CAMBRIONIX PDS-C4 User manual

User Manual
PDS-C4
2022-08
©2022Cambrionix Ltd. All rights reserved.
EN

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1.Table of Contents
1.Table of Contents1
2.Your PDS-C4 at a glance3
2.1.Key Features3
3.Safety4
3.1.Signal word panel4
3.2.Safety alert symbol5
3.3.Pictograms5
3.4.Product modification5
3.5.Power supply6
3.6.Storage and Installation7
4.Getting Started8
4.1.Opening your product8
4.2.What's Included8
4.3.Connecting to the mains9
4.4.Connecting to Host9
4.5.Charging9
4.6.Cables9
4.7.Registration10
4.8.Help and Support10
5.Using your PDS-C411
5.0.1LED Configuration11
5.1.Using without connecting to host11
5.2.Using when connected to host12
5.2.1Connecting the Hub to a host computer12
5.2.2Charging12
5.2.3Data Transfer12
5.2.4Communication Interface and Protocol13
5.3.Scalability14
5.4.Manage Ports & Your PDS-C415
5.4.1Port Modes15
5.4.2Charging Profiles15
5.4.3Firmware15
5.5.Software17
5.5.1Installing Software17
5.5.2LiveViewer18

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5.5.3Cambrionix API19
5.5.4Updating Software19
5.5.5Removing Software20
5.5.6Command Line Instructions (CLI(21
5.6.Cleaning your PDS-C423
6.Product Specifications24
6.1.Input Power Requirements24
6.2.Output Power24
6.3.Error flag rail values24
6.4.Physical specifications24
6.5.Consumables and Placing Orders25
6.6.Power Supply26
7.Troubleshooting27
7.1.Initial troubleshooting tips27
7.2.Logging through LiveViewer27
7.3.Hardware Failure28
7.4.Device connection.28
7.5.Hub connection issues29
7.6.No GUI30
7.7.Software troubleshooting31
8.Disposal32
9.Returns and Damaged Products33
9.1.What do I do if my order arrives and something the product is faulty
or is physically damaged?33
9.2.What happens after I have requested a Return?33
10.Compliance and Standards35

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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 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 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
480Mbps
per Port
Up To
3A
per Port
Up To
16
Devices
Transfer Data SeamlesslyPowerScalability
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
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 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
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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.

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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 hazardFire Hazard
Mandatory action signs
Read operating instructionsMandatory 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
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Do not modify the product in any way.

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CAUTION
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Do not dismantle the product.
CAUTION
Fire, or personal injury may occur
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Do not obstruct air vents on the product.
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Do not cover the product in combustible material.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
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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 power supply.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
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Do not use a damaged power cord or plug, or a loose power socket.
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Do not touch the power plug with wet hands.
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Do not allow liquids to come into contact with the unit or power supply.
CAUTION
Damage to your product may occur
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Do not short circuit the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplied with your
product.
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Do not disconnect the power cord while the product is being used.

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CAUTION
l
Do not bend or pull the power cord with excessive force.
3.6.Storage and Installation
This section describes safety precautions you must follow when installing and storing your PDS-
C4.
CAUTION
An electric shock or personal injury may occur
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Do not place the power cord near heat sources.
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Connect the plug to an earthed socket.
CAUTION
Damage to your Cambrionix product may occur
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Operate the product only in an environment where the ambient
temperature is inside the operating temperature range.
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Operate the product only in an environment where the relative humidity is
inside the operating range.
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Be careful not to leave the power cord underneath a heavy object.
CAUTION
Overheated power sockets may cause a fire
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Do not overload the power socket that your hub is connected to.
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Insert 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
l
There 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
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PDS-C4 Hub
l
2m Mains power cable (Country specified on order including fuse for the UKplugs(
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Power Supply Unit
Part descriptionPart number
Power Supply Unit200402
UK Power cable200144
US Power cable200327
EU Power cable200329
AUSPower cable200337

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IND Power cable200341
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.
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.

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4.7.Registration
You may register your product at www.cambrionix.com/product-registration
4.8.Help and Support
FAQs and help can be found on the Help page here
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www.cambrionix.com/help_pages/help.
You can raise a support ticket for more in depth support here
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https://cambrionix.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals
You can also download any of our manuals and keep up to date at the link here
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www.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.
5.0.1LED 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.
ColourBehaviour
Flashing RedPort is in charge mode and is profiling the device
RedPort is in charge mode and is charging
YellowPort is in sync mode and has a host connection
Green
Port is in charge mode and the device has reached the
charged threshold
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.

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5.2.Using when connected to host
5.2.1Connecting 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.
5.2.2Charging
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.
5.2.3Data Transfer
If you wish to transfer data, change applications, restore or update your mobile device, a data

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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.
5.2.4Communication 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.
5.4.1Port Modes
ﺔﻨﻣاﺰﻣTurn 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(
5.4.2Charging Profiles
To ensure attached devices charge at their optimum rate, our smart USB hubs come with the
below intelligent charging profiles built in:
115W
227W
345W
460W
5.4.3Firmware
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.

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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.
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
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Do not install old firmware onto a new product
CAUTION
Your Cambrionix Firmware may get corrupted
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Do not interrupt the Firmware update process.
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Do not disconnect the power during the update process.

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5.5.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
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.
5.5.1Installing 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.

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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:
sudo apt install/.
after this command you will need to enter the file name that has just been downloaded from
our website.
5.5.2LiveViewer
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

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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.
There is more information on the NVRAMsettings and how to manage them in our CLImanual.
which can be found at the link here.
5.5.3Cambrionix 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 (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 (such as mode). A library of sample code can
be obtained from www.cambrionix.com/products/api to help you integrate many of these
functions into your process workflow alongside the complete user manual.
5.5.4Updating 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.