CAMBRIONIX PDSync-C4 User manual

PDSync-C4
User Manual
© 2023-09 Cambrionix Ltd. All rights reserved. EN

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1. Table of Contents
1. Table of Contents 2
2. Your PDSync-C4 at a glance 4
2.1. Key Features 4
3. Safety 5
3.1. Signal word panel 5
3.2. Safety alert symbol 5
3.3. Pictograms 6
3.4. Product modification 6
3.5. Power supply 7
3.6. Storage and Installation 7
3.7. OEM 9
4. Getting Started 10
4.1. Unpacking your product 10
4.2. What's Included 10
4.3. Consumables and Placing Orders 10
4.4. Connecting to a Host 10
4.5. Connecting devices to your PDSync-C4 11
4.6. Charging 11
4.7. Connecting the PDSync-C4 to the Power Supply Unit using Spade
Connectors 11
4.8. Registration 12
4.9. Help and Support 12
5. Using your PDSync-C4 13
5.1. Using without connecting to a host 13
5.2. Using when connected to a host 13
5.2.1 Connecting the Hub to a host computer 13
5.2.2 Charging 13
5.2.3 Data Transfer 14
5.2.4 Communication Interface and Protocol 14
5.3. Managing Ports & Your PDSync-C4 15
5.3.1 Port Modes 15
5.3.2 Switching port modes 15
5.3.3 Charging Profiles 15
5.3.4 Firmware 15
5.4. Software 18
5.4.1 Cambrionix Connect 18
5.4.2 Cambrionix API 19
5.4.3 Updating Software 20
5.4.4 Removing Software 21
5.4.5 Command Line Instructions (CLI) 22

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5.5. Scalability 22
5.6. Cooling the PDSync-C4 22
5.7. Cleaning your PDSync-C4 24
6. Product Specifications 25
6.1. Features 25
6.2. OEM-PDSync-C4 Specifications 25
6.3. Power Specifications 27
6.4. Port Specifications 27
6.5. Drawings 29
6.6. Hub Architecture 29
7. Troubleshooting 31
7.1. Common troubleshooting tips 31
7.2. Logging through Cambrionix Connect 31
7.3. Hardware Failure 32
7.4. Device connection 32
7.5. Hub connection issues 33
7.6. Using with a headless system 34
7.7. Software troubleshooting 34
8. Returns and Damaged Products 36
8.1. What if my order arrives with an issue? 36
8.2. What happens after I have requested a Return? 36
9. Compliance and Standards 37
10. Terms and Conditions 38

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2. Your PDSync-C4 at a glance
The PDSync-C4provides 60W of charging power to each of its 4 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 PDSync-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 PDSync-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 Connect 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
You can download the latest version of this manual and all product user manuals from our website at
the following link. www.cambrionix.com/product-user-manuals
2.1. Key Features
Up To
480 Mbps
per Port
Up To
3A
per Port
Up To
20
Devices
Transfer Data
Seamlessly Power Scalability
Each high-speed port can
transfer data up to 480
Mbps
Each port can charge
devices up to 3 A at 60
(W)
Up to 20 devices can be
connected at once using
multiple 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 the IEC/ICEE 82079-1 standard. This is to facilitate the easier
understanding and location of information relating to the PDSync-C4. Any errors or omissions can be
reported using our support ticket system (seeHelp and Support). This way, any issues that are
discovered can be acted on quickly and we can update the documentation to reflect this.
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
Always observe 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.
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

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3.3. Pictograms
These symbols will be used throughout this documentation to alert to any potential dangers or any
actions that must be taken.
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
Do not modify the product in any way.
Do not dismantle the product.
Do not open the product
CAUTION
Fire, or personal injury may occur
Do not obstruct air vents on the product.
Do not cover the product in or place near combustible material.

