MCD Elektronik USB HUB 3.0 8-PORT User manual

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MCD Elektronik GmbH
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www.mcd-elektronik.com
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Template version: 4.0 / 2017-01-25 V1.5 2017-06-30 / MR
Manual
USB hub 3.0 8-Port

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Table of Contents
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................4
2. GENERAL........................................................................................................................................................................4
3. SCOPE OF DELIVERY .......................................................................................................................................................4
4. CONNECTION AND INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................5
4.1. CONNECTING THE HARDWARE ..............................................................................................................................................5
4.2. INSTALLING DRIVERS ...........................................................................................................................................................6
4.3. INSTALLING TOOLMONITOR USB HUB8..................................................................................................................................6
5. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................7
5.1. PROPERTIES ......................................................................................................................................................................7
5.2. INTERNAL CONFIGURATION .................................................................................................................................................8
5.3. INDICATORS ......................................................................................................................................................................8
5.4. PUSHBUTTON....................................................................................................................................................................8
6. FUNCTION OF THE USB-PORTS.......................................................................................................................................9
6.1. OPERATION MODE ............................................................................................................................................................9
6.2. ATTACH DETECTION ...........................................................................................................................................................9
6.3. CURRENT MEASUREMENT..................................................................................................................................................10
6.4. CURRENT LIMITING...........................................................................................................................................................10
6.5. HOST NOTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................................10
6.6. USB CONNECTIVITY..........................................................................................................................................................10
7. FUNCTION OF THE RELAY MULTIPLEXER ......................................................................................................................11
8. FUNCTION OF THE HUB................................................................................................................................................ 12
8.1. CONTROL INPUT ..............................................................................................................................................................12
8.2. STARTUP BEHAVIOR .........................................................................................................................................................12
8.3. STANDBY MODE BEHAVIOR ...............................................................................................................................................12
8.4. AFTER STANDBY MODE BEHAVIOR......................................................................................................................................12
8.5. PUSHBUTTON LOCK..........................................................................................................................................................12
8.1. STORING OF THE CONFIGURATIONS .....................................................................................................................................13
8.2. IDENTIFICATION NUMBER..................................................................................................................................................13
8.3. RESET............................................................................................................................................................................13
9. SOFTWARE MANUAL ...................................................................................................................................................14
9.1. PROGRAMMING INTERFACE ...............................................................................................................................................14
9.2. PROGRAM SETTINGS.........................................................................................................................................................15

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9.3. USB HUB CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................................................16
9.4. USB HUB COMMAND LINE .................................................................................................................................................17
10. TECHNICAL DATA..................................................................................................................................................... 19
11. INTERFACE DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................................... 20

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1. Safety Instructions
The USB hub 3.0 8-Port is intended for indoor use only. It must not be exposed to moisture. If the unit is moved
from a cold to a warm environment, it must remain untouched and unplugged from all power cords and other
cables for at least one hour so that all condensation moisture can dry up.
The unit contains no user serviceable parts. A possible repair must be produced by a trained professional. Before
opening the housing, the plug must be pulled out and left alone for about a minute before being serviced.
2. General
This USB hub provides eight USB 3.0 downstream ports, which can be switched on and off individually via USB.
When switching off the supply voltage (+5 V) and the data lines are separated by a semiconductor switch. Control
is via the Toolmonitor USB hub8 (PC software). Whichever ports are active or not after switching on, can be
configured and saved.
Each USB port can be configured as a standard default port (SDP), charge-capable line (CDP), or as a charger
connection (DCP) and provides the connected device up to 2.5A.
The USB 3.0 host connection is also used to control the hub. Alternatively there is the choice to control the hub
via the additional USB 2.0 connector at the back side.
In addition to the USB ports of the USB hub, an 8 -channel relay multiplexer, with a centrally supplied voltage
(max. 30V ) is available individually on each port and can be independently turned on and off , e.g. device supply
with a voltage other than 5V . The input connection is made via binding posts on the back side while the output
connection is made via 4mm banana plugs on the front side.
Whichever ports are to be active or not after switching on the hubs (for example, to have access to the mouse or
keyboard), can be stored in a non-volatile memory.
Via a button on the device, one can temporarily shut down all ports or restore the previous switching state of all
ports. A storable device number helps to distinguish among multiple USB hubs 3.0 8-port on one PC.
The Toolmonitor USB hub8 can be completely remote controlled via third party software. Acting as an interface
in this case is a COM / DCOM or a .Net - Assembly. This allows the Toolmonitor USB hub8 to be integrated in a
variety of applications (MCD TestManager CE , LabView ® , Microsoft Visual Studio ® (C #, C + +, Visual Basic) ,
Microsoft Office ® (Excel ®) , OpenOffice ®). For the use on Linux, this USB hub 3.0 8-Port is recommended.
Control via virtual serial interface is also possible.
Order number: # 122204
3. Scope of delivery
1x USB hub 3.0 8-Port
1x USB storage card with installation software
1x USB 3.0 connection cable 2m
1x power cord 1.8m

