CAMBRIONIX PDS-C04 User manual

User Manual
PDS-C4
2022-11
© 2022 Cambrionix Ltd. All rights reserved.
EN

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1. Table of Contents
1. Table of Contents 1
2. Your PDS-C4 at a glance 3
2.1. Key Features 3
3. Safety 4
3.1. Signal word panel 4
3.2. Safety alert symbol 5
3.3. Pictograms 5
3.4. Product modification 5
3.5. Power supply 6
3.6. Storage and Installation 6
4. Getting Started 8
4.1. Opening your product 8
4.2. What's Included 8
4.3. Connecting to the mains 9
4.4. Connecting to Host 9
4.5. Charging 9
4.6. Cables 9
4.7. Registration 9
4.8. Help and Support 10
5. Using your PDS-C4 11
5.0.1 LED Configuration 11
5.1. Using without connecting to host 11
5.2. Using when connected to host 11
5.2.1 Connecting the Hub to a host computer 12
5.2.2 Charging 12
5.2.3 Data Transfer 12
5.2.4 Communication Interface and Protocol 13
5.3. Scalability 14
5.4. Manage Ports & Your PDS-C4 15
5.4.1 Port Modes 15
5.4.2 Switching port modes 15
5.4.3 Charging Profiles 16
5.4.4 Firmware 16
5.5. Software 18
5.5.1 Installing Software 18

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5.5.2 LiveViewer 19
5.5.3 Cambrionix API 20
5.5.4 Updating Software 20
5.5.5 Removing Software 21
5.5.6 Command Line Instructions (CLI) 22
5.6. Cleaning your PDS-C4 23
6. Product Specifications 24
6.1. Input Power Requirements 24
6.2. Output Power 24
6.3. Error flag rail values 24
6.4. Physical specifications 24
6.5. Consumables and Placing Orders 25
6.6. Power Supply 26
7. Troubleshooting 28
7.1. Initial troubleshooting tips 28
7.2. Logging through LiveViewer 28
7.3. Hardware Failure 28
7.4. Device connection. 29
7.5. Hub connection issues 31
7.6. No GUI 31
7.7. Software troubleshooting 32
8. Disposal 33
9. Returns and Damaged Products 34
9.1. What do I do if my order arrives and something the product is
faulty or is physically damaged? 34
9.2. What happens after I have requested a Return? 34
10. Compliance and Standards 36

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2. Your PDS-C4 at a glance
The PDS-C4has been designed primarily for desktop use, being highly compact and quiet. It
provides 60W of charging power to each of its 4 x USB 2.0 Type-C ports, allowing mobile
devices to be charged quickly, safely and reliably. All ports can be controlled using Cambrionix
software to enable charging and data transfer while monitoring important port and device
information.
The PDS-C4 can charge attached USB devices without using a local computer, and our
intelligent charging algorithm allows almost any device to be charged at its optimum rate (up to
3A). The firmware can be updated to enable new charging profiles, ensuring the PDS-C4 can
charge the latest devices. It is ready to charge out-of-the-box and sync devices when attached
to a host computer.
When a local (host) computer is connected, the host can control the operation of the ports
using available software. Device charging and synchronisation can be monitored through
Cambrionix’s LiveViewer App, the Application Programming Interface (API) or Command Line
Interface (CLI). Cambrionix’s free monitoring and control software can be downloaded from
www.cambrionix.com/software
2.1. Key Features
Up To
480 Mbps
per Port
Up To
3A
per Port
Up To
16
Devices
Transfer Data Seamlessly Power Scalability
Each high-speed port can
transfer data up to 480 Mbps
Each port can charge devices
up to 3A (60W)
Up to 16 devices can be con-
nected at once using mul-
tiple hubs

