Microchip’s USB5734 SmartHub™ IC is a 4 port, SuperSpeed (SS)/Hi-Speed (HS), low power, configurable and fully compliant with the USB3.2 Gen 1 specification. The USB5734 also supports Full Speed (FS) and Low Speed (LS) USB signaling, offering complete coverage of all defined USB operating speeds. The new SuperSpeed hubs operate in parallel with the USB2.0 controller, so 5 Gbps SuperSpeed data transfers are not affected by slower USB2.0 traffic.

SmartHub ICs are defined as USB hubs that integrates system levels functions typically associated with a separate MCU or processor. Microchip’s USB5734 Smart Hub enables communication to other peripherals in addition to USB. This I/O bridging capability allows the host to seamlessly interface to peripherals via I²C, SPI, GPIOs or a UART over USB. Microchip’s Smart hubs also enable a downstream device to take control of the host system by swapping roles and becoming the host port. The Smart hub can also switch between two different hosts if required. This role changing technology is called FlexConnect and can be initiated through hardware or software commands.

SmartHub ICs also supports custom configurations of external ports and GPIO pins. MPLAB Connect Configurator, Microchip’s proprietary software utility, can be used to program On-chip One Time Programmable (OTP) ROM which stores required register settings to ensure the desired start up configuration at power on. All LED, GPIOs and port control signal pins are under firmware control, allowing for maximum operational flexibility. However, for even more simplicity, the USB5734 can be configured through a series of external low-cost resistor bootstraps. A handful of bootstrap pins are available on the USB5734 to enable standard configurations for GPIOs and downstream ports. No OTP programming required.

For even more customization, the USB5734 firmware can be modified, stored and executed from an external SPI FLASH. The SST25VF010A 60MHZ has been tested and is qualified to work directly with the USB5734. Contact your local sales person to discuss further this custom option solution.

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