Texas Instruments TUSB8044RGCR

Overview

TUSB8044 from Texas Instruments is a four-port USB 3.1 Gen1 hub IC with integrated USB 2.0 Billboard device, supporting simultaneous SuperSpeed (5 Gbps) and high-speed (480 Mbps) upstream connectivity, per-port/ganged power switching, and battery charging modes (CDP/DCP/Galaxy/YD/T 1591-2009) - deployed in docking stations and monitor hubs requiring robust USB topology expansion.

For engineers reviewing the TUSB8044 datasheet, TUSB8044 pinout, TUSB8044 application, or TUSB8044 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 64-pin VQFN (RGC) package, USB Billboard compliance per USB Device Class Definition v1.1, MTT-based USB 2.0 hub architecture with four transaction translators, I2C/SMBus programmability for VID/PID/custom strings, and dual-supply operation (1.1 V core / 3.3 V I/O).

Technical Context

The TUSB8044 implements a Multi-Transaction Translator (MTT) USB 2.0 hub with four independent transaction translators and two asynchronous endpoint buffers per translator, enabling concurrent high-bandwidth full-speed device handling. Its upstream port supports dynamic fallback: SuperSpeed disabled when upstream only provides high-speed; both SuperSpeed and high-speed disabled when upstream is low-speed only.

It integrates a dedicated USB 2.0 Billboard device on the highest-numbered downstream port, compliant with USB Billboard Device Class v1.1, for Alternate Mode status reporting to host systems. The internal HID-to-I2C interface enables EEPROM programming and real-time I2C master control (100 kHz/400 kHz, clock stretching supported), with configuration options via OTP ROM, serial EEPROM, or SMBus slave interface.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 64-pin VQFN (RGC), 9.00 mm × 9.00 mm, exposed thermal pad (VSS) requiring PCB ground connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB 3.1 Gen1 hub applications.

Compared with TUSB8044, TUSB8041RGER omits the HID-to-I2C interface-reducing system integration complexity but eliminating direct I2C peripheral control; UPD720210 offers lower cost and maturity for USB 3.0 applications but lacks Gen1 speed, Billboard integration, and advanced charging modes essential for modern USB-C ecosystems.

Availability

TUSB8044 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 support, and full USB 3.1 Gen1 feature compliance.

Supply support for TUSB8044 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 technologies, with leadership in USB PHY, hub, and interface solutions for computing and industrial markets.

The TUSB8044 belongs to TI's USB 3.x Hub product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability USB-C docking, display-enabled hubs, and systems requiring integrated Billboard functionality and flexible battery charging compliance.

FAQ

What USB standards does the TUSB8044 support?

The TUSB8044 supports USB 3.1 Gen1 (5 Gbps SuperSpeed), USB 2.0 (480 Mbps high-speed), and backward compatibility with full-speed (12 Mbps) and low-speed (1.5 Mbps) devices. It complies with USB 3.1 specification, USB 2.0 specification, and USB Billboard Device Class v1.1. The TUSB8044 dynamically disables SuperSpeed or high-speed functionality based on upstream electrical environment - ensuring interoperability without manual configuration.

Does the TUSB8044 require an external crystal or oscillator?

Yes, the TUSB8044 requires a 24-MHz clock source connected to XI/XO pins. It accepts either a 24-MHz crystal (with 1-MΩ feedback resistor between XI and XO) or a 24-MHz CMOS oscillator driving XI directly (XO left unconnected). This single clock input synchronizes both USB 3.1 Gen1 and USB 2.0 PHY layers, eliminating need for multiple timing sources in the TUSB8044 design.

How does the TUSB8044 implement battery charging support?

The TUSB8044 implements battery charging via hardware-strapped or register-controlled modes: CDP (when upstream connected), DCP (when upstream unconnected), Galaxy Charging, and Chinese YD/T 1591-2009 compliance. It supports ACP1–ACP3 divider modes with automatic sequential transition when upstream is disconnected. All modes are implemented in silicon - no host software or external ICs required for BC1.2 or regional charging protocol enforcement in the TUSB8044.

Can the TUSB8044 be configured without external EEPROM?

Yes, the TUSB8044 supports configuration via OTP ROM (for static VID/PID/port settings), I2C/SMBus slave interface (for runtime updates), or direct USB 2.0 HID-to-I2C programming - eliminating mandatory external EEPROM. Factory-programmed OTP avoids bill-of-materials cost and layout area; SMBus allows field updates; and HID-to-I2C enables host-initiated EEPROM writes during system boot - all valid configuration paths for the TUSB8044.

What is the role of the HID-to-I2C interface in the TUSB8044?

The HID-to-I2C interface in the TUSB8044 converts standard USB HID class requests into I2C transactions, enabling the host to read/write I2C peripherals (e.g., sensors, PMICs) or program external EEPROM without custom drivers. It operates at 100 kHz or 400 kHz, supports clock stretching, and matches upstream port speed (HS/FS). This feature eliminates need for separate microcontroller or I2C master in TUSB8044-based hub designs.