CAMBRIONIX SuperSync15 User manual

SuperSync15
USER GUIDE
[Charge ][Connect ][Manage ]

1 SuperSync15 at a glance 3
2 Getting Started 4
2.1 Registration 4
2.2 Connecting to the mains 4
3 Charging without connecting to a host computer 4
4 Using when connected to a host computer 4
4.1 Charging 4
4.2 Data Transfer 4
4.3 Scalability – Syncing more than 15 devices 5
4.4 Endpoint limitations to scalability 6
4.4 Endpoint limit fix 6
5 Manage Ports & Devices using Cambrionix Software 7
5.1 LiveViewer 7
5.2 Command Line Instructions (CLI) 8
5.3 Cambrionix API 9
6 Advanced Usage 9
6.1 Updating the SuperSync15 firmware 9
6.1.1 Update procedure for MacOS 9
6.1.2 Update procedure for Windows 9
6.1.3 Running Updater Instructions 9
7 Specifications 10
8 Certifications 10
9 Safety Guidelines and Precautions 10
Contents
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1 SuperSync15 at a glance
The SuperSync15 has been designed primarily for
desktop use, being highly compact and quiet. It
provides 10 Watts of charging power to each of its
15 5 Gbps USB3.0 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 SuperSync15 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 per
port). The firmware can be up-dated to allow
new charging profiles to be added, ensuring the
SuperSync can charge the latest devices.
The SuperSync is supplied with an external power
supply to minimize its desktop footprint. 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. Devices can be charged,
synchronised and monitored through Cambrionix’s
LiveViewer App, the Application Programming
Interface (API) or Command Line Instructions.
Cambrionix’s free monitoring and control software
can be downloaded from our website
(https://cambrionix.com).
The SuperSync15 is fully compliant with
SuperSpeed USB3.0, allowing data transfer at up
to 5 Gbps when connected to a local computer.
Multiple SuperSync can be connected to a single
host computer to allow more than 15 USB3.0-
compliant devices to be charged and synced
simultaneously.
What’s included
These items are required to use your SuperSync15
and are included in the box:
• The SuperSync15 unit (see Figure 1 below)
• A 180W Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• A mains cable appropriate for the country of use
Optional High-Speed Type-A to Type-A USB3.0
cables are available to purchase separately.
Figure 1
SuperSync15 connections
[15 USB 3.0 ports]
[Power Input Connector]
[Power Indicator LED]
15
PORTS
5Gbps
USB 3.0
SW Control
&
Monitoring
10
Watts (2.1 A)
per port
[Host Port]
[Power Switch]
SuperSync15 USER GUIDE 3

2 Getting Started
2.1 Registration
You may register you and your product at
https://cambrionix.com to download LiveViewer,
our API and firmware updates.
2.2 Connecting to the mains
Connect the Power Supply Unit (PSU) to the
SuperSync15 using the 4-pin DIN plug.
Connect the mains cable to the PSU. Making sure
you adhere to local safety regulations, connect
the mains cable to the 100 – 250 Vac mains power
outlet and switch the SuperSync15 on using the
small power switch located adjacent to the power
input connector on the SuperSync15. When the
device is switched on, a red LED will be illuminated.
The SuperSync15 is now ready to charge attached
devices.
2.3 Previous versions of Windows
If you are using a version of Microsoft Windows
prior to Windows 10 you will need to install
Cambrionix CDC drivers for enabling the full
functionality of the SuperSync15.
To install the drivers please detach the
SuperSync15 from the PC before executing the
downloaded installer. The installer will prompt
you for permission to install drivers signed by
Cambrionix, please agree to this.
Once the installer has completed the installation of
the drivers you may attach your SuperSync15.
Download the file at: http://bit.ly/SS15sWin
3 Charging without connecting to a host computer
When the SuperSync15 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 15
ports (not the Host Port) using USB3.0-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.
4 Using when connected to a host computer
4.1 Charging
When the SuperSync15 Host Port is connected
to a local computer, the SuperSync15 defaults to
Sync mode and charge currents are determined
according to USB Implementers Forum (USB-
IF) 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 SuperSync15 can
provide high-speed charging at up to 1.5 A. 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 a higher charge rate (2.1 A) is required to sync
Apple products (only), the NVRAM settings of the
SuperSync15 must be changed.
Please contact [e-mail] for
information and advice on how to do this
4.2 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 SuperSync15 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. In order to transfer data, connect the
host port to your local (host) computer using a
Type-A to Type-A USB3.0 compliant cable. Any
devices connected to the SuperSync15 will now
appear as if they were connected to the host
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computer’s USB port. The SuperSync15 is fully
compliant with Super-Speed USB3.0 and supports
data transfer at speeds up to 5Gbps. The red power
LED may flicker when the SuperSync15 is syncing to
indicate internal processor activity.
You can now use the programme of your choice
to transfer data to and from your device. If the
attached device has a BC1.2 compliant CDP port,
the device can draw up to 1.5A while transferring
data.
4.3 Scalability –
Syncing more than 15 devices
If you wish to synchronise more than
15 devices, multiple SuperSync15 can
be connected together (either in a star
topology or daisy-chained) to allow more
devices to be managed from a single host
computer simultaneously.
Each SuperSync15 needs to be connected
to mains power individually and the
first SuperSync15 in the chain should be
connected to the local computer through
the SuperSync15’s host port.
Five additional SuperSync15 can be
attached to the downstream USB ports of
the first SuperSync15 by their host ports
as shown in the graphic across.
This star topology allows you to connect
up to 85 devices for charging and syncing
from a single computer.
Alternatively, a simpler daisy-chain
arrangement can be used for connecting
five SuperSync15 hubs, allowing 71
devices to be managed from a single host
computer.
Each unit
15
PORTS
Sync up to
85
DEVICES
Star topology
Daisy-chain
SuperSync15 USER GUIDE 5

