applications in the computing, embedded device, medical, industrial, and networking markets. Examples of end-user applications include HDTVs, tablets, laptops, e-readers, cameras, docking stations, monitors, handheld devices, point-of-sale terminals, ATMs, set-top boxes, automotive diagnostic equipment, and motion sensors, among others. The USB5744 comes in a
56-pin, 7 x 7 mm package and is the smallest USB 3.0 hub on the market for space-constrained applications.
The USB5734 and USB5744 are supported by Microchip's USB 3.0 Controller Hub Evaluation Board (EVB-USB5734), priced at $399.00, and the USB 3.0 Small Form Factor Controller Hub Evaluation Board (EVB-USB5744), priced at $299.00, both of which are available now. The EVB-USB5734 incorporates mezzanine boards that can be used as pre-configured application setups to facilitate testing and development of a USB5734 system.
The USB5734 is now available for sampling and volume production in a 64-pin (9 x 9 mm) QFN package. The USB5744 is now available for sampling and volume production in a 56-pin (7 x 7 mm) QFN package.
