Microchip Technology added new single-port products to its USB 2.0 Smart Hub IC family providing automakers more options to fit varying design needs. The new products will complete demand for in-vehicle entertainment and smartphone applications. The new devices will provide precisely what is required for single-port implementations and will be a perfect fit for adding a single port under the radio, in the centre console or alongside wireless charging implementations.
The USB4912 and the USB4712 use the same patented methods as their multi-port family and are USB 2.0 compliant. The devices feature single-port Integrated Circuits (ICs) in smaller footprint packages which further optimizes a customer’s Bill of Materials (BoM) and lowering total system costs. Now designers have the flexibility to choose configurations and seamlessly implement solutions that fit their designs and get to market faster with both single-and multi-port options that share the same software.
The new diverse USB solutions support smartphones, tablets and other connected devices, without compromising signal integrity. The USB4912 and the USB4712 Smart Hub ICs optimize design and easily integrate with infotainment head units by using native USB drivers and mechanisms like Microchip’s patented role swapping technologies, multi-host reflector and FlexConnect which allows a seamless connection with the smartphone ecosystem of software and applications.
Each device in this USB solution incorporates an embedded 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) for the implementation of USB I/O bridging. Also, 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. While the USB4912 is a low-power, configurable, USB 2.0 hub controller which allows connectivity to be extended to GPIO, I2C, SPI and UART so that the USB Smart Hub becomes the centre for system connectivity and control.
Pricing and Availability
Both USB products i.e. USB4912 and the USB4712 are compliant with the USB 2.0 specification and have passed the AEC-Q100, grade 3 testing. The devices comes in a 40-pin VQFN package where USB4712 is available for $1.60 and the USB4912 is available for $1.89, each in 10,000-unit quantities from Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.
