A Smart Hub is a USB hub that integrates system-level functions typically associated with a separate MCU or processor. Microchip’s new USB3.0 Smart hubs enable the upstream host controller to communicate to numerous types of external peripherals beyond the USB connection through direct bridging from USB to I2C, SPI, UART and GPIO interfaces. This integrated functionality can greatly reduce the complexity of system design by eliminating the need for additional external microcontroller, while providing improved control from the USB host hardware.

Microchip’s patented FlexConnect technology provides the USB5734 Smart Hub the unique ability to dynamically swap between a USB host and a USB device through hardware and/or software system commands giving the new USB host access to downstream resources. This same FlexConnect technology can also switch common downstream resources between two different USB hosts. Incorporating FlexConnect into a system simplifies the overall software requirements of the primary host, as class drivers and application software stay local to the Device-turned-Host.

System developers can easily configure ports and choose application settings with low-cost resistor bootstraps. If more advanced functionality is required, the USB5734/44 can be configured and programmed with Microchip’s configuration tool, ProTouch2.

The USB5734 and USB5744 USB3.0 controller hubs serve a wide range of applications in the computing, embedded, medical, industrial and networking markets. Examples of end applications include HDTV, tablets, notebooks, eReaders, cameras, docking stations, monitors, handheld devices, point-of-sale equipment, ATMs, set-top boxes, break-out boxes, motion sensors, among others. Available 56-pin, 7 x 7 mm package, the USB5744 is the industry’s smallest USB3.0 Hub for applications where board space is important.