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3. Safety
This user manual is for informational purposes only, it contains information for the start-up and
operation of this product. Note: the contents and the product described are subject to change
without notice. To avoid injuries and damage, observe the safety instructions in the user
manual.
This manual has been arranged to follow IEC/ICEE 82079-1 standard. This is to facilitate the
easier understanding and location of information relating to the PDS-C4. Any errors or
omissions can be reported using our support ticket system (seeHelp and Support). This way,
any issues can be collected and fixed.
Understanding and observing the instructions in this user manual are prerequisites for
hazard-free use and safety during operation. This user manual cannot cover all possible
applications. If you would like additional information or if problems arise that are not
sufficiently addressed in this manual, please ask your distributor or contact us directly using
the means preferred, which are located on the back cover of this manual.
CAUTION
Personal Injury and Damage to the product
lObserve the safety instructions in this user manual
3.1. Signal word panel
Depending on the probability of serious consequences, potential dangers are identified with a
signal word, the corresponding safety colour, and if appropriate, the safety alert symbol.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in moderate or
minor (reversible) injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage
to the product and its functions, or to property in its proximity.

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3.2. Safety alert symbol
Use of the safety alert symbol indicates a risk of injury.
Observe all measures that are marked with the safety alert symbol in order to
avoid injury
3.3. Pictograms
Warning Signs
Electrical hazard Fire Hazard
Mandatory action signs
Read operating instructions Mandatory regulation
3.4. Product modification
Cambrionix products are designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of UK and
International safety regulations. Modifications to the product could affect safety and render
the product non-compliant with relevant safety standards, resulting in injury or damage to the
product.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
lDo not modify the product in any way.
lDo not dismantle the product.
CAUTION
Fire, or personal injury may occur

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CAUTION
lDo not obstruct air vents on the product.
lDo not cover the product in combustible material.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
lDo not bend or compress any part of the product.
3.5. Power supply
This section describes the safety precautions you must follow when using the power supply.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
lDo not use a damaged power cord or plug, or a loose power socket.
lDo not touch the power plug with wet hands.
lDo not allow liquids to come into contact with the unit or power supply.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
lDo not short circuit the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplied with your
product.
lDo not disconnect the power cord while the product is being used.
lDo not bend or pull the power cord with excessive force.
lDo not use a power supply that exceeds the power supply specifications
within this manual
3.6. Storage and Installation

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This section describes safety precautions you must follow when installing and storing your
PDS-C4.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
lDo not place the power cord near heat sources.
lConnect the plug to an earthed socket.
CAUTION
Damage to your Cambrionix product may occur
lOperate the product only in an environment where the ambient
temperature is inside the operating temperature range.
lOperate the product only in an environment where the relative humidity is
inside the operating range.
lBe careful not to leave the power cord underneath a heavy object.
CAUTION
Overheated power sockets may cause a fire
lDo not overload the power socket that your hub is connected to.
lInsert the power plug all the way into the socket so that it is not loose.

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4. Getting Started
This manual provides a reference for end-users installing for the first time and using their hub
after that. As well as a guide for product safety-related information.
The PDS-C4 is intended to be used in an indoor static environment in which the environment
falls within the tested specifications to provide charge, sync and management functionality.
Please see the physical specifications section of this manual for information on the
environment specifications.
4.1. Opening your product
When you have received your product, please check the packing slip to ensure all contents and
quantities are correct before opening. This is to avoid retesting and repackaging any items that
are not required.
When opening the packaging, use a suitable method to open the box i.e, do not use a knife. This
is to ensure the product is not damaged.
CAUTION
Personal Injury and Damage to the product
lThere will be a sticker on the hub advising you to read the User manual before use. This
will need to be removed before use as it may be covering host ports, vents etc.
4.2. What's Included
lPDS-C4 Hub
l2m Mains power cable (Country specified on order including fuse for the UKplugs)
lPower Supply Unit
Part description Part number
Power Supply Unit 200402
UK Power cable 200144
US Power cable 200327
EU Power cable 200329
AUSPower cable 200337
IND Power cable 200341