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CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
Do 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 external power supply.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
Do not use a damaged power cord or plug, or a loose power socket.
Do not touch the power plug with wet hands.
Do not allow liquids to come into contact with the unit or power supply.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
Do not short circuit the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplied with your product.
Do not disconnect the power cord while the product is being used.
Do not bend or pull the power cord with excessive force.
Do not use a power supply that exceeds the power supply specifications
within this manual
3.6. Storage and Installation
This section describes safety precautions you must follow when installing and storing your PDSync-
C4.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
Do not place the power cord near heat sources.
Connect the plug only to an earthed socket.

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CAUTION
Damage to your Cambrionix product may occur
Operate the product only in an environment where the ambient
temperature is inside the operating temperature range.
Operate the product only in an environment where the relative humidity is
inside the operating range.
Be careful not to leave the power cord underneath a heavy object.
CAUTION
Overheated power sockets may cause a fire
Do not overload the power socket that your hub is connected to.
Insert the power plug all the way into the socket so that it is not loose.
CAUTION
Overloading the brackets may cause failure
The rack brackets for all our products are not designed to be used in a mobile
application, bracket failure could occur if the units are not supported fully e.g
Shock during road transport.

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3.7. OEM
CAUTION
Personal injury may occur
Cambrionix OEM modules have sharp edges, corners and suitable protective
equipment must be worn whilst handling. components.
CAUTION
Damage to your Cambrionix OEM module may occur
When mounting a Cambrionix OEMmodule, all mounting holes should be used
with appropriate spacers, screws and a torque level of 1.1Nm.
Cambrionix OEM modules are susceptible to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).
OEM modules should be handled in an ESDsafe area.
This product is not reverse-polarity protected. The power connections
MUSTbe connected correctly. If in doubt, please contact Cambrionix.
Drawing more than the maximum current can damage the PCB

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4. Getting Started
This manual provides a reference for end-users installing for the first time and using their hub
afterwards. As well as a guide for product safety-related information.
The PDSync-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 Product Specifications section of this manual for information on the environment specifications.
4.1. Unpacking your product
When you have received your product, please check the packing slip inside the box 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
There will be a label 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
lPDSync-C4 Hub
4.3. Consumables and Placing Orders
If you require any spare parts, such as the power cable or Type-C cable, these can be ordered by
quoting the product part number listed in the Product Specifications.
These can be ordered from the reseller or solution partner you purchased your PDSync-C4 from, or
from Cambrionix directly.
To find one of our partners local to you please visit www.cambrionix.com/partners where you can
learn about the local vendors and distributors that can assist you and find their contact information.
4.4. Connecting to a Host
Throughout this manual we will refer to a "host system" this is the system you will be using to connect
and control your devices and hubs. This could be any host system such as a Windows PC,
macOSsystem or Linux PC.

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Once the power is connected, connect the PDSync-C4 to your host system using a 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 available 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 whilst transferring data.
4.5. Connecting devices to your PDSync-C4
Throughout this manual we will refer to "devices"this relates to the device you are connecting to the
PDSync-C4 this could be any USB device such as a phone, tablet, USB drive or any other USB
connected device.
Once you have your hub setup the next thing is to connect your devices to start using the PDSync-C4.
We would always recommend using the OEMcable supplied by the manufacturer of the device, so
whatever cable is provided with the device use that cable to connect to the hub.
If your device has a USB plug (male connector) on it already then you can connect the device directly
into the hub.
If the cable (or plug fitted to device) is not the same USBtype as the socket (female connectors)on
the PDSync-C4 then you will require an adaptor or a different cable.
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.
4.6. Charging
Your PDSync-C4 will allow your device to charge at the maximum rate possible up to 3A. The way that
charging takes place is the PDSync-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 determines the exact rate and as
such you may not see the maximum amount of charging on every device type that is connected.
4.7. Connecting the PDSync-C4 to the Power Supply Unit using Spade
Connectors
Having ensured the output voltage of the DC power supply is 24V, and certainly does not exceed 5.6
Vdc, connect the PSU to the PDSync-C4 using insulated copper cables of no less than six mm2 cross-
section and no longer than 150 mm. Longer cables or smaller cross-sections are likely to cause a
voltage drop across the cable and improper board operation.
With the mains power supply disconnected, the PSU should be connected to the input spade
terminals on the PDSync-C4 using the cable (described above) terminated (at the PDSync-C4 end)

