MCD Elektronik USB HUB 6-PORT User manual

Softline
Modline
Conline
Boardline
Avidline
Pixline
Application
MCD Elektronik GmbH
Hoheneichstr. 52
75217 Birkenfeld / Germany
Fon +49 (0) 72 31/78 405-0
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.mcd-elektronik.de
HQ : Birkenfeld
Managing CEO : Bruno Hörter
Register Court Mannheim
HRB 505692
Templates version: 2.0 / 2015-02-06 V 1.7 2017-06-30/ MR, VH
Manual
USB hub 6-Port,
2 control inputs, switchable

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 2 of 18
Table of Contents
1SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ....................................................................................................................................................3
2GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................................3
3SCOPE OF DELIVERY.........................................................................................................................................................3
4INSTALLATION OF SOFTWARE, DRIVERS AND HARDWARE ..............................................................................................4
4.1 INSTALLATION OF SOFTWARE ...................................................................................................................................................4
4.2 INSTALLATION OF DRIVERS.......................................................................................................................................................4
4.3 CONNECTING THE HARDWARE..................................................................................................................................................4
5HARDWARE MANUAL......................................................................................................................................................6
5.1 FEATURES ............................................................................................................................................................................6
5.2 CONSTRUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................................7
5.3 DISPLAY ..............................................................................................................................................................................7
5.4 PIN ASSIGNMENTS ON PARALLEL INPUT ......................................................................................................................................7
5.5 FUNCTION OF THE USB PORTS.................................................................................................................................................8
5.5.1 Operating modes ......................................................................................................................................................8
5.5.2 Connection detection ................................................................................................................................................8
5.5.3 Current measurement...............................................................................................................................................9
5.5.4 Current limitation......................................................................................................................................................9
5.5.5 Host notification .......................................................................................................................................................9
5.5.6 Connection type ........................................................................................................................................................9
5.5.7 Polarity of data lines ...............................................................................................................................................10
5.6 POWER SUPPLY...................................................................................................................................................................10
5.6.1 With an external power supply ...............................................................................................................................10
5.6.2 Via the USB host .....................................................................................................................................................10
6SOFTWARE MANUAL .....................................................................................................................................................11
6.1 PROGRAMMING INTERFACE...................................................................................................................................................11
6.2 PROGRAM SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................................................11
6.3 USB HUB CONFIGURATION....................................................................................................................................................13
6.4 USB HUB COMMAND LINE ....................................................................................................................................................14
7TECHNICAL DATA........................................................................................................................................................... 15
8INTERFACE DESCRIPTION...............................................................................................................................................16

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 3 of 18
1Safety instructions
The USB hub 6-Port is intended for use indoor. It may not be exposed to moisture.
The device has no parts that can be replaced by the user. Any repair must be carried out by a trained
technician. Before opening the housing, all cables must be disconnected from the device.
2General information
The USB hub can be operated on the USB host alone (bus-powered) or with the use of a 5VDC power supply
with an output power of at least 16W or an output current of at least 3.2 A (self-powered), which is enough for
500 mA output current on each USB-Port. For the maximum output current of 5A, a 5.2A (26W) power supply
is needed. The device automatically detects and switches between bus-powered and self-powered modes.
The USB hub is re-enumerated when the external power supply is connected or disconnected.
This USB hub has six USB 2.0 downstream ports that can be turned on and off individually via USB. When they
are turned off, the power supply (+5V) and the data lines are isolated by semiconductor switches. Control is
provided by the Toolmonitor USB hub 6 (PC software). Whether ports are active after the device is turned on,
and which ports, can be configured and stored.
The USB 2.0 host connection is usually also used to control the USB hub. Alternatively, however, control can
also be provided from another host using the additional USB 2.0 connection on the back.
In addition to this control via USB, ports can alternatively also be turned on and off via external control inputs.
Whether and which ports should be activated after the USB hub is turned on (for example to have access to
the mouse or keyboard) can be stored in non-volatile storage.
A number that can be stored in the device can be used to distinguish between multiple USB hub 6-Port units
on one PC.
The USB hub is controlled through a virtual serial interface with simple text commands (see chapter 8). This
makes it possible to use the USB hub under Linux as well. If the operating system does not already provide
native support for USB serial converters from FTDI, Linux drivers can be found at
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm. The Toolmonitor USB hub 6-Port can also be installed, which
provides a user interface for the control and configuration of the USB hub. It talks to the USB hub through the
virtual serial interface and in turn offers an interface for remote control.
External software can be used to control the Toolmonitor USB hub 6-Port completely remotely. COM/DCOM
or a .Net assembly can be used as the interface. This allows the Toolmonitor USB hub 6-Port to be integrated
into many different applications (MCD TestManager CE, LabView ®, Microsoft Visual Studio ® (C#, C++, Visual
Basic), Microsoft Office ® (for example Excel ®), Open Office ®). For the use on Linux, this USB hub 2.0 6-Port is
recommended. Control via virtual serial interface is also possible.
Order number: #122536
3Scope of delivery
1 x USB hub 2.0, 6-port, switchable (two control inputs)
1 x USB storage card with installation software
1 x USB-A to USB-B connector cable 0.8m