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4.3. Connecting to the mains
Connect the Power Supply Unit (PSU) to the hub using the 4-pin DIN plug. Connect the power
cable to the PSU. Making sure you adhere to local safety regulations, connect the power cable
to the 100 – 250 VAC mains power outlet and switch the hub on using the small power switch
located adjacent to the power input connector on the hub. When the device is switched on, a
red LED next to the power input will be illuminated. The hub is now ready to charge attached
devices.
Periodic inspections should be made to power supply cables and any USB cables for any signs
of damage. If any damage is found, replace the damaged cord before further use.
4.4. Connecting to Host
Once the power is connected, connect the PDS-C4 to your host system using a USB 2.0 Type-C
cable. Using an incorrect host cable may result in the hub and all subsequent ports not being
recognised by your host.
Please note that USB specifications require a minimum 100 mA charge current to be delivered
during data transfer. As indicated in above, if the attached device has a BC1.2 compliant CDP
port, the device can draw up to 3A while transferring data.
4.5. Charging
Your PDS-C4 will allow your device to charge at the maximum rate possible up to 3A. The way
that charging takes place is the PDS-C4 will provide the device with a capability to charge and
the devices USB charging controller will determine the maximum amount of charge it wants to
draw down.
Although a maximum charge rate of 3A is possible, the device itself detrimes the exact rate and
as such you may not see the maximumamount of charging on every device type that is
connected.
4.6. Cables
Some USB cables are data transfer only, and some are power delivery only. There are also
options that can handle both tasks. Be sure to verify a cable’s abilities before purchasing it and
select a cable which can handle the speeds and power transfer that you require. We would
advice using the cable that was provided with the device to connect to our hubs.
4.7. Registration
You may register your product at www.cambrionix.com/product-registration

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4.8. Help and Support
FAQs and help can be found on the Help page here
lwww.cambrionix.com/help_pages/help.
You can raise a support ticket for more in depth support here
lhttps://cambrionix.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals
You can also download any of our manuals and keep up to date at the link here
lwww.cambrionix.com/product-user-manuals
When contacting support, please supply the product information for the hub in question. This
can be found on the Device Information Plate which is either on the underside or back of the
unit.
Providing serial and Purchaseorder numbers, can help identify the product in question faster,
and speed up the process.

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5. Using your PDS-C4
In this section, you can find information using your hub in charge or sync application. You can
also find information on managing your hub, changing port modes, connecting multiple hubs to
one host and using Cambrionix Software.
5.0.1 LED Configuration
Your PDS-C4 has inbuilt LEDs used to show the state of the ports or devices. These LEDs can be
configured to support your use case; this can be controlled either by using the APIto send
commands directly or through separate software.
The default LED behaviour of the hub is below.
Colour Behaviour
Flashing Red Port is in charge mode and is profiling the device
Red Port is in charge mode and is charging
Yellow Port is in sync mode and has a host connection
Green Port is in charge mode and the device has reached
the charged threshold
LEDOff No Device is detected
5.1. Using without connecting to host
When the Hub is switched on and is not connected to a local host computer it is
automatically configured to charge devices using its intelligent charging algorithm. Connect the
devices to be charged to any of the available ports (not the Host Port) using
USB - compliant cables.
Once the devices are connected, the algorithm will detect the highest charge rate allowable for
each attached device. Charging at the optimum rate (up to 3A) specified by the manufacturer
will commence once profiling is complete. Depending on the state of charge of the device
attached, this may take tens of seconds.
5.2. Using when connected to host

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5.2.1 Connecting the Hub to a host computer
Connect the PDS-C4 to your host system using a USB 2.0 Type-C cable. Using an incorrect host
cable may result in the hub and all subsequent ports not being recognised by your host.
5.2.2 Charging
When the Host Port is connected to a local computer, the hub defaults to Sync mode and
charge currents are determined according to USB Implementers Forum (USBIF) Super-Speed
USB3 specifications. If the attached device complies with USB-IF Battery Charging
specification BC1.2 and supports Charging Downstream Port (CDP), the hub can provide
high-speed charging at 3A. If the connected device does not comply with BC1.2, the charge
current will be limited to 500 mA in compliance with USB specifications.
If you wish to limit the charging to your devices whilst connected to your host system then you
can disable CDPon all ports by inputting the following commands.
The CLI commands for turning off the sync charge options, with a 1 or 0 per port.
settings_unlock settings_reset settings_set sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 settings_set alt_sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
reboot
This can also be done via the API if this is easier. Just supply that string (joined with \n) like:
cbrxapi.cbrx_connection_set(handle, "settings",
"settings_unlock\nsettings_reset\nsettings_set sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0\nsettings_set alt_sync_chrg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0\nreboot")
Note that settings_reset clears any previous settings, so if you need to retain something else, it
would be better to issue settings_display first, which gives you the entire settings which you
can then modify and re-issue in entirity.
5.2.3 Data Transfer
If you wish to transfer data, change applications, restore or update your mobile device, a data
connection to a local host computer is required. The hub is compatible with macOS®,
Windows™ and Linux® operating systems and can transfer data between these operating
systems and many mobile operating systems such as iOS™ and Android™.
In order to transfer data, connect the host port to your local (host) computer using a USB 2.0
Type-C compliant cable. Any devices connected to the hub will now appear as if they were
connected to the host computer’s USB port.

