Do you know that USBs can be used to optimize how a controller or semiconductor device works? That’s right and we have an example with the CYUSB3014-BZXC. It is a SuperSpeed USB Controller, designed to help accelerate the integration of USBs in different applications.
Read this article from start to finish to find out how it all works.
The Function of a USB Host Controller?
Infineon Technologies manufacture CYUSB3014-BZXC. It is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Host Controller. Like the other USB Host Controllers, it works by coordinating how the different peripheral devices connect to the main system or a circuit.
The function of a USB Host Controller also includes helping a computer system to “recognize” or discover a Universal Serial Bus (USB) that has been attached to the system.
The controller also helps in the establishing of communication or connection (especially as it relates to data transfer) between the USB device and the computer’s operating system.
CYUSB3014-BZXC is Based on the EZ-USB FX3
At the core of CYUSB3014-BZXC’s functionality is the basis on the EZ-USB FX3, a family of Universal Serial Buses (USBs) designed for use with the SuperSpeed design. Worthy of mentioning is that the SuperSpeed is in line with the upgraded USB 3.0. specifications that provide for up to 5 Gigabytes per second (Gbps) signaling rate.
Released in 2008, the USB 3.0. specifications paved the way for the introduction of faster speed technologies, such as the SuperSpeed into how USBs are to be configured for mainstream use.
The SuperSpeed Peripheral Controller
CYUSB3014-BZXC leverages the basis of the SuperSpeed architecture as a peripheral controller to bolster the connection to other peripherals and devices.
In this regard, it provides a wide range of peripherals and “communication devices” for this connection to work.
It is pertinent to point out here that the basis on the SuperSpeed Peripheral Controller is also a medium for CYUSB3014-BZXC to provide a combination of flexible and integrated features to the devices that would be connected via a Universal Serial Bus (USB).
Creating USB Connections via the GPIF II
For the connections via USB to made successfully, there has to be an element to fast-track it. The SuperSpeed model does a great job but a bulk of the function is left to the GPIF II.
The full name is General Programmable Interface. As the name signifies, it is to be used for a wide range of functions, including device connections and the support for up to 16 control signals.
The General Programmable Interface (GPIF II) works best with a dedicated software called the GPIF II Designer. The software first allows for the configuration of the GPIF II to align with the workings of the USB 3.0. Device Controller and the EZ-USB FX3.
The following are the additional benefits of CYUSB3014-BZXC’s GPIF II Designer:
1. It Supports the GPIF II Interface Development Process
The process of configuring the GPIF II for maximum productivity typically requires optimizing it with the GPIF II Designer. To this end, the designer has been optimized to allow for the GPIF II’s interface development process to be seamless.
It involves a three-step process, starting with the user-selecting of the standard parameters and the pin configurations. The next step would be the use of set of configurable actions to make a virtual state machine. Finally, the users have to go through the view output timing to confirm that they match the expected timing before compiling and integrating the GPIF II interface with the EZ-USB FX3.
2. CYUSB3014-BZXC Supports USB 2.0. Integration
Although it is a USB 3.0. architecture, the EZ-USB FX3 also supports the integration of the USB 2.0. OTG. This integration comes in handy when there is a need for the USB 3.0. is to be used for dual functions.
For example, the USB 2.0. OTG can be used when the EZ-USB FX3 is to function either as an OTG Host to the HID-class or to the MSC devices.
CYUSB3014-BZXC Supports Glueless Connectivity
CYUSB3014-BZXC, through the EZ-USB FX3 architecture, provides a “glueless connectivity” option that allows for its integration with several devices. For example, it can be connected to the following interfaces:
- Parallel ATA
- Asynchronous SRAM
- Asynchronous and Synchronous address data multiplexed interfaces
Overvoltage Protection
Scaling the USB connection to other interfaces is one part of how CYUSB3014-BZXC functions. The other part, which is derived from the EZ-USB FX3, involves the protection of the device from overvoltage situations.
In this case, it activates the overvoltage protection when the input voltage goes up to 9 Volts. For emphasis, the maximum input voltage for the EZ-USB FX3 is 6 Volts but the voltage on the VBUS pin can be extended to 9 Volts if a charger is used.
In this regard, the EZ-USB FX3 promptly activates the external Overvoltage Protection (OVP) to protect the CYUSB3014-BZXC from possible damages caused by the higher input voltage on the VBUS pin.
CYUSB3014-BZXC’s Product Attributes
Represented in the table below, are some of the product attributes for the CYUSB3014-BZXC USB 3.0. Host Controller:
| Attributes | Descriptions |
| Mounting Style | Surface Mount Technology (SMT) |
| Typical Applications | SuperSpeed USB Peripheral Controller |
| Operating Temperature | Between 0˚C and 70˚C |
| Type of Program Memory | External Program Memory |
| Voltage – Supply | Between 1.15 volts and 1.25 volts |
| Supported Interfaces | USB, GPIF, I2C, UART, I2S and SPI |
| Number of I/O Pins | 60 |
| Series of the Host Controller | CYUSB |
| RAM Size | 512K x 8 |
CYUSB3014-BZXC Supports Several Layers
Based on the specifications of the EZ-USB FX3, the CYUSB3014-BZXC supports up to three (3) layers on the USB 3.0. architecture. The supported layers include Protocol, Physical and Link.
The Link Layer helps to maintain a reliable communication or interfacing between the CYUSB3014-BZXC (the Host Controller) and the target device.
The Physical Layer is the “PHY” part of CYUSB3014-BZXC’s port and the cable. It helps to connect the downstream and the upstream ports on the Host Controller.
The last layer, the Protocol Layer, is used to manage the communication rules between the CYUSB3014-BZXC (Host Controller) and the target device.
Final Words
CYUSB3014-BZXC is a unique USB 3.0. architecture that does not only support a full integration of the USB to multiple peripherals, but also offers several USB configuration solutions.
