The new USB58xx and USB59xx families families of hub ICs offer manufacturers multiple direct interfaces to USB Type-C connectors for enabling 5 Gbps USB data rates in a single low cost integrated circuit. They are ideal for applications such as monitors, docking stations, digital televisions, set-top boxes and computing peripherals. These applications benefit from the expanded number of external USB 3.1 Gen1 ports available for data connections within a single, monolithic device.
Having a hub IC that supports seven ports avoids the power and cost problem of tiering two four-port devices to provide sufficient downstream ports for end customer applications. A single chip results in a simpler design, cost savings and reduced component footprint. In addition, Microchip’s proprietary SmartHub technology can further reduce bill of materials (BOM) cost by enabling I/O bridging and FlexConnect for expanded USB hub functionality without adding any additional components.
Microchip enables multiple, direct USB Type-C connections through integrated 2:1 multiplexers which support the reversible connection feature of the USB Type-C connector. In addition, the devices can expand beyond seven ports through PortSplitting, which allows embedded applications to only use the interface needed for their internal USB connection. Each device also has built-in Billboard support for notifying users when an unsupported device has been connected in a USB Power Delivery application. In addition, the USB58xx and USB59xx families are supported by Microchip’s USBCheck, a free engineering service for reviewing schematics and layout designs.
The product families support a range of solutions based on the application requirements for USB Type-C interfaces. The USB59xx family supports direct upstream interface of USB Type-C, while the USB58xx provides support for legacy, non-USB Type-C interfaces. Both families support legacy battery charging including BC1.2, Apple devices and many non-standard devices available in the market today.
The USB58xx and USB59xx families are available for sampling and volume production now. The USB58xx family features four devices in 100-pin QFN packages, and the USB59xx family features three devices also in 100-pin QFN packages. Both families are available in industrial and automotive grades.
www.Microchip.com/usb58xx-usb59xx
