Microchip introduces a single-port USB Smart Hub IC that helps automakers optimize system costs

     Microchip announces new single-port products USB4912 and USB4712. The two products are part of Microchip's USB2.0 Smart Hub IC family, designed to provide automakers with more options to meet changing design needs. The USB4912 and USB4712 provide precisely the functionality needed for a single-port implementation, making them ideal for adding a single port in radio, console, or wireless charging applications.

     Conforming to the USB 2.0 specification and using the same patented technology as the multi-port family, these new single-port IC packages are smaller in size, helping customers save materials and reduce overall system costs. With single-port and multi-port products using the same system software, designers can choose configurations, smoothly implement solutions that fit their product designs, and speed up time-to-market. These rich USB solutions support smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices without compromising signal integrity.

     "These products were developed in direct response to customer demand for single-port products," said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip's USB and Networking business unit. Based on Microchip's leadership in the multi-port space, we currently offer a variety of products that support USB2.0, USB3.0, and have one to four ports. Microchip's global support team and development tools continue to support our solutions and help customers streamline the design process."

     The USB4912 and USB4712 Smart Hub ics use native USB drivers and mechanisms, such as Microchip's patented role exchange technology, multi-host reflectors, and FlexConnect, for optimized design and easy integration into infotainment hosts. And seamlessly connect to your smartphone's software and app ecosystem. Both products have a built-in 32-bit microcontroller for USB I/O bridging. Both products support USB 2.0 low, full and high speed products, and have a single USB 2.0 high speed upstream port for connecting to the host. As a low-power, configurable USB 2.0 Hub control device, the USB4912 extends connectivity capabilities to GPIO, I2C, SPI and UART, making the USB Smart Hub the hub for system connectivity and control.