Texas Instruments TUSB8042AIRGCR

Overview

TUSB8042AIRGCR from Texas Instruments is a four-port USB 3.2 x1 Gen1 (5 Gbps) hub IC with integrated USB 2.0 MTT architecture, per-port power switching, and battery charging support including DCP, CDP, and ACP modes compliant with YD/T 1591-2009. It operates across 0°C to 70°C in a 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package and serves as a compound device supporting simultaneous SuperSpeed, high-speed, full-speed, and low-speed downstream connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the TUSB8042AIRGCR datasheet, TUSB8042AIRGCR pinout, TUSB8042AIRGCR application, or TUSB8042AIRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5 Gbps upstream/downstream capability, 64-pin RGC thermal pad layout, I²C/SMBus programmable configuration (VID/PID/port settings), and dual-supply operation (1.1 V / 3.3 V) with battery-charging handshaking logic.

Technical Context

The TUSB8042AIRGCR implements a USB 3.2 x1 Gen1 hub with independent transaction translators for all four downstream ports, enabling concurrent high-bandwidth transfers without bandwidth contention. Its USB 2.0 subsystem uses Multiple Transaction Translator (MTT) architecture with two asynchronous endpoint buffers per translator to reduce latency during mixed-speed device enumeration.

It supports flexible power management via per-port or ganged PWRCTL/BATEN control pins and OVERCURz detection inputs, and integrates battery charging logic that auto-negotiates DCP/CDP/ACP modes based on upstream port status and strap pin states. Configuration is handled through OTP ROM, external I²C EEPROM (100 kHz), or SMBus target interface - all supporting custom VID/PID, port enablement, and UUID provisioning.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin VQFN (RGC), 9 mm × 9 mm, with exposed thermal pad (VSS) requiring PCB ground connection for thermal and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB hub applications.

Compared with USB2514B-AEZG, TUSB8042AIRGCR delivers 10× bandwidth and integrated charging logic at higher power and pin count; versus TUSB8041ARGCR, it adds one full SuperSpeed/USB 2.0 port pair with no trade-off in feature set or thermal profile.

Availability

TUSB8042AIRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for computer docking stations, USB-C monitor hubs, set-top box expansions, and industrial embedded hosts requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and commercial-temperature-grade USB 3.2 hub functionality.

Supply support for TUSB8042AIRGCR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions, with decades of leadership in USB interface ICs and industrial-grade signal chain components.

The TUSB8042A product line delivers highly integrated, configuration-flexible USB 3.2 hubs targeting space-constrained, thermally demanding applications such as docking stations, monitors, and embedded systems requiring robust charging and multi-speed interoperability.

FAQ

What USB speed modes does the TUSB8042AIRGCR support on its upstream and downstream ports?

The TUSB8042AIRGCR supports USB 3.2 x1 Gen1 (5 Gbps) SuperSpeed operation on both upstream and downstream ports when connected to compatible hosts/devices. It also fully supports USB 2.0 high-speed (480 Mbps), full-speed (12 Mbps), and low-speed (1.5 Mbps) modes. Link speed is negotiated dynamically: if the upstream port detects only USB 2.0 capability, SuperSpeed is disabled on all downstream ports; if only full-speed/low-speed is detected, both SuperSpeed and high-speed are disabled.

How does the TUSB8042AIRGCR implement battery charging for downstream devices?

The TUSB8042AIRGCR implements battery charging through hardware-based handshaking logic. When the upstream port is connected, it operates in CDP mode; when unconnected, it cycles through ACP1–ACP3 modes before settling into DCP mode compliant with YD/T 1591-2009. Battery charging enablement per port is controlled by PWRCTLx/BATENx pins sampled at reset, and configuration can be further refined via I²C EEPROM or strap pins - no host software involvement is required for basic charging operation.

Can the TUSB8042AIRGCR be configured to operate USB 2.0 only on specific downstream ports?

Yes, the TUSB8042AIRGCR supports per-port USB 2.0-only operation via the USB_2.0_ONLY_PORT register (address 0x54). Setting bits in this register disables SuperSpeed transceivers for selected downstream ports while retaining full USB 2.0 functionality. This is useful in cost-sensitive or noise-sensitive designs where 5 Gbps signaling is unnecessary or problematic, and allows mixed-mode hub configurations without external signal gating.

What package and thermal considerations apply to the TUSB8042AIRGCR?

The TUSB8042AIRGCR uses a 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package measuring 9 mm × 9 mm with an exposed thermal pad (VSS) that must be soldered to a solid PCB ground plane. Its junction-to-board thermal resistance (RθJB) is 5.3 °C/W, enabling reliable operation at full load in ambient temperatures up to 70°C. Proper thermal vias under the pad (≥6× 0.3 mm diameter, spaced ≤1 mm apart) are essential to meet recommended operating conditions and avoid thermal throttling.

Does the TUSB8042AIRGCR require an external crystal, and what clock options are supported?

The TUSB8042AIRGCR accepts either a 24 MHz crystal (between XI and XO pins, with 1 MΩ feedback resistor) or a 24 MHz CMOS oscillator driving the XI pin directly (XO left unconnected). The internal PLL generates all required USB timing clocks. No other frequencies are supported; deviation beyond ±100 ppm may cause USB link instability or enumeration failure. Clock input is mandatory - the device lacks an internal RC oscillator and will not operate without a valid 24 MHz reference.