Single-port USB IC reduces footprint and system costs, says Microchip
One-port devices extend Microchip’s automotive USB automotive family. Automotive manufacturers can use the USB Smart Hub ICs for connectivity within the vehicle. The USB4912 and the USB4712 can be used to add a single port under the radio, in the centre console or used together with wireless charging implementations.
They use the same patented methods as Microchip’s multi-port family. The USB 2.0-compliant devices offer single-port ICs in small footprint packages. Microchip now offers both single-and multi-port options which share the same software, allowing designers to choose configurations to meet design requirements and time-to-market schedules. The USB ICs support smartphones, tablets and other connected devices, without compromising signal integrity, says Microchip.
By using native USB drivers and mechanisms such as Microchip’s patented role-swapping technologies, multi-host reflector and FlexConnect, the USB4912 and the USB4712 Smart Hub ICs easily integrate with infotainment head units, to connect with the smartphone ecosystem of software and applications. Each device includes an embedded 32-bit microcontroller for the implementation of USB I/O bridging. 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.
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.
The USB4712 and USB4912 are offered in a 40-pin VQFN package, compliant with the USB 2.0 specification and have passed AEC-Q100, grade 3 testing.