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4. Connection and installation
4.1. Connecting the hardware
The USB hub 3.0 8-Port can be powered at an 110V or 230V power grid. When turning on the device with the
power switch on the back, the front left button lights up. In the default state of the device, all relays are turned
on and all USB ports are off, as indicated by the respective signal LEDs. The startup behavior can be changed
later.
Front side of the USB hub:
Connecting USB hub to the PC:
90 –132 VAC
or
187 –264 VAC
47 –63Hz
USB 3.0 cable or USB 2.0 / Type AB
USB 2.0 cable / Type AB
(optional)
Power Input Relay Multiplexer
Stand-by Button

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4.2. Installing drivers
Connect USB hub 3.0 8-Port to an free USB port and switch it on at the backside. The actual Hub will be found
and drivers installed by Windows. For the control component an additional driver is needed. For this you have
following options:
1) With internet access Windows will automatically download and install the driver.
2) You can also download the driver from another PC from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm.
For simple installation please choose 'setup executable'.
3) If you got the ”MCD USBHub8Monitor”, then the driver is in the sub directory “USB Driver”of the
installation folder. The default installation directory is:
<drive name>:\MCD Elektronik GmbH\MCD USBHub8Monitor\USB Driver
4.3. Installing Toolmonitor USB hub8
The USB hub 3.0 8-Port can be completely controlled by text commandos (see chapter 11 on p. 20). Optionally
the Toolmonitor USB hub8 can be installed as graphical user interface as well as an interface for other
applications. For this, execute the ”USBHub8Install” installer (EXE- or MSI file) and follow the installation dialog.
After successful installation the Toolmonitor can be started via the Launchpad.
In the menu Setup Register COM Server the Toolmonitor can be registered and can then be controlled
remotely by other applications.

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5. Introduction
5.1. Properties
Relay multiplexer
8 channels DPST, separately switchable
Up to 30VDC / 5A per channel resistive load
Each channel is provided with a resettable overcurrent protection
Indications for channel on, of or overcurrent
USB-Downstream ports
8 Ports, separately switchable; up to 2.5A per port
Each port is provided with a resettable overcurrent protection
Adjustable overcurrent protection
Protection of connected devices by customized overcurrent limits.
Configurable charger emulation for many mobile devices (z. B. CDP, DCP, …)
An automatic mode applies several charging profiles in order to find a fitting profile.
Detection when a device is plugged in
Also detects non USB devices (for example USB ventilator, reading lamp and so on)
Current measurement for each port (resolution app. 10mA)
Detection of faults (such as current consumption too high or too low).
Measurement of current consumption of connected devices
Indicators for port on / off /overcurrent / charging / charging complete / no device connected
Operating status is always visible
USB-Upstream port (Host)
Control via USB hub Connection or USB Control Connection
Hub functionality and controlling the hub over a single connection
Makes it possible to connect the hub to an embedded device as a host (for example a multimedia
device) and control the hub via another host (for example a PC)
Host notification can be switched off on a port by port basis
An USB port can automatically be reactivated after an overcurrent event user intervention
Push Button
Indicates current operating status: On / Standby
Switches earlier defined or all USB ports and relay channels off
Possible functionality of a manual Emergency Off
Switches off specific devices while, for example, mouse and keyboard stay active
Other
Operation on power up (for example active USB ports and relay channels) can be defined and saved.
With the right configuration the hub can function as a stand-alone charging device without any USB
host whatsoever
Customized and defined operating state after power up
User defined tagging of the hub to differentiate several hubs at one PC

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5.2. Internal configuration
5.3. Indicators
Relay off
Relay on
Relay off with overcurrent event (fast blinking)
USB-Port off
USB-Port on, but no device is connected
USB-Port on
Indicators of USB-Ports configured as charging ports are dimmed when the charging has finished.
5.4. Pushbutton
Device off
In Stand-by mode (depending on production batch: illuminated red or blinking green)
In Operation mode
Hub Hub
Port 1 - 4Port 5 - 8
Hub In
Mux 1 - 8
Control
HubMux 2:1
Ctrl In

