Digi Edgeport/8r, Edgeport/4, 412, 21 Understanding Hubs, Example of a Typical Hub Configuration

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Understanding Hubs

Hubs, critical components in the USB architecture, are wiring concentrators that enable the attachment of multiple devices, thus converting a single attachment point into multiple attachment points. USB architecture allows a cascaded multiple hub configuration with certain power limitations (explained later in this section). See figure 1.

PC

 

Host

 

 

 

Hubport

 

 

Edgeport

Edgeport

Hubport

 

 

Edgeport

bu s-powered hub

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joystick mouse

Figure 1: Example of a Typical Hub Configuration

Each hub has an upstream port, connecting to the host, and multiple downstream ports, connecting to downstream devices, possibly including other hubs. A hub can detect attachment and detachment of downstream devices and enable and monitor the distribution of the power to downstream devices via their integral hardware and the operating system.

Each USB device reports its power requirements to the operating system, which then enables and disables the device as a function of its power requirements and the amount of available power. High powered devices typically need to be connected to a self-powered hub, such as the Hubport, which obtains power from its external power supply and provides up to 500 mA for each downstream port. Only low powered devices, such as a mouse, can be connected to a bus-powered hub, which obtains power from its upstream host and provides up to 100 mA for each downstream port.

Due to the limited available power for bus-powered hubs, cascading two bus-powered hubs is an illegal topology, and devices connected to the second hub will not function. USB specifications limit the connection of a bus-powered hub to a self-powered hub or host only. Since Edgeport/421, Edgeport/42, Edgeport/42+, Edgeport/416 and Edgeport/412 operate as self-powered hubs, they are not affected by this limitation.

According to the USB Specification, the maximum limit of hubs cascaded in series cannot exceed five. In other words, you may have a maximum of five hubs between any device and the host. This does NOT mean that the maximum number of hubs in a system is five. Indeed, up to seven hubs can be connected parallel at any given level. You must tally both external and embedded hubs when counting downstream hubs.

Edgeport Installation Guide (90000403 Rev. D) – Page 18

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Contents Edgeport Table of Contents Edgeport Products Edgeport/8rr RJ-12 Pin Assignments Cabling EdgeportEdgeport/8r RJ-45 Pin Assignments Installing the Hub Drivers Edgeport/21 Edgeport/42, Edgeport/421For Windows 95 Users For Windows 98, CE, SE, Me, 2000 and XP UsersUsing the Printer Port For Windows 95, 98, CE, SE, Me, 2000, XP and NT UsersEdgeport/412, Edgeport/416 Edgeport/2c For Windows 98, CE, SE, Me, 2000, and XP Users Installing the Printer PortEdgeport/21c, Edgeport/22c Edgeport Driver Installation For Windows XP, 2000, and 2003 ServerFor Windows 98, and Me For Windows NTFor Windows System Status Light For All Edgeports except the Edgeport/1Mounting Diagrams General Tab Edgeport Utility ProgramFor All Windows Operating Systems Edgeport Installation Guide 90000403 Rev. D Edgeport Installation Guide 90000403 Rev. D Edgeport Installation Guide 90000403 Rev. D Version Tab Advanced Tab Example of a Typical Hub Configuration Understanding HubsRegulatory & Other Information For U.S. Government useFor non-U.S. Government use FCC Regulation Part Declaration of Conformity DoCDepartment of Communication DOC Notice Canada only European Community CE Mark Declaration of Conformity DOCUL/CSA Safety Information Digi InternationalEN 55022 Class B 1994 w/A1 EN55024