Microchip SuperSpeed Certified USB3 Controller Hubs

Microchip Technology Inc., provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and flash-IP solutions, announced its third-generation USB3 Controller Hubs (UCH3s), the four-member USB553XB-5000 family, which is SuperSpeed Logo Certified by the USB Implementers Forum and is the first to integrate OTP Flash configuration memory.

  
USB5537B-5000 Certified SuperSpeed
Hybrid Hub With 4 USB3 and 3 USB2 Ports

This UCH3 family is also flexible, as it includes a seven-port hybrid version with a certified four-port USB3 hub and three additional USB2 lanes. The remaining three family members feature two-, three- and four-port USB3 hubs, respectively, providing a broad migration path for the designers of PCs, peripherals, computing platforms, storage solutions, networking and consumer devices, set-top boxes, docking stations and monitors.

The designers of computing and peripheral platforms are rapidly adopting the USB3 standard for its increased bandwidth of 5Gbps and higher-power charging ports. To address market pricing, delivery and differentiation pressures, designers need USB3 controller hubs with a high degree of flexibility and integration. New UCH3 family lowers system costs and speeds development by integrating programmable memory that allows OEMs to customize their products and ensure OS compatibility, without the added cost, complexity and board space of off-chip memory.

Additionally, the hybrid controller provides the flexibility to create applications with both USB3 and USB2 ports, such as mobile and PC docking stations, monitors and other peripherals. The availability of two-, three- and four-port USB3 family members enables designers to migrate to the best UCH3 for each design within their platform.

"We’re continuing our legacy of leadership in USB with this latest family of programmable, certified USB3 controller hubs," said Mitch Obolsky, VP of Microchip’s USB and networking group. "As the market leader in USB2 technology, Microchip continues to invest in USB3 connectivity solutions that help our OEM customers achieve their own market leadership."

Development Support
This programmable USB3 controller hub family is the latest to be supported by Microchip’s ProTouch hub configuration software tool, which is available for free download. ProTouch software generates configuration settings and program the UCH3’s internal OTP Flash, or any external SPI Flash.

On the hardware side, Microchip is also announcing two new evaluation boards to support this family. Part # EVB-USB5537B is available for $399, and supports the seven-port USB5537B-5000 hybrid controller hub with four USB3 connectors and thre additional USB2 connectors. Part # EVB-USB5534BC is also available for $399, and supports the development of four-port USB3 applications, along with battery charging.

Pricing and Availability
All four members of Microchip’s third-generation USB3 Controller Hub Family are available for sampling and volume production, with prices starting at $3.58 each in 10,000-unit quantities. The two-, three- and four-port USB5532B-5000, USB5533B-5000 and USB5534B-5000 are available in 64-pin QFN packages. The seven-port, hybrid USB5537B-5000 is available in a 72-pin QFN package.