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6. Function of the USB-Ports
6.1. Operation Mode
The USB hub provides eight super-speed capable USB 3.0 ports. Each port can be placed in one of four
modes. These four modes are:
1. Standard port (SDP):
If the maximum current is exceeded, the port is turned off.
2. Charging capable port (CDP):
Like the Standard port, but is detectible as a loading enabled USB port on the connected USB device
according to USB Battery Charging Specification V1.2 (USB-IF BC1.2 CDP).
The current is limited to the configured value.
3. Dedicated Charging Port (DCP BC1.2)
The port is detectible as a dedicated charger connected USB device according to USB Battery Charging
Specification V1.2 (USB-IF BC1.2 DCP).The current is limited to the configured value.
In this mode, USB communication with the connected device is not possible!
4. Charger Emulation Port
The port reconciles with the connected device on a charging protocol. In addition, different variants are
tested sequentially, including BC1.2 DCP, YD/T-1591 (2009) as well as compatibles with many portable
devices from Apple ® and RIM ®. The current is limited to the configured value.
In this mode, USB communication with the connected device is not possible!
DCP-Ports no longer appear in the device manager of Windows. But they can be active even without a
connected host.
Because of the variety - even custom specific - charging schemes, there can be no assurance that the
battery charge is achieved with a particular mobile unit and no damage will occur!
6.2. Attach Detection
The USB ports have a feature to detect when a USB device is attached. This also works for attached devices
using only the power from the port (e.g. USB fans, or reading lamps). The attach detection can be switched
off individually for each port, if the small testing current should lead to unexpected problems.
In the CDP mode it is possible that the connection of such a device is recognized, but its removal is
undetected. But this has no effect on the other functions of the USB hub. The connection of a normal USB
device or the switching on and off of the port resets the attach detection.

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6.3. Current measurement
The output current of each USB port can be measured with a resolution of app. 10mA. This makes it possible
to measure and monitor the current consumption or charging current of each connected device.
6.4. Current limiting
The current limit for each port can be configured in steps from 500mA up to 2500mA for each port
separately. Principally, the configuration of the current limit is independent of the operation mode of the
port. However, these are the recommended current limits for the several modes:
Operation mode
Current limit
Standard port (SDP)
900mA –1000mA
Charging data port (CDP)
1500mA –1800mA
Dedicated charging port (DCP BC 1.2)
2000mA –2500mA
Charger Emulation Port
2000mA –2500mA
Most USB connectors are rated for currents of 1500mA to 1900mA. Because of this, the current should
not be higher than 2000mA.
6.5. Host Notification
If the current limit is tripped, the Operating System is notified about this event. The Port is then switched off
and user action in the OS is required to switch the port back on. This might be undesirable behavior in
automated systems. Because of this the host notification can be turned off on a port by port basis. To switch
a port without host notification back on, the concerned port has to be purposefully switched off and back
on.
The reaction of the OS to an overcurrent event may vary depending on the OS, it’ s version and the used
hub driver.
6.6. USB connectivity
The USB connectivity for each device as well to the host can be identified to differentiate between a
USB 3.0 Super-Speed connection and a USB 2.0 High-Speed / Full Speed / Low-Speed connection.

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7. Function of the Relay Multiplexer
The relay multiplexer allows outputting an externally supplied voltage for up to eight outputs. This can, for
example, supply USB devices, which are not operated by USB power supply.
The multiplexer can be switched independently from the USB ports. The connection takes place via
4mm banana plugs. On the front side the power input is takes place via the terminal posts on the back side.
A fast overcurrent detection switches the relay output of in case of an overcurrent event. Outputs which
were switched off because of overcurrent have to be purposefully switched off and back on.
A sufficient diameter of the conductor and good contact are imperative to avoid voltage drop and
possible heat generation!
Overloading the outputs in frequent intervals may result in failure. The current through the red output
connectors is monitored. To use less of the black connectors than red ones might lead to permanent
damage or even fire! Sourcing power into the output connectors is also not allowed.
IN
OUT 1 OUT 8

