CAMBRIONIX PowerPad8S User manual

PowerPad8S
User Manual
© 2023-02 Cambrionix Ltd. All rights reserved. EN

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1. Table of Contents
1. Table of Contents 1
2. Your PowerPad8S 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. Unpacking your product 8
4.2. What's Included 8
4.3. Connecting to the mains 9
4.4. Connecting to a Host 9
4.5. Charging 9
4.6. Cables 9
4.7. Registration 10
4.8. Help and Support 11
5. Using your PowerPad8S 12
5.0.1 Fan Behaviour 12
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. Scalability 15
5.4. Managing Ports & Your PowerPad8S 16
5.4.1 Port Modes 16
5.4.2 Switching port modes 16
5.4.3 Charging Profiles 17
5.5. Software 18
5.5.1 Installing Software 18
5.5.2 LiveViewer 19
5.5.3 Cambrionix API 21
5.5.4 Updating Software 21
5.5.5 Removing Software 22
5.5.6 Firmware 23

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5.5.7 Command Line Instructions (CLI) 25
5.6. Cleaning your PowerPad8S 26
6. Product Specifications 27
6.1. Input Power Requirements 27
6.2. Output Power 27
6.3. Rail value limits 27
6.4. Physical specifications 27
6.5. Packaged information 28
6.6. Consumables and Placing Orders 28
6.7. Hub Architecture 29
6.8. Power Supply 30
7. Troubleshooting 32
7.1. Common troubleshooting tips 32
7.2. Logging through LiveViewer 32
7.3. Hardware Failure 32
7.4. Device connection 33
7.5. Hub connection issues 34
7.6. Using with a headless system 35
7.7. Software troubleshooting 35
8. Disposal 36
9. Returns and Damaged Products 37
9.1. What if my order arrives with an issue? 37
9.2. What happens after I have requested a Return? 37
10. Compliance and Standards 38
11. Terms and Conditions 39

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2. Your PowerPad8S at a glance
The PowerPad8Shas been designed primarily for desktop use, being highly compact and quiet. It
provides 10W of charging power to each of its USB 2.0 Type-A 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 PowerPad8S 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 2.1A). The
firmware can be updated to enable new charging profiles, ensuring the PowerPad8S 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
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
2.1A
per Port
Up To
40
Devices
Transfer Data
Seamlessly Power Scalability
Each high-speed port can
transfer data up to 480
(Mbps)
Each port can charge
devices up to 2.1A
(10W)
Up to 40 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 PowerPad8S. 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.

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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
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.

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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.
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
PowerPad8S.

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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.
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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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 PowerPad8S 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. 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
lUSB 2.0 Type-A Cable (to provide communication between the host system and hub)
lPowerPad8S Hub
l2m Mains power cable (Country specified on order including fuse for the UKplugs)
lPower Supply Unit
Part description Part number
USB 2.0 Type-A updater cable 200343
Power Supply Unit 200421
UK Power cable 200144
US Power cable 200327

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Part description Part number
EU Power cable 200329
AUSPower cable 200337
IND Power cable 200341
4.3. Connecting to the mains
Connect the Power Supply Unit (PSU) to the hub using the 4-Pin Mini 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 a Host
Once the power is connected, connect the PowerPad8S to your host system using a USB 2.0 Type-A
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 2.1A whilst transferring data.
4.5. Charging
Your PowerPad8S will allow your device to charge at the maximum rate possible up to 2.1A. The way
that charging takes place is the PowerPad8S 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 2.1A 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.
4.6. 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 advise 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

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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 your specific product and speed up
the process.

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5. Using your PowerPad8S
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 Fan Behaviour
Your PowerPad8S has an inbuilt fan used to cool the product when internal temperatures rise above a
set threshold. On power up the fan will spin for approximately a second before turning off. The
temperature at which the fan should begin to cool the device is 55 °C, the fan will be at max speed
when the internal temperature reaches 65. Once the PowerPad8S is below internal temperature of 55
the fan will switch off.

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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.
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 2.1)A 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
5.2.1 Connecting the Hub to a host computer
Connect the PowerPad8S to your host system using a USB 2.0 Type-A 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 2.1A. 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. You can disable CDP through NVRAM 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")

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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-A
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 PowerPad8S 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. 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.
way.
Using this daisy-chain approach, a maximum of eight additional hubs can be linked, allowing a total of
57 devices to be synced from a single host computer. Alternatively, a star topology can be used,
which allows up to 64 devices to be synced from a single computer. In this arrangement, the first hub
is attached in the same way, connecting the hubs host port to the computer’s USB port. Thereafter,
eight additional hubs can be attached to the downstream USB ports of the first hubs by their host
ports as shown below.

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5.4. Managing Ports & Your PowerPad8S
Each port on your PowerPad8S 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
PowerPad8S more information can be found in the LiveViewer section under NVRAMsettings. This
can be done through LiveViewer, the CLI or by connecting to the hub via the API.
5.4.1 Port Modes
Charge Turn specific ports or the whole hub to charge only mode (no data
connection, hub emulates an OEMcharger)
Sync Turn specific ports or the whole hub to sync mode
Biased Detect the presence of a device but it will not sync or charge it
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 LiveViewer, 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.
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 PowerPad8S 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:
0 Intelligent charging algorithm which will select a profile 1-6
1 2.1A (Apple)
2 BC1.2 Standard (this covers the majority of Android™ phones and other devices)
3 Samsung
4 2.1A (Profile 1 but with a longer timeout)
5 1.0A (Typically used by Apple)
6 2.4A (Typically used by Apple)

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5.5. Software
Cambrionix provides interfaces by which the Hub can be monitored and managed:
lLiveViewer
lCambrionix Connect
lCambrionix API
lCommand Line Instructions
LiveViewer or 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 PowerPad8S uses string commands to communicate with the host system. These can be sent via
the virtual serial port of the PowerPad8S directly,
There are different channels for both our LiveViewer application and the API. The channels are Beta
and Release. We would recommend using the release version of both the APIand LiveViewer.
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.
5.5.1 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
dont test against other distributions.
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:
sudo apt install ./
after this command you will need to enter the file name that has just been downloaded from our
website.

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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 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. 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.
www.cambrionix.com/products/liveviewer
NVRAMsettings
Within your hub, there are some specific controllable settings called "non-volatile RAMsettings",
which are referred to as NVRAM settings. These are a variety of different settings for your
PowerPad8S.
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.
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