Hi everyone,
I’m currently learning about the USB protocol and designing a project, but I’ve encountered a few questions that I couldn’t find clear answers to. I’d really appreciate your input!
1. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 with SuperSpeed Type-A Connector
According to the USB 3.2 specification, it states that USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 can support a SuperSpeed Type-A connector. This raises a question:
If we use a SuperSpeed Type-A connector, the system would only utilize 1 lane for data transfer, leaving 1 lane from the host unused. Is this configuration valid, or is it against the USB specification to use SuperSpeed Type-A for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2? (The specification table seems to suggest it’s possible, but I’m unsure.)
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USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 and Gen 2×1 Designs
When reviewing designs for USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×1, I noticed the following:
If the host is in DFP mode, a single-lane connection can directly be made using SuperSpeed+ (SS+) Type-A connectors. This setup is straightforward and doesn’t seem to require anything additional.
However, if we want to use USB Type-C with these standards:
A MUX is typically required for orientation switching.
Additionally, a USB Power Delivery (USB PD) controller is often needed to handle the orientation, as well as the role selection (DFP, UFP, or DRD).
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USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB4 Gen 3×2 Designs
I couldn’t find clear reference designs for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB4 Gen 3×2, or USB4 Gen 4×2.
When using USB Type-C with these standards, is a MUX still required for orientation switching?
These standards use 2 lanes, and USB Type-C connectors have pins for RX1, TX1, RX2, and TX2. If all these pins are fully connected via hardwiring, is orientation switching still necessary? Or can the connection work without a MUX?
I’m particularly curious about how the orientation affects the use of RX1/TX1 and RX2/TX2 pins.
I’m currently learning about the USB protocol and designing a project, but I’ve encountered a few questions that I couldn’t find clear answers to. I’d really appreciate your input!
1. USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 with SuperSpeed Type-A Connector
According to the USB 3.2 specification, it states that USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 can support a SuperSpeed Type-A connector. This raises a question:
If we use a SuperSpeed Type-A connector, the system would only utilize 1 lane for data transfer, leaving 1 lane from the host unused. Is this configuration valid, or is it against the USB specification to use SuperSpeed Type-A for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2? (The specification table seems to suggest it’s possible, but I’m unsure.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 and Gen 2×1 Designs
When reviewing designs for USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2×1, I noticed the following:
If the host is in DFP mode, a single-lane connection can directly be made using SuperSpeed+ (SS+) Type-A connectors. This setup is straightforward and doesn’t seem to require anything additional.
However, if we want to use USB Type-C with these standards:
A MUX is typically required for orientation switching.
Additionally, a USB Power Delivery (USB PD) controller is often needed to handle the orientation, as well as the role selection (DFP, UFP, or DRD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB4 Gen 3×2 Designs
I couldn’t find clear reference designs for USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB4 Gen 3×2, or USB4 Gen 4×2.
When using USB Type-C with these standards, is a MUX still required for orientation switching?
These standards use 2 lanes, and USB Type-C connectors have pins for RX1, TX1, RX2, and TX2. If all these pins are fully connected via hardwiring, is orientation switching still necessary? Or can the connection work without a MUX?
I’m particularly curious about how the orientation affects the use of RX1/TX1 and RX2/TX2 pins.