4.4 Endpoint limitations to scalability
Although multiple SuperSync15s can be connected
to a single host computer to allow many devices
to be managed simultaneously, the number of
USB3.X devices that can be addressed when
communicating using USB3 is usually limited by
the host computer USB3 eXtensible Host Controller
Interface (xHCI).
Host controllers used in most USB3-compliant
computers:
• Detect the attachment and removal of devices
• Manage the flow of data from the host,
translating data sent by the PC to the Host
Controller into a USB-readable format and
queuing data requests appropriately
• Manage and control the Root Hub
• Provide and manage power supply
• Monitor bus activity
Integral to the Host Controller is a Root hub that:
• Manages USB hubs and their ports
• Enumerates devices and additional hubs
attached to their downstream ports
• Creates Physical Device Objects (PDOs) for the
enumerated devices and hubs
USB communications can be considered as
messages sent along discrete channels that
connect the Host Controller to an addressable
buffer – called an endpoint. The endpoint stores
data received from the host and holds data ready
for transmission to the host. Most USB devices
have multiple endpoints and each endpoint has a
separate channel.
When a USB device is first connected to a host,
an enumeration process is initiated. During
enumeration the host controller assigns the
device an address, the device assigns and sends
the ndpoint address to the Host, descriptors
(which provide information about the device) are
read by the Host and a device driver is assigned
and loaded. Data transfer can only begin when
enumeration is complete.
When data is about to be sent from one device to
another, the device address and endpoint number
are sent by the Host as a “token packet”. This token
packet forms part of the data string (or message)
and because USB3.0 devices are allocated both
USB2 (EHCI) and USB3 (xHCI) endpoints each
USB3.0 device consumes three times as much
memory as a USB2.0 device. Consequently, the
maximum number of USB3 devices that can be
enumerated tends to be limited by system memory
in the host computer. Typically, most USB3.0, 3.1
xHCI controllers are limited to 96 endpoints, which
determines the maximum number of devices that
can be enumerated by the xHCI controller.
For USB2.0 the situation is different. In this case
the address field used to identify devices attached
to the USB root hub is 7 bits long and therefore
allows 127 different addresses to be recognised.
Each device connected to the root hub is given
this address by the host computer and up to 127
USB2.0 devices can therefore be addressed by a
USB2.0 root hub. Some of these addresses are used
potentially within the host computer and some
are used by the Cambrionix hubs, so the maximum
number of devices that can be enumerated is
typically around 120 devices.
4.41 Endpoint limit fix
Cambrionix provides a USB Limit Fix for MacOS
devices only. This fix, which can be downloaded
from https://hub.cambrionix.com, disables the
xHCI controller and confines communications to
the USB 2.0 port at 480 Mbps. By disabling the
USB 3.0 controller, a total of 127 devices can be
connected to the port.
www.cambrionix.com6

5 Manage Ports & Devices using Cambrionix Software
More productivity, saving you time.
Cambrionix provides three interfaces by which the
SuperSync15 can be monitored and managed:
• LiveViewer
• Cambrionix API
• Command Line Instructions
5.1 LiveViewer
LiveViewer is an App that can be downloaded from
https://hub.cambrionix.com. 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 in Wh)
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 SuperSync15
rail voltages, time since switched on, total
instantaneous current and power, and temperature.
Full instructions on LiveViewer are available on our
website.
SuperSync15 USER GUIDE 7