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8. Function of the Hub
8.1. Control Input
In delivery condition the control input is chosen automatically. If only the host input is connected, control is
done through this connection. If the external control input is also connected, control is ensues through that
connection. It is also possible to fix one of the host inputs as control input.
8.2. Startup Behavior
This enables setting whether the USB hub after startup goes into normal operation or initially goes into the
standby mode. If he goes into normal operation –as previously configured- the ports and multiplexers are
connected. If the hub has not yet been enumerated from the host, all communication ports (SDP and CDP)
remain off until the enumeration takes place and will only then be switched on.
In standby mode the hub will act as if it were transferred in it immediately after the startup (see the
following section). Ports for which no exception has been defined are not switched on.
8.3. Standby Mode Behavior
With the button on the front the hub can be offset from the normal mode to the standby mode and back. In
standby mode normally all ports and multiplexers are switched off, however, exceptions can be defined for
devices which are not to be switched off (e.g. for mouse / keyboard or for charge ports). Already
disconnected ports or multiplexers are not turned back on in standby mode, even if an exception has been
defined for them. The hub will reject any command in standby mode for configuration or locating the ports
and multiplexer from a PC. Reading accesses will continue to operate. This prevents that by the manual
intervention switched off devices can be inadvertently turned on by the PC again.
8.4. After Standby Mode Behavior
If the USB hub returns into normal mode after the standby mode, it either resets the status of the ports as
they were immediately before the standby mode; or it restores the ports into the same state as after
switching on the USB hub. Whichever of the two patterns the hub shows, it can be configured.
8.5. Pushbutton Lock
The pushbutton can be locked against unintentional operation. If this function is stored, the USB hub is
always going to normal operation after switching on.
Standby

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8.1. Storing of the Configurations
All settings can also be written to non-volatile memory. Those settings will be recalled after power-up.
The non-volatile memory cells for configuration are subject to wear and tear (> 100,000 write cycles). The
save commands therefore should not be located in a program loop or the like.
8.2. Identification Number
In the hub, a number (00 to FF hexadecimal or 0 to 255 decimal) can be permanently stored, which can later
be queried again. This helps to keep more hubs distinguishable on a PC. This number has otherwise no other
function.
8.3. Reset
By pressing the pushbutton on the front for about 10 seconds the USB hub is reset to factory settings. The
non-volatile memory remains unchanged. The ports and multiplexers are switched accordingly. When the
key lock is activated, this function is not possible. The factory settings are:
After Start up under normal operation
Automatic selection of the control input
No exceptions for the standby mode
After the standby mode restoring to the state before the standby mode
All USB-ports are standard ports. (SDP)
The current limit for each port is 1000mA
Host notification is active on all ports
The attach detection of the USB devices is switched on
The pushbutton is unlocked
All USB ports are switched off
All Relay multiplexers are on
The identification number remains unchanged
By resetting all USB ports are turned off. Do unmount all connected data storage devices from the operating
system beforehand.
The relay multiplexers are all switched on. If necessary, remove all the connections where this is
undesirable.

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9. Software Manual
9.1. Programming interface
After the Toolmonitor starts, the interface looks like this:
The switching state of each port and multiplexer output is shown.
Switching state of USB ports
Port turned off
Port turned on; no connected device detected
Port turned on; connected device detected or detection function turned off
Port is off although it should be turned on
Possible cause:
Excess current shutoff
Connected device feeds current back into the USB hub.
Switching state of relay multiplexer outputs
Output turned off
Output turned on
Output is off because off an overcurrent event. To reactivate, turn output off and on
again.
The supply or charging current out of the USB ports as well as the internal temperature of the device can also
be displayed.

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9.2. Program settings
Basic settings are configured under Setup –> Options. The default settings are sufficient for an initial
commissioning.
A name can be given to the USB hub here.
If multiple USB hubs are connected, here you can select which of the names specified above
should be controlled.
These two checkboxes should always be set.
Determines the number of lines on which USB hubs are shown. If this is zero, it is automatically
set depending on the size of the window.
Here, USB ports can be given names, e.g. the names of the connected devices. The same names
are used for associated relay multiplexer outputs.
In "USBHub6", the number of USB hubs to be controlled can be configured. New USB hubs are
given the name "USBHub" with an incrementing number.
3
4
5
1
4
5
3
1
2
2
6
6

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The USB hub can be configured using the configuration dialog. This is located in the standard settings under
View –> USBHub 1 –> USBHub 1 config:
9.3. USB hub configuration
On power up, the corresponding USB port is switched on when the box is checked.
On power up, the corresponding relays multiplexer output is switched on when the box is checked.
Turns device detection on. In DCP mode and charger emulation, device detection is necessary for
correct functioning. Devices that consume less than 1mA from the USB port are frequently not
detected and the port is then not released. For this case, device detection can be turned off.
Places an exception for the corresponding USB port Such a port will not be influenced by standby.
The same for the relay multiplexer outputs.
Places the corresponding port into SDP, CDP, DCP, or charger emulation mode.
This function reports an excess current event to the operating system and leaves further handling to
it. Without this function, the port will turn back on as soon as the overload is removed.
Sets the current limitation per port.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
9
12
13
8
10
11
6
7
8

