Realtek's Latest Innovation in Connectivity: The RTS5490 USB4 Hub Controller
Realtek Semiconductor Corp., based in Taiwan, has made a significant advancement in the world of multimedia and networking technology with the introduction of the RTS5490— the world's first multi-port USB4 hub controller to achieve full USB-IF certification. This development signifies a remarkable leap in speed and functionality, establishing Realtek as a leader in the connectivity space.
A Leap in Performance
The RTS5490 controller offers a sweeping upgrade in bandwidth capabilities, doubling the throughput from 20Gbps provided by USB 3.2 to an impressive 40Gbps with USB4 technology. Its extensive protocol integration includes USB 3.2, USB-C, USB Power Delivery (PD), PCIe, and DisplayPort, while ensuring seamless backward compatibility with existing USB 3.2 and 2.0 devices. This feature allows users to effortlessly expand their computer's port capabilities using just a USB-C cable, unlocking rapid data transfer speeds, robust multi-display support, and the convenience of 240W rapid charging.
Comprehensive Integration
What sets the RTS5490 apart is its highly integrated architecture, offering a flexible design ideal for various applications. It incorporates:
- - One upstream USB4 port and two downstream USB4 ports
- - Two USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 downstream ports
- - DisplayPort 2.1 functionality with an input and output port
Such integration allows it to support cutting-edge applications such as AI acceleration through USB4/Thunderbolt external graphics cards and facilitates high-speed data sharing between multiple computers. Enhancing its capabilities is a high-performance 32-bit processor that drives the USB 2.0/3.2 hub, DisplayPort controller, PCIe switch, and USB 3.2 host controller seamlessly.
Industry Implications
The RTS5490 offers a competitive edge in the market of USB4 hub controllers, providing unparalleled design flexibility for manufacturers. As Yee-Wei Huang, Realtek's Vice President, points out, the RTS5490 is not only the sole fully USB-IF certified hub on the market but also simplifies the product design process for a range of applications, including PCs, docking stations, and displays. This innovation greatly accelerates the product development cycle, facilitating quicker time-to-market for developers.
A Vision for the Future
Realtek's commitment to pioneering advancements in data transfer technologies is underscored by this release. The RTS5490 embodies the company's philosophy of continuous innovation and evolution within the electronics and semiconductor industries. With such advancements, Realtek is poised to drive the future of high-speed connectivity, enabling next-generation applications and improving user experiences across various platforms.
About Realtek Semiconductor
Founded with a mission to design cutting-edge integrated circuits, Realtek Semiconductor Corporation has become a world leader in IC product development. With a broad portfolio that spans Ethernet controllers, multimedia solutions, and smart interconnect products, Realtek emphasizes innovation, quality, and performance in all its endeavors. For further information about their extensive product offerings, visit
www.realtek.com.
In conclusion, as technology continues to evolve, Realtek's RTS5490 USB4 hub controller represents a significant milestone, setting a new standard for USB connectivity and performance in personal computing and beyond. Expect to see this technology implemented in numerous devices and applications, heralding a new era of high-speed data exchange and device interconnectivity.