USB 3.0 IC touts smallest package

Parade Technologies Ltd expands its USB 3.0 Repeater/Redriver IC product line with its release of the PS8720, a Dual USB 3.0 Repeater/Redriver that supports two bi-directional USB ports on a single device. The PS8720 is housed in a 32-pin 3x6mm TQFN package, touted as the smallest Dual Repeater/Redriver package on the market.

At 5Gbps, USB 3.0—also known as 'SuperSpeed' USB—delivers a ten-fold speed increase over the widely adopted USB 2.0 'HighSpeed' standard. The transition to 5Gbps challenges system designers to maintain signal integrity in notebook, docking station and other system designs. PC board traces longer than five inches (127mm) from the USB host controller will require USB Repeater/Redrivers for signal reconditioning. System boards frequently require multiple Repeater/Redriver in order to position USB ports at convenient locations on the system's external interface.

The PS8720 includes automatic detection of LFPS (Low Frequency Periodic Signaling) as well as normal SuperSpeed USB data. LFPS is used for out-of-band signaling for device initiation and power management. The device is compliant with USB 3.0 signal specifications for LFPS and SuperSpeed USB data at 5Gbps.

Parade is offering two versions of its dual Bi-directional USB 3.0 Repeater/Redriver. The PS8720A uses a single 1.5V power supply; the PS8720B uses a single 3.3V power supply. The 1.5V PS8720A is the lowest power Dual USB 3.0 Repeater/Redriver IC available. Both Parade Dual Repeater/Redrivers support all four USB 3.0 power management modes, which allow for power saving, suspend and power down modes when the device is not active.

USB has been widely adopted in computers, peripherals and consumer electronics. Leading market research firms estimate that more than three billion USB-enabled systems will be sold this year, increasing to more than four billion per year by 2012. The USB 3.0 interface is now incorporated into some personal computer chip sets, and wide chip set adoption is expected within the next twelve months.

The PS8720A/B is sampling now, and production volumes will be available September 2011. Both devices are available in a 3x6mm 32-pin TQFN package. The PS8720A/B will be available for $2.00 /each in high volume.