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with crimp connectors. The positive voltage spade terminal is closest to the PDSync-C4 board edge,
and Ground (GND) is marked on the PDSync-C4 board close to the innermost spade terminal.
Taking appropriate safety precautions, turn the mains supply on. Periodic inspection should be made
to power supply cables and any USB cables for any signs of damage. If any damage is found then
replace damaged cord before further use.
4.8. Registration
You may register your product at www.cambrionix.com/product-registration
4.9. 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 your specific product and speed up
the process.

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5. Using your PDSync-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.
5.1. Using without connecting to a 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.
5.2. Using when connected to a host
5.2.1 Connecting the Hub to a host computer
Connect the PDSync-C4 to your host system using a Type-C cable. Using an incorrect host cable may
result in the hub and all subsequent ports not being recognised by your host. You can use an optical
cable to connect to your host as the PDSync-C4 is self powered.
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 at3A. If the
connected device does not comply with BC1.2, the charge current will be limited to 0.5A 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. You can disable CDP through Internal hub settings either by going through the advanced
settings and turning "Sync charge" off or through the API and disabling it via code. For example, the
instructions would be below using the command line.
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\n-
settings_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.

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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 Cambrionix API and software 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 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.
5.2.4 Communication Interface and Protocol
The PDSync-C4 appears as a virtual COMport (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 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 are as below, ANSI terminal emulation should be selected.
Communication setting Value
Number of bits per second (baud) 115200
Number of data bits 8
Parity None
Number of stop bits 1
Flow control None

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5.3. Managing Ports & Your PDSync-C4
Each port on your PDSync-C4 can be managed either individually, or all together. You can turn the
ports off and on, change the port mode, or change various other settings applicable to the PDSync-
C4 more information can be found in the Cambrionix Connect section under Internal hubsettings.
This can be done through Cambrionix Connect, the CLI or by connecting to the hub via the API.
5.3.1 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)
5.3.2 Switching port modes
You can switch between port modes by using Cambrionix Connect, the CLI or by connecting to the
hub via the API. 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.
You can disable CDPthrough Internal hub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
5.3.3 Charging Profiles
To ensure attached devices charge at their optimum rate, our smart USB hubs come with the below
intelligent charging profiles built in:
5.3.4 Firmware
The firmware can be kept up to date using our Cambrionix Connect software. As part of delivering an
easy user experience, our Cambrionix Connect application is now a set-and-forget solution. The
Cambrionix Connect application will discover your USB hub’s firmware and present an update for you.
To update the firmware, first, go to the firmware section of Cambrionix Connect. Here you can see
the available Firmware versions to install to the hub.
The current firmware version on the hub is displayed in the firmware 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.

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To install the firmware onto the hub click the hub(s) connected that you want to update, the latest
firmware will be automatically selected, if you wish to change the firmware version you are updating
to then this can also be done. Once selected press the update button at the top and the update will
commence.
CAUTION
Your PDSync-C4 may not function correctly
Do not downgrade firmware onto a new product
CAUTION
Your Cambrionix Firmware may get corrupted
Do not interrupt the Firmware update process.
Do not disconnect the power during the update process.

