Manager's Summary
Choosing the right programmable USB hub from Acroname depends on your team's technical requirements and budget. If your lab demands 10 Gbps data transfer, robust USB-C power delivery, and comprehensive monitoring, the USBHub3c is the top-tier choice. The USBHub3+ offers high USB-A port density, host switching and 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 support at a more accessible price point, while the USBHub2x4 provides compact, industrial grade USB 2.0 switching for embedded or budget-sensitive applications. All models integrate with Acroname's BrainStem API for automation and support DIN rail mounting for deployment.
Introduction
In environments where precise USB control, automation, and power delivery are mission-critical, standard off-the-shelf hubs don’t make the cut. That’s where Acroname’s programmable USB hubs come into play. With advanced features like per-port control, current measurement, USB-PD analysis, and robust APIs, Acroname's USBHub3c, USBHub3+, and USBHub2x4 are designed for engineering labs, test environments, and embedded systems.
In this article, we provide a technical comparison of these three hubs, helping you choose the right tool for your specific use case. Whether you’re building a hardware validation suite, automating power cycling, or deploying embedded USB switching, there’s a hub designed for your workflow. This guide will help you evaluate options in the USBHub3c vs USBHub3+ vs USBHub2x4 landscape and select the best programmable USB hub for your needs.
| Feature | USBHub3c | USBHub3+ | USBHub2x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB Speed Support | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) | USB 3.0 (5Gbps) | USB 2.0 (480Mbps) |
| Downstream Device Ports | 6 programmable | 8 programmable | 4 programmable |
| Upstream Host Ports | 6 Type-C (AnyPort™ can be host or device) | 2 Type-B | 2 Mini-B |
| USB Power Delivery (PD) | Up to 20V/5A per port | Up to 5A per port (65W max) | Up to 2.5A per port |
| Current Measurement Res. | 15mA | 1mA | 10mA |
| Link Speed Reporting | Yes | Yes | No |
| Host Switching | Any port, automatic or programmatic | 2 port; automatic or programmatic | 2 port; programmatic |
| Daisy Chain Capable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Use Case Focus
- USBHub3c: For engineers needing USB 3.2 Gen 2 data rates, USB-PD negotiation, and high-power charging. Ideal for USB-C compliance, power delivery testing, and A/V switching in automation.
- USBHub3+: A versatile lab-grade USB data switching hub. Great for test automation, device validation, and general USB power/data control with SuperSpeed support. Auto host switching enables simple sharing of peripherals between hosts.
- USBHub2x4: Perfect for embedded USB switching where budget and space are constrained, and USB 2.0 speeds are sufficient.
Detailed Feature Comparison
USB Speed & Connectivity
- USBHub3c supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 with 10Gbps data rates on each port. It features six independent upstream host ports, making it ideal for routing many devices to one or more host systems.
- USBHub3+ offers full USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (5Gbps), with two upstream hosts and excellent per-port control.
- USBHub2x4 supports USB 2.0 only — limited to High-Speed (480Mbps) data rates, but sufficient for many embedded and legacy applications.
Power and Charging
- USBHub3c supports USB Power Delivery up to 20V/5A per port and includes programmable current limiting. It also offers USB-PD analysis and logging, making it a powerful tool for hardware developers.
- USBHub3+ allows up to 5A per port (65W total), with fine-grain current limiting in 1mA steps.
- USBHub2x4 supports up to 2.5A per port using standard BC1.2 charge modes with discrete limit settings.
Port-Level Monitoring and Control
- All three hubs offer port-level enable/disable control for power and USB data lines.
- Only USBHub3c and USBHub3+ provide USB 3.x SS (SuperSpeed) data line control.
- USBHub3c includes the highest-resolution power monitoring: 15mA current, 1mV voltage
- USBHub3c allows connection of external loads for load testing
- USBHub2x4 offers basic monitoring suitable for simpler systems without SuperSpeed or USB-PD needs.
Software and Integration
All Acroname hubs use the BrainStem API, available in C, C++, Python, LabVIEW, and TestStand. This consistency simplifies development and deployment across hub models. The HubTool GUI provides a quick way to visualize and control hubs during development or debugging.
Mechanical and Electrical Design
- All models are DIN rail mountable with the Acroname C31-DINM-1 accessory.
- Hubs come with rugged metal enclosures, industrial connectors (Euroblock, terminal blocks), and high ESD protection (up to ±30kV).
| Scenario | Best Hub |
|---|---|
| USB-PD device validation, PD analysis | USBHub3c |
| General USB 3.0 testing and automation | USBHub3+ |
| Basic embedded device switching | USBHub2x4 |
| High-speed data logging and host routing | USBHub3c |
| Mobile device lab requiring highest port density | USBHub3+ |
| Low-cost industrial switching | USBHub2x4 |
Conclusion
Every programmable USB hub in Acroname’s lineup is purpose-built for intelligent control, power flexibility, and integration into automated systems. While USBHub3c leads with cutting-edge USB-C and PD features, USBHub3+ strikes a balance of performance and cost. USBHub2x4 brings switching and control into resource-limited environments without compromising reliability.
To explore more or order a unit, visit Acroname’s USB hub catalog.
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