CAMBRIONIX PDS-C4 User manual

User Manual
PDS-C4

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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 7
4.Getting Started 8
4.1.What's Included 8
4.2.Connecting to the mains 8
4.3.Connecting to Host 8
4.4.Previous versions of Windows 8
4.5.Registration 8
4.6.Help and Support 9
5.Using your PDS-C4 10
5.1.Using without connecting to a host computer 10
5.2.Using when connected to a host computer 10
5.2.1 Charging 10
5.3.Data Transfer 10
5.4.Scalability 12
5.5.Manage Ports & Your PDS-C4 13
5.5.1 Port Modes 13
5.5.2 Charging Profiles 13
5.5.3 Firmware 13
5.6.Software 15
5.6.1 LiveViewer 15
5.6.2 Cambrionix API 15
5.6.3 Updating Software 16
5.6.4 Command Line Instructions (CLI) 17
5.7.Cleaning your PDS-C4 19
6.Product Specifications 20
6.1.Input Power Requirements 20
6.2.Output Power 20
6.3.Physical specifications 20
6.4.Power Supply 21
7.Disposal 22

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8.Compliance and Standards 23

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2.Your PDS-C4 at a glance
The PDS-C4 has 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 allow charging and/or 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 up-dated to allow new charging profiles to be added, ensuring the PDS-C4 can
charge the latest devices. It is ready to charge out-of-the-box and to sync devices when
attached to a host computer.
When a local (host) computer is attached, the host can control operation of the ports using
freely 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 multiple
hubs

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3.Safety
This user manual is for informational purposes only, it contains information for 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 of the user
manual.
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 conceivable
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.
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.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in moderate or
minor (reversible) injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the
product and/ or its functions or of a 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 to relevant safety standards, which could result in injury or damage to
the product.
Electric shock or personal injury may occur
lDo not modify the product in any way
lDo not dismantle the product

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Fire or personal injury may occur
lDo not obstruct air vents on the product
lDo not cover the product in combustible material
Damage to your product may occur
lDo not bend or compress any part of the product
3.5.Power supply
This section describes safety precautions you must follow when using the power supply.
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
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

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3.6.Storage and Installation
This section describes safety precautions you must follow when installing and storing your PDS-
C4.
Electric shock or personal injury may occur
lDo not place the power cord near heat sources
lConnect the plug to an earthed socket
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
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
4.1.What's Included
l2m Mains power cable (Country specified on order)
l0.8m USB 2.0 Type-C Updater Cable
lPDS-C4 Hub
lPower Supply Unit
4.2.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 on the opposite side to the power input connector on the hub. When the device is
switched on, a green LED will be illuminated. The hub is now ready to charge attached devices.
4.3.Connecting to Host
Once the power is connected connect the PDS-C4 to your host system using a USB 2.0 Type-C
cable, this is provided with your hub. Using an incorrect host cable may result in the hub and all
subsequent ports not being recognised by your host.
4.4.Previous versions of Windows
If you are using a version of Microsoft Windows™ prior to Microsoft Windows 10™ you will
need to install Cambrionix CDC drivers for enabling the full functionality of the hub. To install
the drivers please detach the hub from the PC before executing the downloaded installer. Once
the installer has completed the installation of the drivers you may attach your hub. Download
the file at: www.cambrionix.com/software-archive
4.5.Registration
You may register your product at www.cambrionix.com

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4.6.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
lwww.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

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5.Using your PDS-C4
In this section you can find information information on how to use your hub in a charge only or
a charge and sync application. You can also find information on managing your hub and
changing port modes, connecting multiple hubs to one host and using Cambrionix Software.
5.1.Using without connecting to a host computer
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. Simply
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 a host computer
5.2.1 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
USB3.0 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 up to 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.
5.3.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 works independently to the Operating
System (OS) and data transfer can be performed to all common mobile operating systems, such
as iOS™, Android™, Chromebook™ and Microsoft Windows™. In order to transfer data, connect

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the host port to your local (host) computer using a Type-A to Type-A USB2.0 (or higher)
compliant cable. Any devices connected to the hub will now appear as if they were connected
to the host computer’s USB port. The hub is fully compliant with High Speed USB2.0 and
supports data transfer at speeds up to 480Mbps. The red power LED may flicker when the hub
is syncing.
You can now use the programme of your choice to transfer data to and from your device.
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.

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5.4.Scalability
If you wish to synchronise more devices, multiple hubs can be connected together to allow
more devices to be managed from a single host computer simultaneously.
In order 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 hubs’ “host port”. The Host port of the next hub in the daisychain is then connected to any
of the first hubs downstream USB ports. More hubs are added in the same way.

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5.5. 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.
5.5.1 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.
5.5.2 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
5.5.3 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 find out what firmware your USB hub has and present an update for
you, ready to just hit install.
To update the firmware first go to the firmware updater section of LiveViewer. Here you can
see the available Firmware versions available to download and install to the hub. To download
a firmware file click on the version under the "downloadable firmware updates" section. once
downloaded it will appear in the "Available firmware files" section.
The current firmware version on the hub is displayed in the firmware updater section alongside
the hubs name. This will appear red if a newer version is available or green if it is the most up to
date.