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CAUTION
A new version may be available
Ensure you have the latest version of Firmware installed on your hub. These updates will often
contain new features, fixes for bugs and performance improvements

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5.4. Software
Cambrionix provides interfaces by which the Hub can be monitored and managed:
lCambrionix Connect
lCambrionix API
lCommand Line Instructions
Cambrionix connect can use the API to interact with the devices through a user-friendly application,
or the API can be used to provide other protocols that send translated string commands. The
PDSync-C4 uses string commands to communicate with the host system. These can be sent via the
virtual serial port of the PDSync-C4 directly,
There are different channels for both our Cambrionix Connect application and the API. The channels
are Beta and Release. We would recommend using the release version of both the APIand Cambrionix
Connect.
We will push bug fixes and updates through Beta before it is merged into the Release version. If you
have found a bug that we have a fix for, the Beta releases may already have addressed these and
implemented fixes.
5.4.1 Cambrionix Connect
Cambrionix Connect is an application that can be run from a browser by visiting
connect.cambrionix.com or it can be downloaded from www.cambrionix.com/connect. Cambrionix
Connect allows you to switch the ports on and off and set the port mode. Cambrionix Connect’s
home page shows the hubs available, by selecting a hub you can obtain 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. Cambrionix Connect shows the hub rail voltages, time since switched on, total
current and power, and temperature. Further details on Cambrionix Connect are available on our
website. www.cambrionix.com/connect
Internal hub settings
Within your hub, there are some specific controllable settings called 'internal hub settings'. These are
a variety of different settings for your PDSync-C4.
You can navigate to the Internal hub settingsby opening Cambrionix Connect 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 Cambrionix Connect

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Once you have pressed this you will be taken to the Internal hub settings section where you can view
and change the Internal hub settings, including reverting back to default factory settings.
Setting
name Description Default value
Friendly
Name
Define the friendly name for this device. Limit of 31 characters. This name
will appear in the device's system information if set. Empty
Attach
Threshold
(mA)
The attach threshold is the device current (mA) level at which the hub can
determine that a device (iPhone etc.) has been attached to a port. The
attach threshold may need to be increased if the device (iPhone etc.) is
connected to a Cambrionix port with a cable which includes an LED or
other electronics. It may also need to be increased if you are using a
device (iPhone etc.) with a 3rd party sled/holder/case (such as a barcode
scanner or battery pack) which contains electronics or charging pass-
through
10
*Charging Downstream Port (CDP) Being enabled means that a port is capable of transferring data
and charging the device at the same time with a higher current than just data syncing alone. With
CDP enabled the hub can supply up to 1.5A
If you disable CDPyou will receive the notification “This Hub has the Charge Downstream Port UCS
mode disabled. This could limit the maximum current seen on some ports.” This notification is there
to ensure you havent turned this off by accident and can still have the highest charge available.
There is more information on the Internal hub settingsand how to manage them in our CLImanual.
which can be found at the link here.
CAUTION
A new version may be available
Ensure you have the latest version of Cambrionix Connect installed on your host
system. These updates will often contain new features, fixes for bugs and
performance improvements
5.4.2 Cambrionix API
The Cambrionix API allows you to monitor and control each port in detail and to integrate these
functions into your own workflow processes. The API comprises a daemon (which is a program
running in the background) 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. Calls are
sent as a request to the API to “Get” port, device or Hub information, or “Set” port functions. A library

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of sample code is downloaded along with the APIfrom the following link
www.cambrionix.com/products/api and can be found within the program files under 'examples'.
These can help you integrate many of these functions into your process work-flow alongside the
complete user manual.
CAUTION
A new version may be available
Ensure you have the latest version of API installed on your host system. These
updates will often contain new features, fixes for bugs and performance
improvements
5.4.3 Updating Software
By using Cambrionix Connect you will be able to automatically download and install the most up to
date software (Cambrionix Connect and the Cambrionix API)
By going into the settings section on the left-hand side of Cambrionix Connect, you can navigate to
the general tab, and under this can see the options for keeping both Cambrionix Connect and the
APIup to date.
By default Cambrionix Connect will check for updates regularly or, if you prefer, you can change to a
manual update selection. You can also select which version of the software you would like to use
between the Beta or Release options. You can also select historic versions of the API and Cambrionix
Connect to install.