Microchip USB5734T-I/MR: A Comprehensive Overview of the 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub Controller
In the realm of modern computing and peripheral connectivity, the USB hub remains an indispensable component for expanding the limited number of ports available on host devices. The Microchip USB5734T-I/MR stands out as a highly integrated, market-leading solution designed to meet this essential need. This article provides a detailed overview of this robust 4-port USB 2.0 hub controller, examining its key features, internal architecture, target applications, and the value it brings to system design.
At its core, the USB5734T-I/MR is a low-power, high-performance hub controller IC compliant with the USB 2.0 specification. It supports data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps (High-Speed), 12 Mbps (Full-Speed), and 1.5 Mbps (Low-Speed) across its four downstream ports. A critical feature of this hub is its multi-transaction translator (Multi-TT) architecture. Unlike a single-TT hub, which can create a bottleneck by handling all downstream ports with one translator, the Multi-TT design provides one translator per port. This significantly enhances overall bandwidth efficiency, especially when multiple full-speed or low-speed devices are connected simultaneously, preventing a single slow device from degrading the performance of others.
The device is engineered for flexibility and ease of integration. It can be configured in several modes to suit different design requirements: as a self-powered hub, a bus-powered hub, or with individual or ganged power switching and over-current protection for each downstream port. This allows designers to tailor power management to the specific demands of their end product, enhancing both safety and reliability. Furthermore, the hub integrates all necessary termination resistors and requires only a single 24 MHz crystal oscillator, minimizing the bill of materials (BOM) and saving valuable board space.
Another significant advantage is its robust industrial-grade qualification. The "I" in its part number denotes an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable not only for consumer applications but also for harsh industrial, automotive, and commercial environments where reliability is paramount. The device is offered in a compact 32-pin QFN (5x5mm) package (MR), which is ideal for space-constrained designs.
Typical applications for the USB5734T-I/MR are vast and varied. It is commonly found in:
Desktop and Notebook Docking Stations
PC Motherboards and Monitors
Industrial Control and Automation Systems
Gaming Consoles and Peripherals
Smart Appliances and Set-Top Boxes
ICGOOODFIND: The Microchip USB5734T-I/MR emerges as a superior and highly reliable solution for USB port expansion. Its Multi-TT architecture ensures optimal data throughput, while its flexible power management and industrial-grade robustness make it an excellent choice for a wide spectrum of applications, from consumer electronics to demanding industrial systems. Its high level of integration simplifies design and reduces overall system cost, solidifying its position as a go-to component for engineers worldwide.
Keywords: USB 2.0 Hub Controller, Multi-Transaction Translator (Multi-TT), Industrial-Grade, Over-Current Protection, Low-Power.
