SmartUSBHub Pro 7CH USB2.0¶

NOTE: Quick start

Before first use, read Chapters 2, 3, 5 and 6 in order. If a fault occurs, stop the affected operation and refer to Chapter 10.

1 About This Manual¶

1.1 Purpose and scope¶

This manual applies to the standard HBP_USB2_7CH and the measurement-enabled HBP_USB2_7CH_ADV. Except for voltage and current measurement, both variants have the same port-control, connection and safety requirements.

1.2 Intended readers¶

Reader	Expected knowledge	Main tasks
Operator	Basic USB identification and electrical-safety awareness	Connect devices, control channels and observe LEDs
R&D / test engineer	USB, serial communication and automation scripts	Configure ports, read status and measurements, and use the API
System integrator	Power-budget calculation and test-topology design	Installation, product selection and multi-device integration
Service technician	Manufacturer authorization and electronics-service skills	Service within the authorized scope

1.3 Document conventions¶

WARNING: Personal and equipment safety

Failure to comply may cause personal injury, fire or serious equipment damage.

CAUTION: Product and data protection

Failure to comply may damage the product, the device under test or data.

NOTE: Additional information

Information that helps you use the product correctly and efficiently.

EXPECTED RESULT: Operation confirmation

The state expected after an operation, confirming that it succeeded.

1.4 Variant comparison¶

Feature	HBP_USB2_7CH	HBP_USB2_7CH_ADV
Independent VBUS control on seven ports	Supported	Supported
Independent D+ / D− control on seven ports	Supported	Supported
Port overcurrent status	Supported	Supported
Per-port voltage/current measurement	Not supported	Supported
Measurement stream	Not supported	Up to 100 Hz

2 Safety Information¶

2.1 Intended use¶

This product is intended for indoor USB 2.0 device management and automated testing. USB CDC commands independently control VBUS and D+ / D− on seven downstream ports. The ADV model also measures per-port voltage and current.

2.2 Prohibited and unsafe use¶

Using a DC supply that is out of specification or lacks overcurrent and short-circuit protection.
Treating the 24.5 V absolute maximum as a normal operating voltage.
Switching VBUS or data during file writes, firmware updates or other non-interruptible tasks.
Using the product in wet, condensing, conductive-dust or flammable environments.
Opening or modifying the product, or allowing metal objects to contact ports or circuitry.
Ignoring per-port current limiting or the total power budget and operating continuously under overload.

WARNING: Use only the specified DC supply

Use a qualified regulated 19–20 V, 5 A supply with current limiting and short-circuit protection. Never exceed the 24.5 V absolute maximum; this value is not an operating rating.

CAUTION: Disconnection can corrupt data or firmware

Switching off VBUS or D+ / D− is equivalent to unplugging the device. Stop file writes, firmware updates and other non-interruptible tasks first.

CAUTION: Do not exceed 10 A total output

The approximately 2.1 A per-port protection threshold does not mean that all seven ports can continuously deliver this current. Total current across all seven ports must not exceed 10 A; full loading can trip power protection and restart the system.

WARNING: The enclosure can become hot under heavy load

Continuous heavy loading can make the enclosure hot. Do not touch it while operating or before it has cooled after power-off. Maintain ventilation and keep it away from flammable material.

2.3 Abnormal conditions¶

If you notice odor, smoke, abnormal heat, liquid ingress, connector deformation or repeated overcurrent, stop all control tasks and disconnect DC power, DATA and CMD. Contact technical support.

3 Product Description¶

3.1 Product purpose¶

SmartUSBHub turns manual USB unplug/replug operations into scriptable actions for hardware debugging, automated testing, production validation, firmware programming and fault recovery. Power and USB 2.0 data are independently controlled on each channel.

3.2 System block diagram¶

Figure 3-1 SmartUSBHub Pro 7CH USB2.0 system block diagram

DATA carries hub traffic for all seven ports. CMD enumerates as a USB CDC serial port and receives control commands. The external DC input feeds two regulated 5 V rails for the downstream ports.

