USB Insight Hub connects to a host computer by a USB Type-C connector and exposes three USB 3.0 downstream ports, each one with a 1.3-inch screen to display relevant information related to the connected device like: operating system enumeration name (COMx, TTYx, or drive letter), voltage and current drawn. In addition, it is possible to control the individual activation/deactivation of the D+/D- USB 2 data lines to force enumeration and the power control of each downstream device.

A small application running on the host computer extracts the USB information from the operating system and sends it by USB to the USB Insight Hub.

Interface Like a Pro

USB Insight Hub is primarily a tool intended to facilitate the interfacing with USB devices in development environments: it helps to identify the COM or port letter assigned to a plugged USB device, provides immediate feedback of the current and voltage, allows to power cycle the connected USB devices without physically unplugging the cable, and controls the activation of the USB 2 data lines.

Nevertheless, these features can also be useful in production environments where many devices are connected and need enumeration identification with current consumption verification.

Ultimately, the open-source nature of the hardware and software allows the USB Insight Hub to serve as a development platform to tailor its operation to specific user needs. Even if the intention is not to modify the software, having the schematics can help fellow hardware thinkers to work with a white box instead of a black box as with other USB Hubs.

Features & Specifications

USB Interface

• USB 3.0 Hub functionality provided by the Renesas uPD720210. All USB and communications are carried out as a regular USB Hub; the transactions are not monitored or sniffed in any way.
• Three downstream USB 3.0 Type-A ports and one USB 3.0 Type-C upstream port for data and power. Supports USB 2.0 lines (Low, Full, Hi-Speed) and USB 3.0 (5 Gbps).
• Individual USB 2.0 D+/D- switches for each downstream port provide the option to force enumeration without removing power or in cases that only power without communication is required to the connected device.

User Interface

• Three 1.3-inch TFT displays (240x240 IPS with a wide 170° viewing angle), one for each downstream port. The size and quality of the screens allows big and bright fonts to be displayed, thus making easy to see them from a considerable distance in the desk or workbench.
• Three mechanical push buttons to control power (short press) and USB 2.0 data switching (long press). An additional button is provided for setup/configuration.

A dedicated latching switch turns on/off the USB Insight Hub, and sequencing is required.

Controllers

• An Espressif ESP32-S2 microcontroller running Arduino code provides display, metering, control, and communication with the host computer (via USB 2.0).
• STM8S003K3 is used as an IO extender.
• Wi-Fi functionality is available for potential future features.

Power

• One dedicated USB Type-C connector for auxiliary power (Up to 5 A@5 V). This allows to use widely available USB chargers to provide additional current capabilities to the Hub.
• Individual switch (AP22653) for power delivery to each downstream port. Includes current limit (configurable to 0.5 A, 1.0 A, 1.5 A, 2.0 A), short circuit protection and back current limiter.

A dedicated power and energy monitor (PAC1943) provides current and voltage monitoring for each downstream port, with resolutions of 1 mA (current) and 1 mV (voltage).

• To protect against reverse polarity and back-power between the host and auxiliary upstream ports, no diodes in series are used to avoid forward voltage dropout. Instead, two eFuses (TPS259470) perform the power muxing with extremely low series resistance and inrush current control.
• All inputs and outputs (data and power) are properly protected against ESD.

Host computer compatibility

• USB property extraction for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Readily available operating system drivers for the USB Hub and the ESP32-S2 microprocessor.

Other features

• The downstream ports are more spaced than in conventional Hubs to allow wider gadgets to be plugged/unplugged.
• Acrylic protection for the PCB boards and displays.
• Additional STEMMA QT connector to expand the functionality of the USB Insight HUB as per user requirements.
• Programming headers for the main and auxiliary microcontrollers.

Open Source

USB Insight Hub is open hardware. We will release schematics and firmware before the crowdfunding campaign starts.

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