Designing with the Microchip USB2514BT-I/M2 4-Port USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Hub Controller

The Microchip USB2514BT-I/M2 stands as a highly integrated and robust solution for expanding USB connectivity in embedded systems. As a 4-port USB 2.0 Hi-Speed hub controller, it is engineered to provide a seamless and efficient path for connecting multiple peripherals to a single host port. Its design incorporates advanced features that simplify implementation while ensuring reliable, high-performance data transfer.

A primary advantage of this hub controller is its complete system integration. The device requires minimal external components, typically needing only a single 24 MHz crystal and decoupling capacitors to become fully operational. This significantly reduces both the board space required (BoM) and the overall system cost. The integrated USB 2.0 transceivers, termination resistors, and 5V-to-3.3V/1.2V voltage regulators create a truly self-contained solution, streamlining the design process.

Flexible configuration is another cornerstone of the USB2514B. The hub's behavior can be easily tailored through strapping options or via an external Serial PROM (EEPROM) or an SMBus interface. This allows designers to customize critical parameters such as:

Port Mapping and Disabling: Individual downstream ports can be disabled or remapped.

Power Management: Support for ganged or individual port power switching and over-current detection modes.

LED Configuration: Customizing the behavior of port status indicator LEDs.

For complex or high-volume applications, the non-volatile memory (NVM) programming option is invaluable. By storing custom configuration data in a small, low-cost EEPROM, the hub can automatically configure itself upon power-up without any software driver intervention. This enables mass production of devices with a pre-defined, optimized USB hub personality.

When laying out a PCB for the USB2514B, adhering to best practices for high-speed USB design is critical for signal integrity and stable operation. Key considerations include:

Using a continuous ground plane beneath the USB data lines.

Routing the differential DP/DM pairs with controlled impedance (90Ω).

Keeping these traces short, direct, and of equal length.

Placing decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the power pins.

The USB2514BT-I/M2, in its 36-pin QFN package, is particularly suited for space-constrained applications. Its industrial temperature rating (-40°C to +85°C) makes it a dependable choice for a wide range of environments beyond typical consumer electronics, including industrial automation, medical devices, and point-of-sale systems.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip USB2514BT-I/M2 is an exceptional choice for designers seeking a highly integrated, cost-effective, and flexible USB 2.0 hub solution. Its minimal external component count, robust configuration options, and industrial robustness make it a cornerstone component for expanding connectivity in modern embedded designs.

Keywords: USB 2.0 Hub, Embedded Systems, Signal Integrity, Non-Volatile Memory (NVM), High-Speed Data Transfer.