3.3 Interface overview¶

Figure 3-2 Front: seven USB-A downstream ports

Figure 3-3 Rear: DATA, CMD and DC input

Marking	Type	Function
CH1–CH7	USB-A downstream	Connects USB 2.0 devices; VBUS and data are independently controlled
DATA	USB-C upstream	Connects the USB host and carries traffic for seven downstream ports
CMD	USB-C control	Connects the control host and enumerates as USB CDC serial
DC IN	DC input	Recommended 19–20 V / 5 A supply

3.4 LEDs and local controls¶

The product has a status LED and seven channel LEDs. It has no physical channel buttons; use Control Pannel, Studio Pro, the Python API or the serial protocol to control channels.

4 Unpacking, Transport and Storage¶

4.1 Package inspection¶

SmartUSBHub Pro 7CH USB2.0 unit
Power adapter and cables included with the order, if applicable
Product label and supplied documentation

Do not power a unit with enclosure deformation, loose connectors, liquid marks or shipping damage. Keep the packaging and contact sales or technical support.

4.2 Storage¶

Store in a clean, dry, non-condensing environment away from electrostatic discharge, corrosive gas, impact and crushing. Recommended storage temperature: −10 to 85 °C.

5 Installation and Connection¶

5.1 Location¶

Place the unit on a stable, ventilated surface. Prevent strain on connectors and cables and leave clearance for cooling.

5.2 Recommended connection sequence¶

Connect DC power
Expected result: Verify 19–20 V output, adequate current rating, current limiting and short-circuit protection.
Connect CMD
Expected result: Use a USB-C data cable to the control computer. A USB CDC serial port should enumerate.
Connect DATA
Expected result: Use a USB-C data cable to the computer that hosts the downstream devices. DATA and CMD may connect to the same or different computers.
Connect downstream devices
Expected result: Connect devices to CH1–CH7. Keep high-power loads off until they are needed.

NOTE: Temporary low-power operation

USB bus power from DATA/CMD is intended only for low-power or debugging use and has a limited combined capacity. Connect DC power for multiple devices or larger loads.

6 First Use¶

6.1 Pre-power checks¶

Model, enclosure and connectors are undamaged.
The DC supply voltage, power rating and protection are suitable.
DATA and CMD use USB-C cables that carry data.
Steady-state and inrush current for all seven loads fit the power budget.

6.2 Establish control¶

Open the control application
Expected result: Start Control Pannel or Studio Pro.
Select the device
Expected result: Select the serial port for SmartUSBHub Pro 7CH USB2.0.
Read device state
Expected result: Read VBUS, data and overcurrent status for CH1–CH7. The ADV model should also show voltage and current.

EXPECTED RESULT: Connection established

The application shows seven channels. Command results and the corresponding channel LEDs agree.

7 Routine Operation¶

7.1 Control principles¶

VBUS controls device power; D+ / D− controls the USB 2.0 data connection. They can be switched independently. For recovery, normally enable VBUS first, wait for power to settle, and then enable data.

7.2 Safely disconnect a channel¶

Stop the task
Expected result: Stop file access, programming, acquisition and other non-interruptible work.
Disable data
Expected result: Open D+ / D− for the channel and allow the host to remove the device.
Disable power
Expected result: Switch off VBUS when the device no longer needs power.

7.3 Overcurrent response¶

Disable a channel immediately when overcurrent is reported. Check for a short circuit, overload, damaged cable or excessive inrush current. Retry only after correcting the cause and allowing the protection device to recover.

7.4 ADV measurements¶

Voltage and current readings are intended for operational monitoring and automated pass/fail decisions; they do not replace calibrated laboratory instruments. Enable high-rate streaming only when required.

8 Software and Programming Control¶

8.1 Control Pannel and Studio Pro¶

Control Pannel provides lightweight channel switching and status display. Studio Pro is intended for multi-device management, measurement plots and complex tests. The interface adapts to seven channels; ADV-only measurements are hidden for the standard model.