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To install the firmware onto the hub simply click the hub/ hubs connected that you want to
update and then select the firmware version you want to upgrade to. Once selected press the
update button at the top and the update will commence.
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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5.6.Software
More productivity, saving you time. Cambrionix provides three interfaces by which the Hub can
be monitored and managed:
• LiveViewer
• Cambrionix API
• Command Line Instructions
5.6.1 LiveViewer
LiveViewer is an Application that can be 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, set the port to charge only, or
to sync 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 (instantaneous charge current in mA)
• Energy (present energy rate)
Tick boxes adjacent to each port symbol allow that port mode to be changed. 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, instantaneous current, energy rate, duration of charge
and end time are displayed. In addition to individual port information and control, LiveViewer
displays the hub rail voltages, time since switched on, total instantaneous current and power,
and temperature. Further information on LiveViewer is available on our website.
5.6.2 Cambrionix API
Cambrionix API allows you to monitor and control each port in more detail and to integrate
these functions into your own workflow processes. The API comprises a daemon that can be
downloaded from www.cambrionix.com/products/api and installed on the host machine. Port
information and control can be provided through the API using JavaScript Object Notation
(JSON) Remote Procedure Calls (RPC) over TCP. JSON-RPC calls send a request to the API to
“Get” port, device or Hub information, or “Set” port functions (such as mode). A library of

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sample Python code can be obtained from www.cambrionix.com/products/api to help you
integrate many of these functions into your process workflow alongside the full User Guide.
5.6.3 Updating Software
By using LiveViewer you will be able to automatically download and install the most up to date
software (LiveViewer and the Cambrionix API)
By going into the settings section on the left hand side of LiveViewer you can navigate to the
general tab and under this can see the options for keeping both LiveViewer and the APIup to
date.
You can select when you would like the automatic software checks to take place or if you prefer
can change to a manual update selection. You can also select which version of the software you
would like to use between the options of Alpha, Beta or Release.
When you have some software updates available you can select install now to begin the
installation process, a progress bar will appear to show the installation status. From this bar you
can also view the release notes for the version of the software you are looking at.

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5.6.4 Command Line Instructions (CLI)
Command Line Instructions can also be used to control and monitor the functions of the
hub and attached devices over a VCP (Virtual COM Port). In order to use the command
line interface a serial terminal emulator must be installed on the host computer. Examples
include Serial, ZTerm, PuTTy, and Minicom. If you would like more information please look at
our more in depth information here www.cambrionix.com/cli
Once you have installed your preferred terminal emulator, please connect to the hub's COM
port using 115,200 baud, 8 data bits, No Parity, 1 Stop Bit. Once you get a command prompt,
type “help” for a list of commands and their usage, as shown below:
Command Action
mode <m> [p] Set mode <m> for port [p] or all ports
mode c <p> [cp] Set charge mode for a port p
state [p] Show state for port [p] or all ports
system Show hardware and firmware information
health Show voltages, temperatures, errors and boot
flag
cef Clear error flags
sef [flags] ... Set error flags. One of: 5UV 50V 12UV 120V
crf Clear rebooted flag
limits Show voltage and temperature limits
power [pwr [p]] Show power totals or set board max to [pwr],
or just port [p] in mW
host [auto|manual] Show if USB host is present, and set mode
change
id Show id string
logp <s> Report mA for each port every <s> seconds
loge <s> Report events and state for all ports every <s>
seconds
|Live view (periodically updated screen
showing system state)
remote [exit|kexit|auto] Enter or exit mode where console is
controlled by terminal
ledb <p> <row> <ptn> Set individual LEDon row <row>, port <p> to
flash bit pattern <ptn>
leds <row> [ptnstr] Set flash patternof a string of LEDs on row
<row> to string <ptnstr>

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Command Action
led <p> <colour> [ptnstr] Set LEDon port <p> to colour (name or hex)
cls Clear terminal screen
reboot [watchdog] Reboot (optionally by using watchdog timeout)
host [auto/off Show if USB host is present, and set mode
change
Notes
[p] is port number Range 1....16. Omit for 'all'
<m> is port mode c=Charge, s=Sync, o=Off, b=Biassed
Parameters Optional parameters are shown in [] Com-
pulsory in < >
Tab key Re-runs previous command
Examples
mode c 3 Set port 3 to charge mode
mode o Turn off all ports
state 2 Reveal state of port 2
state Reveal state of all ports

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5.7.Cleaning your PDS-C4
Cleaning the product is generally not required, although in some instances it may be necessary
if excess dirt/ dust/ hair has accumulated, or if minor liquid spillages have occurred on the
module during operation or storage.
Electric shock or personal injury may occur
lIf there is a dirt/ spillage over a ventilation slot, external data/ power
connector or product aperture, please remove power from the unit without
touching the liquid and contact Cambrionix immediately
lEnsure that the product is switched off and the power cord is removed from the product.
Hold the power cable by the plug and do not touch either the plug or the power cord
with wet or damp hands as an electrical shock may result
lWipe the product with a clean, dry and soft cloth. Do not use detergents which contain
alcohol, solvent or surface-active agents. Do not spray water or detergent directly onto
the product
lWet a soft and dry cloth in water and wring thoroughly to clean the product as required
lDry the product thoroughly once the cleaning has finished
lReconnect the power cord and use your product as advised once cleaning and drying is
complete