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 4 of 18
4Installation of software, drivers and hardware
4.1 Installation of software
On the USB storage card included, the Drive:\Software\Installer directory contains the installation file for
the Toolmonitor. To install it, start the file USBHub6Install.msi and follow the instructions of the
installation dialog.
4.2 Installation of drivers
The drivers for the USB hub are integrated into the operating system. For the controller, the driver under
Windows (starting with Windows 7) is automatically downloaded from Windows Update. For older
Windows version (starting with Windows XP) or if no Internet connection is available, the driver can be
installed manually. The installation file for this driver is on the USB storage card included, in the
Drive:\Software\Drivers directory. Start the file CDMxxxxx_Setup.exe file located there (xxxxx is a number
denoting the version number). After installation, it will take another few seconds before the USB hub is
ready to use.
The USB storage card provided cannot be operated on the USB hub without a power supply. Please
connect a suitable power supply to the USB hub or plug the USB storage card into a USB connector on
your PC.
4.3 Connecting the hardware
The USB hub can be operated alone on the USB host (bus powered) or additionally with a 5VDC power
supply (self powered) with at least 16W output power, or 3.2A output current, which is sufficient for
500mA output current on each USB port, including the power supply to the USB hub. For the maximum
output current of 5A, a 5.2A (26W) power supply is needed. Weaker power supplies can lead to functional
problems due to overload.
Weaker power supplies can be used. However, it is then the user's responsibility to ensure that they
are not overloaded. Signs of overload are dropped connections and error messages related to excess
USB current.
Connecting or disconnecting the external power supply logs the USB hub out of the operating system and
logs it back in with the changed power supply (bus powered/ self powered). The ports shut off during this
and switch back to their original state after reconnection. Without a power supply, the USB hub must be
connected to a PC USB connection or an active hub. Then each port has at most 100mA available with a
sum total of 400mA, since the USB hub itself requires 100mA in this situation. The deciding factor here is
the required current which the connected devices registered and not the (possibly lower) actual current
consumption.
The connection for the external power supply is a DC connector with either a 2.1mm or a 2.5mm inner
diameter and at most 6mm outer diameter. The polarity is arbitrary (as long as it is not AC!)