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5.2.4 Communication Interface and Protocol
The PDS-C4 appears as a virtual serial port (also called a UART or VCP). On Microsoft Windows™,
the system will appear as a COM port, the COMport number can be found in device manager.
On macOS®, a device file is created in the / directory. S is an alpha-numeric serial string unique
to each device
/dev/tty.usbserial S
Devices incorporate a FT230X USB to UART converter IC from FTDI International. On Windows 7
or later, a driver may automatically be installed (if Windows is configured to download drivers
from the internet automatically). If this is not the case, or if a Mac® or Linux® platform is used,
the driver may be downloaded from www.ftdichip.com. The VCP drivers are required. For Linux®
or Mac computers, the default OS drivers should be used.
The default communications settings should be set to 115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, and
one stop bit. This is sometimes referred to as "115200,8,N,1". No flow control is used. ANSI
terminal emulation should be selected

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5.3. Scalability
If you wish to synchronise more devices, multiple hubs can be connected to allow more devices
to be managed from a single host computer simultaneously.
To daisy-chain multiple hubs, each hub needs to be connected to mains power
individually, and the first hub in the chain should be connected to the local computer through
the hub’s “host port”. The host port of the next hub in the daisy-chain is then connected to any
of the first hub's downstream USB ports. More hubs are added in the same way.

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5.4. Manage Ports & Your PDS-C4
Each port on your PDS-C4 can be managed either individually, or all together. You can turn the
ports off and on, change the port mode, or change the charging profiles. This can be done either
through LiveViewer, or by connecting to the hub via the API.
5.4.1 Port Modes
Sync Turn specific ports or the whole hub to sync mode
Off
Turn specific ports on or off or switch the whole hub on or off (no
power and no data channels open, mimics unplugging the
device)
5.4.2 Switching port modes
You can switch between port modes by using our LiveViewer application or by using the CLI. If
you switch a port off then this will stop any connection taking place to the USBdevice and
would mimic unplugging the USB device completely from the host system.
If you are in Sync mode and then switch to Charge mode the USB device will disconnect briefly
whilst the profiling process takes place. Once the profiling has taken place, and a charging
profile is selected, the device will then draw a charge rate, which will be defined by the charging
controller within the USBdevice. The charging profile will limit the maximum amount that the
device is able to draw.
If you are in Off or Charge mode and switch to Sync mode the USB device will disconnect briefly
whilst a data connection is opened, the USBdevice will then become available to the host as if
the USB device is connected directly to the host, and will be able to sync data at a maximum
rate of 480 Mbps. The PDS-C4 will also charge the device whilst connected. It is impossible to
have a data connection to a USBdevice without any power negotiating, you can reduce the
charging rates available by disabling CDP (Charging downstream port).
You can disable CDPthrough NVRAMsettings either by going through the hub settings and
turning "Sync charge" off or through the APIand disabling it via code. For example, using the
command line, the instructions would be as below.
settings_unlock settings_set sync_chrg
0000000000000000

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5.4.3 Charging Profiles
To ensure attached devices charge at their optimum rate, our smart USB hubs come with the
below intelligent charging profiles built in:
1 15W
2 27W
3 45W
4 60W
5.4.4 Firmware
The firmware can be kept up to date using our LiveViewer software. As part of delivering an
easy user experience, our LiveViewer application is now a set-and-forget solution. The
LiveViewer application will discover your USB hub’s firmware and present an update for you.
To update the firmware, first, go to the firmware updater section of LiveViewer. Here you can
see the available Firmware versions to download and install to the hub.
The current firmware version on the hub is displayed in the firmware updater section alongside
the hub's name. This will appear red if a newer version is available or green if it is the most up to
date.
To install the firmware onto the hub click the hub/ hubs connected that you want to update,
then select the firmware version you want to upgrade to. Once selected press the update
button at the top and the update will commence.