5.2 Command Line Instructions (CLI)
Command Line Instructions can also be used
to control and monitor the functions of the
PowerPad15S 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. Once you have installed your preferred
terminal emulator, please connect to the device
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. An example selection
is shown below, with more commands available on
our website.
Typing “l” will give equivalent information to
LiveViewer and, using the command “logc X”, will
output the data to the terminal window every “X”
seconds, which can then be copied into another
file if required. To return to the prompt at any time,
please type “q”.
For further advice and information on using CLI,
please visit our website.
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> with optional profile [cp] to enter
immediately
state [p] Show state for port [p] or all ports
system Show hardware and firmware information
health Show voltages, temperature, errors and boot flag
cef Clear error flags
sef [flags]... Set error flags
crf Clear rebooted flag
limits Show voltage and temperature limits
list_profiles List all profiles on system
en_profile <i> <1|0> Enable (1) or disable (0) profile <i>
set_profiles <p> [l] Set profiles <l> associated with port <p>
get_profiles <p> List profiles associated with port <p>
sec [arm|disarm] Set or reveal security mode
host [auto|manual] Show if USB host is present, and set mode change
id Show id string
bd Board description
logc <s> Report mA for each port every <s> seconds
loge [s] Report state for all ports every [s] seconds and events as they occur
lLive view (periodically updated screen showing system state)
remote [exit|kexit] 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 pattern of a string of LEDs on row <row> to string <ptnstr>
keys Read key click event flags
lcd <row> <col> <str> Write string <s> to LCD at row <row>, column <col>
clcd Clear LCD
beep [ms] Make console beep for [ms] milliseconds
cls Clear terminal screen
reboot [watchdog] Reboot (optionally by using watchdog timeout)
serial_speed [test|fast|slow] Change serial interface speed
set_delays Change internal delays
host [auto/manual/charge/sync/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
<l> is a list of profile IDs. Blank to use all profiles.
<i> is a single profile ID.
Parameters: Optional parameters are shown in [ ]. Compulsory in < >.
Tab key Re-runs previous command.
Cursor up recalls last command.
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5.3 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 https://hub.cambrionix.com 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 PowerPad15S
information, or “Set” port functions (such as mode).
A library of sample Python code can be obtained
from our website to help you integrate many
of these functions into your process workflow
alongside the full User Guide.
6 Advanced Usage
6.1 Updating the PowerPad15S firmware
From time to time Cambrionix updates the
PowerPad15S firmware to ensure the device
incorporates the latest features. In order to
update the firmware on your PowerPad15S, please
download the Cambrionix Updater and latest
firmware file version appropriate for your host
computer Operating System from
https://hub.cambrionix.com.
Please follow these instructions to ensure your
PowerPad15S has the latest version of the firmware
installed.
6.1.1 Update procedure for MacOS
Locate and double-click the Cambrionix Updater
application file (which has a .dmg file extension)
downloaded from our website, then follow the
instructions in 6.1.3 below:
6.1.2 Update procedure for Windows
Locate and double-click the Cambrionix Updater
application file (which has a .zip file extension)
downloaded from our website.
Right-click the .zip file and choose ‘Open with
‘Windows Explorer’ to show the contents of the
compressed file. Double-click the .exe file within the
compressed file to run the application and follow
the below instructions:
6.1.3 Running Updater Instructions
MacOS: Double-click the Cambrionix Updater file
and drag into your applications folder.
Windows: Double-click the Cambrionix Updater.
This will open the Cambrionix Updater window.
Click ‘Scan’ to list the Cambrionix products
connected to your computer.
Click ‘File…’ to open a Finder/Explore window to
allow you to navigate to and select the firmware
file (which has a .enfir extension) previously
downloaded.
The Cambrionix Updater window will now show
one or more Cambrionix products as well as the
firmware file selected to update the product(s).
Please ensure each Update box is ticked for all
products requiring updates.
Press ‘Go’ once all the products to update have
been selected.
Please Note: The ‘Reboot’ checkbox should remain
checked. This will reboot the Cambrionix product
once the programming is successful.
SuperSync15 USER GUIDE 9

