The Microchip USB7252C SmartHub™ IC is a low-power, OEM configurable, USB3.2 Gen 2 hub controller with 4 downstream ports and advanced features for embedded USB applications. The USB7252C is fully compliant with the Universal Serial Bus Revision 3.2 Specification and USB 2.0 Link Power Management Addendum. The USB7252C supports 10 Gbps Super-Speed Plus (SS+), 5 Gbps Super-Speed (SS), 480 Mbps Hi-Speed (HS), 12 Mbps Full-Speed (FS), and 1.5 Mbps Low-Speed (LS) USB downstream devices on all enabled downstream ports.

This "C" version contains the latest silicon. All new USB7252 designs should move to this newer "C" version.

A SmartHub IC is defined as a USB hub that integrates system levels functions typically associated with a separate MCU or processor. The USB7252C SmartHub IC enables communication to other peripherals in addition to USB. This I/O Bridging capability allows the host to seamlessly interface to peripherals via I²C, SPI or GPIOs over USB. The USB7252C also enable a downstream device to take control of the host system by swapping roles and becoming the host port. The USB7252C can also switch between two different hosts if required. This role changing technology is called FlexConnect and can be initiated through hardware or software commands.

The USB7252C supports native Type-C connectivity on two of the downstream ports. The hub includes internal Type-C CC pin logic and an internal USB3.2 Gen 2 multiplexer to support both Type-C insertion orientations. The USB7252C supports an additional 2 Type A ports downstream - 1 x USB3.2 Gen2 and 1 x USB2.0. The hub also supports legacy USB speeds (HS/FS/LS) through a dedicated USB2.0 hub controller that is the culmination of six generations of Microchip hub feature controller design and experience with proven reliability, interoperability, and device compatibility. The SuperSpeed Plus hub controller operates in parallel with the USB 2.0 controller, decoupling the 10 Gbps SS data transfers from bottlenecks due to the slower USB 2.0 traffic.

The USB7252C supports downstream battery charging through integrated battery charger detection circuitry supporting the USB-IF Battery Charging (BC1.2) detection method and most Apple^® devices. The USB7252C provides the battery charging handshake and supports the following USB-IF BC1.2 charging profiles: 

• DCP: Dedicated Charging Port (Power brick with no data)

• CDP: Charging Downstream Port (1.5A with data)

• SDP: Standard Downstream Port (0.5A with data) 

• Custom profiles loaded via SPI EEPROM or OTP

MPLAB^® Connect Configurator, Microchip’s proprietary software utility, can be used to program On-chip One Time Programmable (OTP) ROM for the USB7252C which stores required register settings to ensure the desired start up configuration at power on. All LED, GPIOs and port control signal pins are under firmware control, allowing for maximum operational flexibility. However, for even more simplicity, the USB7252C can be configured through a series of external low-cost resistor bootstraps. A handful of bootstrap pins are available on the USB7252 to enable standard configurations for GPIOs and downstream ports. No OTP programming required.

Microchip's complimentary and confidential MicroCHECK design review service, which offers insight from the initial concept to the final PCB layout, is available to customers who are using our products in their projects. You can confidently submit your design materials in a secure and private setting, and our expert engineers will provide individualized feedback to enhance your design. MicroCHECK design review service is subject to Microchip's Program Terms and Conditions and requires a myMicrochip account.

Microchip also offer an SDK for advanced hub configuration features. Go to GitHub to download.