Why a USB 2.0 Signal Conditioner Simplifies Design

By John Bai, HPI BU Marketing Director
Since its introduction in 1996, USB has become the dominant connectivity standard across a huge range of applications. While the newer USB 3.0 version offers data transfer rates up to 5Gbps, the USB 2.0 standard can be a simpler and lower cost alternative to implement.
The older USB 2.0 interface still provides a respectable 480Mbps, which is plenty for many applications such as keyboards or mice, and can handle a power output of up to 500mA. It is also compatible with multiple physical connectors, making it easier to design into a system: USB Type A, B, and C, USB Mini, USB Micro A & B.
Like any data communications interface, USB 2.0 signals can be affected by signal degradation to the point where data can be corrupted or lost. For example, with long cables or PCB traces, the loss of signal strength can cause problems.
To ensure effective operation at high data rates, the USB signals must be conditioned before transmission – including boosting signal strength and shaping the signal by inserting pre-emphasis.
The PI5USB212, a USB 2.0 signal conditioner, is ideal for this essential task. The PI5USB212 can be used in both USB host and device applications and extends the cable length of USB 2.0 cables to five meters, even at data rates of 480Mbps.
By boosting signals and inserting pre-emphasis, it compensates for intersymbol interference (ISI) and improves signal integrity. Its patent-pending design enables it to maintain stable common mode with symmetrical boost/pre-emphasis on D+/D-.
It is self-configuring, which simplifies system design and reduces power usage. It also provides straightforward programming of boost/pre-emphasis level and receiver sensitivity, through pin-strapping or its I2C interface (while the equalization level can only be programmed by I2C mode).
The PI5USB212 detects when no USB attachment is present and reduces its supply current to 0.7mA. Power consumption can be reduced further via the RSTN disable pin, which cuts current to only 13µA. The signal conditioner also detects and reports device-attach and high-speed-handshake success.
To enable full compatibility with USB 2.0 applications, the PI5USB212 is compatible with USB 2.0, OTG 2.0. It has a wide 2.3V to 5.5V supply voltage range with USB port 5.5V tolerance, which means it can operate across all standard USB voltage rails. It is provided in a tiny 1.6mm x 1.6mm package, making it suitable for space-constrained portable applications.
The signal conditioner is well-suited to a broad range of use cases that require USB connectivity, such as notebooks, servers, PCs, docking stations, cable extenders, TVs, and monitors.
USB 2.0 may seem like legacy technology, but the PI5USB212 ensures it meets all the demands of today’s applications.
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