SEGGER USB Hub

How does the SEGGER USB Hub integrate with automated test equipment and production lines?

The SEGGER USB Hub is designed for seamless integration into automated test equipment (ATE) and production line environments. Its robust construction, wide operating temperature range, and EMC compliance ensure reliable operation in industrial settings. The hub's electrical isolation protects expensive ATE equipment from potential damage caused by ground loops or electrical transients. When used with SEGGER Flasher Hub systems, it enables automated programming operations that can be controlled via TELNET, web interface, or FTP without requiring a dedicated PC. This makes it ideal for lights-out manufacturing operations where consistent, unattended programming is essential for maintaining production schedules.

What are the cost benefits of choosing the SEGGER USB Hub versus multiple cheaper consumer alternatives?

Whilst the initial investment in a SEGGER USB Hub is higher than consumer alternatives, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower in production environments. The hub's industrial-grade construction, electrical isolation, and compliance testing prevent costly downtime, equipment damage, and programming failures that frequently occur with consumer-grade hubs. The reliability and longevity of the SEGGER hub eliminate the need for frequent replacements and reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, the hub's optimised design for gang programming applications can increase production throughput compared to using multiple cheaper hubs that may not provide consistent performance across all ports simultaneously.

How does the SEGGER USB Hub's compliance with industrial standards benefit users in production environments?

The SEGGER USB Hub is tested according to EN 61326-1, EN 55011, and EN 55024/55035 standards. These certifications validate its suitability for electrical equipment used in measurement, control, and laboratory applications, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety in demanding environments. This compliance means the hub won't generate electromagnetic interference that could affect sensitive equipment and won't be susceptible to EMI from surrounding machinery. For production environments, this translates to reliable operation near industrial equipment, reduced downtime from interference-related issues, and confidence in meeting regulatory requirements for manufacturing facilities.

What high retention connector features distinguish the SEGGER USB Hub from standard USB hubs?

The SEGGER USB Hub features high retention USB-B upstream and USB-A downstream ports designed to maintain secure connections even in high-vibration industrial environments. These connectors require more force to disconnect compared to standard USB ports, preventing accidental disconnections that could interrupt critical programming operations. This is particularly important in production environments where machinery vibration, cable movement, or accidental contact could cause connection failures. The robust connector design ensures reliable data transfer and power delivery throughout extended production runs, reducing downtime and improving overall system reliability.

How does the SEGGER USB Hub enhance gang programming performance compared to using multiple standard USB hubs?

The SEGGER USB Hub is specifically designed to support up to 24 Flasher Compact units when used with a Flasher Hub-4 or Flasher Hub-12. This creates an optimal gang programming setup where the short USB connections between the hub and Flasher Compacts maximise signal quality and programming reliability. Unlike consumer USB hubs that may not be fully USB-compliant or lack adequate power delivery, the SEGGER hub ensures consistent performance across all ports simultaneously. The hub's industrial-grade construction and electrical isolation prevent programming errors and equipment damage that can occur with inferior USB infrastructure in production environments.

What are the environmental operating specifications of the SEGGER USB Hub compared to premium industrial competitors?

The SEGGER USB Hub operates in temperatures ranging from +5°C to +60°C, with storage temperatures from -20°C to +65°C, and supports relative humidity up to 90% (non-condensing). These specifications are competitive with other industrial-grade USB hubs. Compared to premium competitors like StarTech industrial hubs which typically operate from -40°C to +80°C, the SEGGER hub has a more moderate temperature range but includes superior electrical isolation features. The unit measures 170mm x 166mm x 35mm and weighs 585g without cables, making it compact yet robust for industrial applications.

Can the SEGGER USB Hub be used with non-SEGGER devices, or is it exclusively for SEGGER products?

Whilst the SEGGER USB Hub is optimised for use with SEGGER Flasher Compact units in gang programming setups, it can absolutely be used with other USB devices, including non-SEGGER products. SEGGER explicitly states that it can be used with other SEGGER products such as J-Link debug probes and even with third-party USB devices. However, SEGGER recommends using their hub over generic alternatives because it is production-grade, robust, tested, and features electrical isolation—qualities that many standard USB hubs lack. This makes it particularly valuable for any application requiring reliable USB connectivity in industrial or professional environments.

What power requirements does the SEGGER USB Hub have and how does this compare to typical consumer hubs?

The SEGGER USB Hub operates on a wide voltage range of 8-30 VDC with reverse polarity protection and supports a maximum power consumption of 30W. This is significantly more robust than typical consumer USB hubs that usually require 5V DC power. The wide voltage input range makes it suitable for industrial applications where power supply voltages may vary. The unit features a screwable power supply plug that accommodates solid or stranded wire sections from 0.2-3.3 mm², ensuring secure connections in vibration-prone environments. For maximum load conditions, the input supply should be 12 VDC or higher.

How does the SEGGER USB Hub's electrical isolation feature protect my equipment and personnel?

The SEGGER USB Hub provides upstream port isolation with basic isolation rated at 3kV DC for 1 second. This electrical isolation protects both connected equipment and users from potential ground loops, electrical spikes, and transient overvoltages commonly found in industrial environments. However, it's important to note that this provides basic isolation only and is not suitable for hazardous voltage applications without additional protection measures. The isolation helps prevent damage to connected development tools and host computers whilst maintaining signal integrity for reliable USB communication in demanding production environments.

What is the SEGGER USB Hub (5.01.10) and what makes it different from standard consumer USB hubs?

The SEGGER USB Hub (5.01.10) is an industrial-grade, seven-port USB 2.0 full-speed hub specifically designed for production environments and professional applications. Unlike consumer USB hubs, it features upstream port isolation (3kV DC for 1 second), single downstream port overload protection, high retention USB-B upstream and USB-A downstream ports, and compliance with stringent industrial standards EN 61326-1, EN 55011, and EN 55024/55035. This hub is engineered for reliability in manufacturing environments where standard consumer hubs would fail, making it ideal for gang programming applications with SEGGER Flasher Compact units.