Figure 8-1 Control Pannel seven-channel control view

Control Pannel displays CH1–CH7 on one control page and switches each channel independently.

Figure 8-2 Studio Pro seven-channel home page

With a seven-channel device connected, the Studio Pro home page displays controls and status for CH1–CH7. The ADV model also shows voltage, current and power; measurement data is hidden for the standard model.

8.2 Python API¶

The Python API is intended for automation. The package name is smartusbhub. Confirm the target device and channel before issuing control commands.

Install the library:

pip install smartusbhub

Run this example. It uses only functions supported by both the standard and ADV variants: connect to the first available unit, enable CH1, verify its power and data-line states, and release the serial port.

from smartusbhub import SmartUSBHub

# Scan and connect to the first available SmartUSBHub
hub = SmartUSBHub.scan_and_connect()
if hub is None:
    raise RuntimeError("SmartUSBHub not found")

try:
    # Enabling CH1 power also connects its data lines in the device firmware.
    if not hub.set_channel_power(1, state=1):
        raise RuntimeError("Failed to enable CH1 power")

    power = hub.get_channel_power_status(1)
    data = hub.get_channel_usb2_dataline_status(1)
    if power is None or data is None:
        raise RuntimeError("Failed to read CH1 state")
    print(f"CH1 power={power}, data={data}")
finally:
    hub.disconnect()

HBP_USB2_7CH_ADV also supports get_channel_measurements() and the streaming measurement APIs. The standard HBP_USB2_7CH does not support voltage/current measurement. Verify the product model before calling a measurement API.

API	Purpose
`scan_and_connect()`	Scan and connect to the first available device.
`set_channel_power(*channels, state)`	Enable or disable power on selected channels.
`get_channel_power_status(*channels)`	Read power state on selected channels.
`set_channel_usb2_dataline(*channels, state)`	Connect or disconnect USB 2.0 data lines.
`get_channel_usb2_dataline_status(*channels)`	Read data-line state on selected channels.
`disconnect()`	Close the control connection and release the serial port.

8.3 Communication protocol¶

CMD uses USB CDC virtual serial at 115200 baud by default. V1, V2 and V3 frame formats are supported by the product family. Commands, framing and checksums are defined by the released protocol/API documentation for the installed firmware.

Online documentation: https://www.mixedsignallab.com/docs/

CAUTION: Automation must handle failures

Validate device identity, the channel range 1–7, responses, overcurrent status and timeouts. On exit, return the system to an explicit safe state.

9 Maintenance and Firmware Upgrade¶

9.1 Routine maintenance¶

Keep connectors clean and dry. Disconnect all power and USB cables before cleaning. Use a dry soft cloth; never spray liquid or use solvents or metal tools in connectors.

9.2 Firmware upgrade¶

Stop all writes and updates on downstream devices and keep the SmartUSBHub CMD connection active.
Open Control Pannel or Studio Pro, connect the target and verify hardware and firmware versions.
Select firmware update and install the firmware that matches the product.
After restart, wait for reconnection, verify the firmware version and test all seven ports and communication.

WARNING: Maintain power during upgrade

Do not disconnect CMD or power and do not allow the host to sleep. Incorrect firmware or an interrupted update can prevent normal startup.

10 Troubleshooting¶

Symptom	Possible cause	Action
Device not found	Charge-only CMD cable, port or driver issue	Use a known data cable and another USB port; verify the CDC serial device
Downstream device does not enumerate	DATA disconnected, data switch open or cable fault	Check DATA and enable D+ / D− for the channel
Device disconnects or resets	Total output exceeds 10 A, voltage drop or high inrush	Reduce total load below 10 A, use a suitable DC supply, shorten cables and stagger startup
Overcurrent reported	Short circuit, overload or connector damage	Disable the channel, inspect the load and cable, then retry
Enclosure becomes abnormally hot	Excessive load, inadequate ventilation or high ambient temperature	Stop the load, disconnect power and allow cooling; do not resume until the cause is known

