Description

VIA Labs’ VL818 is an advanced USB hub controller featuring USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 support with a highly integrated, application-specific design. VL818 provides one upstream port and multiple downstream ports, supporting up to 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 operation. The downstream ports support a wide range of USB speeds, including SuperSpeed (5Gbps), High Speed (480Mbps), Full Speed (12Mbps), and Low Speed (1.5Mbps).   The integrated USB 2.0 hub includes Multiple Transaction Translators (MTT), improving bandwidth and performance when multiple Full Speed devices are used simultaneously.   VL818 is available in the following variants: VL818-Q8 in QFN88 10x10x0.85 mm package, supporting 2x DFP Type-C ports with integrated signal mux and CC logic.   The integrated signal multiplexers and CC logic make VL818 ideal for USB Type-C applications, eliminating the need for external mux and CC controller components. This reduces PCB area, simplifies system design, and improves signal integrity.   VL818 features flexible firmware architecture, allowing in-field updates and customization. Parameters such as USB configuration, Tx equalization, and GPIO behavior can be configured through firmware.   VL818-based hub devices are compatible with Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions without requiring additional drivers. They also support non-x86 platforms, including smartphones, tablets, and other embedded systems that support USB hub functionality.   VL818 is well suited for a variety of USB hub applications, including standalone USB hubs, notebook docking stations, port replicators, and embedded system designs requiring integrated USB Type-C connectivity.

Block Diagram

Key Features

• USB 3.2 Compliant
  - Compliant to Universal Serial Bus 3.2 Specification
  - Compliant to Universal Serial Bus 2.0 Specification
  - USB 2.0 Hub Supports MTT
  - Supports Simultaneous Operation of Any Combination of SuperSpeed Plus, SuperSpeed, High-Speed, Full-Speed, and Low-Speed Devices
  - Supports USB Power Saving Features such as Link Power Management, Ux States, Selective Suspend, and Function Suspend
  - In-house USB PHY employs advanced CMOS processes for low power consumption


• USB Type-C Compliant
  - Compliant to USB Type-C Specification Rev 1.3
  - VL818-Q8: Integrated 5Gbps Multiplexer for 2x DFP (Downstream Facing Port)
  - Integrated CC Logic Controller for Orientation Detection/Vconn (3.3V).
  - Additional USB-C DFP support requires separate CC Logic and Multiplexer


• Integrated USB Devices
  - USB Billboard Class 1.21 Device
  Implemented as a USB 2.0 Virtual Device
  Configurable Behavior -Expose When Necessary / Always Present / Disabled
  - USB HID Class Device
  Implemented as a USB 2.0 Virtual Device, Facilitates FW Update or Media Control Buttons
  Configurable Behavior -Always Present / Disabled

• Full Sideband Signal Support
  - Supports Any Combination of Individual or Ganged Mode Over-Current for All Ports
  - Supports PWM LED Status Lights
  - SPI Interface for Firmware Upgrade over USB


• Comprehensive USB Battery Charging Support
  - Supports USB Battery Charging Specification v1.2 (SDP, CDP, DCP)
  - Support for Vendor Specific Charging Modes eg. Apple 2.4A, Samsung, etc.
  - Supports YD/T 1591-2009
  - Supports Stand-Alone Charging when System is Suspend, Shut Down, or Disconnected
  - Any Combination of DFPs can be Configured to Support USB Battery Charging


• Power and Package
  - Requires 3.3V and 1.05V Inputs
  - VL818-Q8: QFN 88L green package (10x10x0.85 mm)
  - Pin Compatibility with VL823 (QFN88)
  - Single Clock Input, 25MHz Crystal or Oscillator