The USB58xx and USB59xx families are ideal for applications such as monitors, docking stations, digital televisions, set-top boxes and computing peripherals. These applications benefit from the expanded number of external USB 3.1 Gen1 ports available for data connections within a single, monolithic device.

Having a hub IC that supports seven ports avoids the power and cost problem of tiering two four-port devices to provide sufficient downstream ports for end customer applications. A single chip results in a simpler design, cost savings and reduced component footprint.

In addition, Microchip’s proprietary SmartHub technology can further reduce bill of materials (BOM) cost by enabling I/O bridging and FlexConnect for expanded USB hub functionality without adding any additional components.

Microchip enables multiple, direct USB Type-C connections through integrated 2:1 multiplexers which support the reversible connection feature of the USB Type-C connector. In addition, the devices can expand beyond seven ports through PortSplitting, which allows embedded applications to only use the interface needed for their internal USB connection.

Each device also has built-in Billboard support for notifying users when an unsupported device has been connected in a USB Power Delivery application. In addition, the USB58xx and USB59xx families are supported by Microchip’s USBCheck, a free engineering service for reviewing schematics and layout designs.

The product families support a range of solutions based on the application requirements for USB Type-C interfaces. The USB59xx family supports direct upstream interface of USB Type-C, while the USB58xx provides support for legacy, non-USB Type-C interfaces. Both families support legacy battery charging including BC1.2, Apple devices and many non-standard devices available in the market today.