11 Technical Specifications¶

11.1 Main specifications¶

Item	Specification
Downstream	7 × USB-A, USB 2.0 High-Speed
Upstream	1 × USB-C DATA; 1 × USB-C CMD/USB CDC
Control	Independent VBUS and D+ / D− per port
DC input connector	DC5525, center positive
Recommended DC input	9–20 V DC; typical 20 V / 5 A protected supply
DC absolute maximum	24.5 V; not a normal operating voltage
Per-port charging	BC 1.2 CDP, up to 1.5 A depending on host, device and supply
Per-port protection threshold	Approximately 2.1 A
Maximum total output current	10 A; full loading can trip protection and restart the system
ADV voltage measurement	0–5.5 V range; 8 mV resolution
ADV current measurement	0–2.7 A range; 1 mA resolution
USB data rates	High-Speed 480 Mbps; Full-Speed 12 Mbps; Low-Speed 1.5 Mbps
Dimensions	84 × 56.8 × 28 mm
Weight	Approximately 142 g
Operating temperature	0–50 °C
Storage temperature	−10–85 °C
Relative humidity	5%–95% RH, non-condensing

11.2 Dimensions¶

Figure 11-1 Product outline

The enclosure envelope is 84 mm × 56.8 mm × 28 mm. Allow additional clearance for cable bend radius, connector access and cooling.

11.3 Power budget¶

WARNING: Do not exceed 10 A across all seven ports

The combined output current of all seven ports must not exceed 10 A. Loading every port to the BC 1.2 value of 1.5 A would require 10.5 A, which exceeds the product limit and may trip power protection and restart SmartUSBHub and connected devices. Reduce the load or stagger startup.

WARNING: Hot surface under heavy load

Continuous operation near the maximum total output current can make the enclosure hot. Do not touch it while operating or before it has cooled after power-off. Maintain ventilation; do not cover the product or place it near flammable material.

12 Decommissioning, Disposal and Support¶

12.1 Decommissioning¶

Stop all tasks and safely remove downstream devices. Disable channels, then disconnect downstream devices, DATA, CMD and DC power. Clean and dry the unit before long-term storage.

12.2 Disposal¶

This is electrical and electronic equipment. Follow local e-waste collection and recycling rules; do not dispose of it as unsorted household waste.

12.3 Support and warranty¶

Documentation: https://www.mixedsignallab.com/docs/

Brand website: https://www.mixedsignallab.com

The product has a one-year limited warranty from receipt. Free warranty service excludes damage caused by overvoltage, overload, short circuit, liquid, impact, unauthorized service, use contrary to this manual or force majeure. Contact technical support before return.

Appendix A LED Quick Reference¶

LED	State	Meaning
Status	Periodic flashing	Normal operation
Status	Rapid flashing	Device identification or upgrade state
Channel	On	Corresponding channel VBUS enabled
Channel	Off	Corresponding channel VBUS disabled

Flash patterns may change between firmware releases. For diagnosis, use the software-reported state and the release notes for the installed firmware.

Appendix B Glossary¶

Term	Definition
DATA	USB-C upstream port carrying USB 2.0 hub traffic for all seven ports.
CMD	Control interface that enumerates as USB CDC virtual serial.
Channel	Controllable logical unit associated with one downstream port, CH1–CH7.
VBUS	USB bus power.
D+ / D−	USB 2.0 differential data lines.
USB CDC	USB device class normally recognized as a virtual serial port without a dedicated driver.
ADV	Enhanced model with per-port voltage and current measurement.
Overcurrent status	Fault indication reported when port current exceeds the protection condition.

Next: Start Controlling the Device¶

Choose the control method that fits your workflow

Use Control Pannel for graphical control: operate every port from the desktop interface without writing code.
Run a simple Python demo: install the SDK and run your first port-control script.