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Firmware versions and hardware
We advise not to change the firmware version on any new products you receive as this may
cause compatibility issues and stop your PDS-C4 from functioning.
CAUTION
Your PDS-C4 may not function correctly
lDo not install old firmware onto a new product
CAUTION
Your Cambrionix Firmware may get corrupted
lDo not interrupt the Firmware update process.
lDo not disconnect the power during the update process.

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5.5. Software
More productivity, saving you time. Cambrionix provides interfaces by which the Hub can be
monitored and managed:
lLiveViewer
lCambrionix Connect
lCambrionix API
lCommand Line Instructions
The PDS-C4 uses string commands to communicate with the host system. These can be sent
via the virtual serial port of the PDS-C4 directly, or the API can be used to provide other
protocols that send translated string commands. LiveViewer can use the API to interact with
the devices through a user-friendly application.
There are three different channels for both our LiveViewer application and the API. The three
channels are Alpha/ Beta and Release. We would recommend using the release version of both
the APIand LiveViewer.
We will push bug fixes and updates through Alpha and then onto Beta before it is merged into
the Release version. If you have found a bug that we have a fix for, the Alpha and Beta releases
may already have addressed these and implemented fixes.
5.5.1 Installing Software
Cambrionix has two pieces of software that can be used to manage the devices and your hub
using different host systems. This section has instructions and information on using our
software on three of the most popular host systems.
Our software is available to download from www.cambrionix.com/software, you will find
software available for Windows™, Mac® and Linux® Systems.
Linux® OS systems tested with our software are Ubuntu 18.04 LTS or Debian 9; some other OS
versions based on the two mentioned will work. Some different Linux® OS versions may work,
but we have not tested with them.
To install on Mac® and Windows™ systems, download the install files from the above link, once
downloaded run the install process and dialogue boxes will help you through installation and
initial set-up.
For Linux® systems, download the install files from the website at the above link. Once
downloaded, you can either install it from the desktop GUI or the command line via:

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sudo apt install ./
after this command you will need to enter the file name that has just been downloaded from
our website.
5.5.2 LiveViewer
LiveViewer is an application downloaded from www.cambrionix.com/products/liveviewer. Once
downloaded and installed on the host computer, LiveViewer allows you to switch the ports on
and off and set the port mode. LiveViewer’s home page shows the following information about
all the ports:
• Status (Attached/disconnected)
• Mode (Charge/Sync/Off)
• Profile (Charging profile)
• Duration (How long the device has been attached)
• End time (Time the battery reaches a threshold (full) level)
• Current (Quick charge current in mA)
• Energy (Present energy rate)
Tick boxes adjacent to each port symbol allow that port mode to be changed when the "enable
port controls" is selected. When the port is in Sync mode, only instantaneous current can be
monitored through LiveViewer. When the port is in Charge mode, the charge profile, current,
energy rate, charge duration and end time are displayed. In addition to individual port
information and control, LiveViewer shows the hub rail voltages, time since switched on, total
current and power, and temperature. Further details on LiveViewer are available on our website.
NVRAMsettings
Within your hub, there are some specific controllable settings called "non-volatile
RAMsettings", which are referred to as NVRAM settings. These control a variety of different
settings on your PDS-C4.
You can navigate to the NVRAMsettings by opening LiveViewer and selecting the hub you want
to connect to. Once you have chosen the connected hub, navigate to the below icon on the top
right of the screen from LiveViewer and then clicking advanced on the bottom of the page
Once you have pressed advanced this will take you to the advanced settings page where you
can view and change the NVRAMsettings, including reverting back to default factory settings.