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 5 of 18
Front view of the USB hub:
Connecting the USB hub to your PC:
The USB hub can be controlled either through the hub input ("USB", on the right) or an external control
("ext. control", on the left). If the external USB control input is connected to another host, control is
carried out through it and only the pure USB hub functionality will remain on the hub input. Alternatively,
if configured correctly the USB ports can also be turned on and off from the parallel input (see also page 7
and page 13).
If no USB host is connected to the USB hub input ("USB", on the right), then all USB ports are turned
off or remain off. The exception to this rule are pure charging ports (DCP or chargeremulation), if a
power supply is connected. Once a USB host is connected and as long as it stays connected, the ports
will be turned on as configured.
Power supply
5V ±5% / max. 5A
(optional)
Parallel input
0V / 2.5 - 24V
(optional)
USB host hub input
USB host controller
(optional)

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 6 of 18
5Hardware manual
5.1 Features
USB downstream ports
6 ports, individually switchable with up to 2.5A per port; total output current up to 5A
Each port is protected by a resettable overload breaker
Current limitation adjustable
Connected devices are protected from excess current by the adjusted shutoff limit
Adjustable charger emulation for many mobile devices (such as CDP, DCP, etc.)
An automatic mode tries different profiles
Detection of whether a device has been connected to a port
Detection when devices are connected that are not USB devices
(such as USB fans, USB reading lights, etc.)
Current measurement for every port (resolution about 10mA)
Detection of defects (e.g. current consumption too high / too low)
Measurement of the current consumption of connected devices
Display for port/channel: on / off / excess current / charge / charge complete / no device connected
Mode always visible from outside
Host connection
Control via the USB hub connection or an additional USB control connection
Hub functionality and control of the USB hub with just one cable
Alternatively supports connection of the USB hub to a host (e.g. an embedded host) with
simultaneous control from another host (such as a PC)
Host notification can be disabled
Permits automated power-on after an overload on a USB port without user intervention
Parallel control input with internal pull-up resistors
Permits control via external control elements like switches, relays, open collector outputs, and control
voltages from 0V (low) and 2.5 - 24V (high)
Polarity (active low / active high) and priority (parallel input / control via USB) individually
configurable for each port individually
Other
Automatic polarity correction of the connected power supply (no polarity reversal possible)
Regeneration protection from the power supply to the USB host
Protects the USB port of the PC when it is turned off
Robust, compact metal housing
Operating state on power-on (e.g. active USB ports and relay channels) can be specified and stored
With appropriate configuration, can also act as a USB charger without a USB host
Defined operating state on power-on appropriate to any application
User-defined labeling of the USB hub to distinguish it from other USB hubs on the controlling host.
USB-compliant renumbering of the USB hub and connected devices when the power supply is
connected or disconnected
Remote control with any operating system or programming language
Installation package with all programming interfaces

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 7 of 18
5.2 Construction
5.3 Display
USB port turned off
USB port turned on, but no device connected.
This function can be disabled.
USB port turned on
Charging active (bright)
Only if there is no standard port (SDP).
Charging complete (dark)
Only if there is no standard port (SDP).
5.4 Pin assignments on parallel input
GND
GND
Port 5
Port 3
Port 1
GND
GND
Port 6
Port 4
Port 2
Connecting an input pin to positive voltage (high level) or leaving it open has the same effect. The signal
only changes when connected to GND potential (low level). Whether the port turns on at the high or the
low level can be configured.
Input
Port 1 - 6
Hub In
Control
HubMux 2:1
Ctrl In
3,3V
~10kΩ

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 8 of 18
5.5 Function of the USB ports
5.5.1 Operating modes
The USB hub provides six high-speed-capable USB 2.0 ports. Each port can be configured to one of four
modes. These four modes are:
1. Standard port (SDP):
If the maximum current is exceeded, the port shuts off.
2. Charge-capable port (CDP):
Like a standard port, but it announces itself to the connected USB device as a charge-capable USB
port according to the USB battery charging specification V1.2 (USB-IF BC1.2 CDP).
3. Dedicated charging port (DCP BC1.2)
The port announces itself to the connected USB device as a dedicated charging port according to
the USB battery charging specification V1.2 (USB-IF BC1.2 DCP).
The current is limited to the maximum possible value.
In this mode, no USB communication is possible with the connected device!
4. Charger emulation
The port attempts to negotiate a charging protocol with the connected device. To do this, it tries
different variants one after the other, including YD/T-1591 (2009) and variants compatible with
many portable devices from Apple® and RIM®.
The current is limited to the maximum possible value.
In this mode, no USB communication is possible with the connected device!
Dedicated charging port connection and charger emulation can also be active without a host
connected (operation as a standalone charger).
Due to the many charging schemes –some of which are manufacturer-specific –there can be no
guarantee that battery charging will succeed with a particular mobile device and that no damage can
result!
For operation as a charging port or a charger, it is necessary to connect a power supply.
5.5.2 Connection detection
The USB ports have a function to detect when a USB device is connected. This also works for
connected devices that only use the power from the connection (e.g. USB fans or reading lights).
Connection detection can be disabled individually for each port if the small test current should lead to
unexpected problems.
In CDP mode, it may be that the connection detects a device, but does not detect when it is
disconnected. This has no effect on the other functions of the USB hub. Connecting a normal USB
device or turning the port on and off will reset connection detection again.