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If this option is active then the USB ports and relay multiplexer output are switched as configured
when power is switched on. Otherwise the behavior is like the standby button was pushed at power
on and only ports and outputs with exceptions applied can switch on.
With this option the USB hub restores the ports and multiplexer outputs after standby as they were
before. Otherwise the power-up configuration is restored.
Activating this option disables the button on the front. The hub will always switch on normally after
power-up so the function of item 9 does not apply
Reads out the configuration currently stored.
Saves the configuration set up in the dialog, but does not apply it. This configuration is restored by
the USB hub after uninterrupted power supply is restored.
9.4. USB hub command line
Under View –> USBHub 1 –> USBHub 1 communication, a window can be opened for direct communication
with the controller in the USB hub:
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
13
9
10
11

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Here, the data traffic between the Toolmonitor and the control unit of the USB hub can be viewed
directly.
A list of commands that can be extended and changed.
Commands can be sent directly to the USB hub here (see chapter 11) to be able to include the
command in the list, it must be assigned a name. The comment is optional.
When this button is pressed, the command is executed.
Opens or closes the control interface to the USB hub. When the interface is closed, the hub is
released and other applications can access the USB hub.
These buttons can be used to add the command entered on the left into the list, or edit the
command.
These buttons sort the command currently selected in the list up or down.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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10. Technical Data
Electrical Features
Operating voltage
90 –132 / 187 –264 VAC
47 –63Hz
Disconnect device prior to changing!
Power
max. 100W
power supplying of connected devices at
the USB ports included
Output current limit of
USB ports (5V)
Adjustable:
from 500mA / Port
to 2500mA / Port
480mA … 500mA
2370mA … 2500mA
Connection Values
Voltage input
max. 30VDC / 40A
Connection Values
Voltage output
max. 30VDC / 5A per output
resistive load
minimal load: 10 mA at 5VDC
Automatic switch off
at approx. -4,5A / +5,5A.
Mechanical Features
Frame size (HxWxD)
44mm x 350mm x 115mm
Without connected plugs and stand
Connections
IEC connector
Power supply (backside)
1x USB-B 3.0
Upstream to the host (backside)
1x USB-B 2.0
Alternative control input to a second
host (backside)
8x USB-A 3.0
Downstream to the USB devices;
Port1 on the left, port 8 on the right
(front view)
1x 2 terminal post 4mm
Voltage feed (backside)
8x 2 banana jack 4mm
switched voltage output (front view)
Other Features
USB Version
USB 3.0
requires an USB 3.0 Host
(with an USB 2.0 Host only USB 2.0
functionality)
Control
via USB
Display
8x LED green
for activated USB ports
8x LED yellow
for activated voltage outputs
Illuminated Button
Green = Normal Operation
Red = Standby
Control Interface
Virtual Serial Port via USB
19200 baud
1 start bit
2 stop bits
no handshake
Ambient temperature
0 –40°C
Weight w/o accessories
1.4kg (3 lb)

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11. Interface Description
The command interface uses simple ASCII strings. Recognized and valid commands are acknowledged with the
string "ok" when there is a setting command. Via a read command, the corresponding data are transmitted. An
unrecognized command will be answered with "???". In standby mode, all writing commands will be answered
with "off". A leading prefix "D" does not change any current settings, but writes or reads to the non-volatile
memory, the settings that are taken from the hub when turned on. All strings are completed with a CR (ASCII 13).
Command
Parameter
Return Value
Comments
with
prefix „D“
Switching
P
00 - FF
ok
Bit pattern of all eight ports as bit pattern in Hexadecimal
setting. A set bit corresponds to an active USB port. If the
least significant bit is set, then port 1 is active; if the most
significant bit is set, port 8 is active.
X
M
00 - FF
ok
Bit pattern of all eight relay multiplexers as bit pattern in
Hexadecimal setting. The evaluation of this parameter is
as described above.
X
R
P
00 –FF
Reading of desired switching condition of the USB ports.
X
R
PP
00 –FF
Reading of actual switching condition of the USB ports.
R
PO
00 –FF
Reading of the USB ports switched off after failure.
R
U
0 –7 | U
0 –3
Reading of USB connection status;
0 = no connection
1 = USB 3.0 connection
2 = USB 2.0 connection
3 = USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connection
USB port to read from:
0 –7 = Downstreamport 1 to 8
U = Upstreamport (Host)
R
M
00 –FF
Reading of desired switching condition of the Mux-Switch.
X
R
MM
00 –FF
Reading of actual switching condition of the Mux-Switch.
R
MO
00 –FF
Reading of the Mux-Switch switched off after failure.