USB Smart Hub ics enable smartphones to connect to automotive infotainment systems

     With the rise of in-vehicle infotainment systems, car manufacturers need to establish a reliable and intelligent connection between the car display and multiple smartphones or tablets. MicrochipTechnology Inc., an industry leader in providing integrated circuits (ics) that support such connections, has introduced five new USB2.0 smart hub ics to provide users with a variety of options. Available in a variety of architectures, these devices can be very flexible to accommodate the design needs of automotive manufacturers and meet consumer demands for systems that are easy to use and intuitive.

     The five new devices support a variety of architectures, so manufacturers can easily connect their specific designs to all major smartphone operating systems. These systems allow the graphical user interface of the phone or tablet to be displayed on the vehicle screen, integrated with voice commands in the car, charging the mobile device, and integrating the driver assistance app on the phone with the car's infotainment system.

     Microchip's new smart hub ics enable hub cascades to the second and third rows of seats, data to appear simultaneously on all ports, and charging capabilities. For example, if you have two USB ports, one can connect your phone or tablet to the main car, while the other can charge and upload/download data. With Microchip's new USB4914, USB4916, USB4925, and USB4927 smart hub ics, automakers can customize their own solutions to meet their design needs. As cars become more of an entertainment environment, manufacturers can develop novel solutions that allow consumers to use one phone for navigation and another for listening to music or watching videos.

     Mitch Obolsky, Microchip's vice president of usB and Networking Products, said: "Microchip is the leader in USB hub ics for the automotive industry. Our long-term investment has resulted in patented technology that provides a unique host/device bus configuration for the connection of handheld devices to vehicles, better access to information, and safer assisted driving and communication functions.

     Microchip's new USB4715, USB4914, USB4916, USB4925, and USB4927USB2.0 smart hub ics feature unique USB configurations that include both single and dual bus implementations for good connectivity to infotainment systems. All devices use standard USB drivers for most automotive host systems, allowing for faster system development and validation and field updates. Each device also integrates a 32-bit microcontroller for advanced bridging, audio application support, and USB power supply (USBPD).