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 9 of 18
5.5.3 Current measurement
Each USB port has a mechanism to measure the current, with a resolution of about 10mA. This permits
the actual current consumption of the connected device to be measured and monitored. This applies
to both operating currents of USB devices and non-USB devices as well as charging currents.
5.5.4 Current limitation
The switching threshold for current limitation can be configured individually for each USB port in steps
of 500mA to up 2500mA. Current limitation is in principle configurable regardless of use, but the
following limits are recommended:
Mode
Current limitation
Standard port (SDP)
500mA
Charge-capable data connection (CDP)
1500mA –1800mA
BC 1.2 dedicated charging port (DCP)
2000mA –2500mA
Charger emulation
2000mA –2500mA
Most USB connectors are specified at 1.5A to 1.9A. So in general, a current limitation of no more than
2000mA should be configured.
The total output current can be no greater than 5000mA. If an attempt is made to configure a higher
limit, an error message will occur. The power supply connected must be able to provide the output
current and the operating power for the USB hub (see technical data) at a stable voltage of 5V.
5.5.5 Host notification
If too much current is drawn from a USB port, it shuts off and the operating system is notified. User
intervention is then required to restore the USB port to operation. In automated systems, this may be
undesired. For this purpose, host notification can be disabled for certain USB ports or for all of them. A
restart is then carried out via the controlling application. To do this, the port in question must first be
specifically turned off and then back on.
The response of the operating system to overload events may differ from the behavior described
above, depending on the version and the driver used.
Port 5 and Port 6 cannot generate host notifications!
5.5.6 Connection type
It can be specified for each individual port whether it has established a USB 2.0 connection.
The connection to the host (PC) can also be queried in the same way.

Elektronik GmbH USB hub 6-Port, 2 control inputs Product documentation
Page 10 of 18
5.5.7 Polarity of data lines
For special applications, the D+ and D_ data lines can be individually swapped for each port. This
function is normally not used.
The USB hub will restart after this command is executed. All connected devices will temporarily be
disconnected from operating power.
5.6 Power supply
5.6.1 With an external power supply
The USB hub detects an external power supply when a voltage of more than 4.8V is connected to the
DC connector. If the voltage drops to about 4.7V, the power supply is considered to have been
disconnected. So the power supply should have a voltage of at least 5V, and no greater than 5.25V.
The polarity of the connected voltage is corrected internally to the device. The power requirement
depends on the devices connected and the current limits configured. The voltage may not be less than
4.7V or greater than 5.25V over the entire power range. The USB hub prevents current from flowing
from the power supply through the USB cable to the power supply as long as the operating conditions
are observed.
Excessive power supply voltages risk damage to the USB hub and the devices connected to it!
5.6.2 Via the USB host
The power supply of the USB hub and the devices connected to it can also be provided through the
USB host connection. In this case, the total current for the USB hub and devices may not be more than
500mA. A port on the USB hub can then provide at most 100mA. If these restrictions are not followed,
error messages, connection drops, and other malfunctions may result. Thus in this case, devices should
only be connected that have their own power supply or that need only a little power from the USB
connection (such as a keyboard).