7 Specifications
SuperSync15
Input Voltage: 12Vdc
Input Current: 15A
Input Connection: 4-pin DIN
Output Voltage: 5.2V
Output Current: 2.1A Max per Port
Output Power: 10W Max per Port
Output Power (Total): 163.8W Maximum
Input/Output Connectors: 16 x USB Type-A,
1 x 4-pin DIN
Ambient Operating 0 ~ 35°C
Temperature Range:
Relative humidity: 5% to 95%
non-condensing
Dimensions (approx.): 198.4 long x 73 wide
x 40 high mm
Approximate weight: 1.6 kg (inc PSU)
Power Supply
Input Voltage: 100-250Vdc
Input Current: 2.5A @ 115 Vac
Input Frequency: 50-60Hz
Input Connector: C14
Output Voltage: 12Vdc
Output Current: 15A
Output Power: 180W
Output Connector: 4-pin DIN
8 Certifications
• Independently safety tested by the Underwriters
Laboratory (UL) under file #E346549
• CE Tested and marked
• CB Certificate
• FCC Part 15 Tested and marked
• RoHS Compliant
• China CCC certification
• Japanese PSE certification (pending)
• Complies with the latest EN60950 safety
requirements for ITE
• Housed within a UL94-V0 specification fire
enclosure
9 Safety Guidelines and Precautions
Please read and understand these
guidelines prior to installation or use.
The SuperSync15 has ESD, over-voltage, over-
current and over-temperature protection. However,
to use the equipment safely you should follow all
local regulations relating to the use of electrical
equipment and note that:
• Failure to install and operate the equipment
in accordance with all local and these safety
guidelines may result in unit failure, electrical
shock and personal injury.
• The plug on the power cord is considered the
“disconnect device” and consequently the mains
outlet should be located near the hub, easily
accessible in case the power supply needs to be
isolated from the mains power.
• If there is a liquid spillage over a ventilation
slot, external data/power connector or product
aperture, remove power from the unit without
contacting the liquid immediately.
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If in any doubt about how to correctly operate or maintain your Cambrionix system
product or OEM module, or if any part of this safety document is unclear or confusing,
please do not use your product and contact Cambrionix before proceeding further.
Important Electrical and Safety Messages
Safety warning Potential consequence if ignored
Do not modify the product in any way. Fire, electric shock or personal injury may occur.
Do not dismantle the product. Fire, electric shock or personal injury may occur.
Do not bend, compress or drill into any part of the product. Damage, electric shock or personal injury may occur.
Parts of Cambrionix products may become hot during
operation. Do not obstruct air vents on the product or operate the
product in an environment where the ambient temperature is outside
the recommended operating temperature region.
An increased internal temperature may cause a fire.
Cambrionix products are not reverse-polarity protected.
The power connections MUST be connected correctly.
If in doubt, please contact Cambrionix.
Damage to your Cambrionix product may occur. A fire or electric shock
may result.
Do not short circuit the Power Supply Unit (PSU) supplied
with your Cambrionix product.
Sparks, fire or electric shock may result.
Ensure dust does not collect around the power plug pins
or power socket, or in or around the air vents to the extent
it causes a reduction in air circulation.
A fire may result if there is combustible material within the power
socket or around the power plug, or if the internal
temperature increases due to lack of air circulation.
Do not allow liquids to come into contact with the unit or
power supply.
Fire, electric shock or personal injury may occur.
Keep the mains power socket (where the power cord is
connected) unobstructed.
The power cord must be disconnected to cut off power to the product
when an issue occurs. Note that the product may not be completely
powered down by only using the power switch on the product.
Do not use a damaged power cord or plug, or a loose power socket. An electric shock or fire may result.
Do not power multiple products from a single power socket. Overheated power sockets may cause a fire.
Do not touch the power plug with wet hands. An electric shock may result.
Insert the power plug all the way into the socket so that it is not loose. An unsecured connection may cause a fire.
Connect the power plug to an earthed socket. Failure to connect use an earthed socket may result in an electric
shock or injury.
Do not bend or pull the power cord with force. Be careful not
to leave the power cord underneath a heavy object.
Damage to the power cord may result in fire or electric shock.
Do not place the power cord near heat sources. A fire or electric shock may result.
Only use the power cord provided (if applicable). A fire or electric shock may result.
Only use the power supply provided with the product
(if applicable).
A fire or electric shock may result.
Do not disconnect the power cord while the product is being used. The product may become damaged by electric shock.
Cambrionix OEM modules are susceptible to Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD). OEM modules should be handled in an ESD safe area.
Damage to your Cambrionix OEM module may occur.
There are sharp edges, corners and components.
Suitable protective equipment must be worn during handling
of Cambrionix OEM modules.
Personal injury may occur.
No power supply is shipped with a Cambrionix OEM module. Please
contact your power supply manufacturer directly for safety related
information.
Fire, electric shock or personal injury may occur. Please see the
installation instructions for your Cambrionix product for correct wiring
requirements.
When mounting a Cambrionix OEM module, all mounting holes should
be used with appropriate spacers, screws and a torque level of 1.1Nm.
Damage or personal injury may occur.
This product can expose you to chemicals, including Nickel, which is known
to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive
harm. For more information, go to www.p65Warnings.ca.gov
SuperSync15 USER GUIDE 11

Cambrionix Ltd
St Johns Innovation Centre
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0WS
United Kingdom
T [phone]
E [email protected]
W www.cambrionix.com
SS15S_v3_0719