Coprocessor Integrates PCI Express-to-Quad USB I/O Controller

The MCS9990 coprocessor, which features a PCI Express (PCIe)-to-quad USB I/O controller, is suited for applications including USB extension and add-on cards; PCIe add-on cards; media docking stations; USB port replicators; digital audio/video applications; print-server applications; video security-monitoring applications; test equipment and more. The MCS9990 is a single-lane, multi-function PCIe-to-USB 2.0 host controller. It supports both USB host mode and OTG mode, selectable through device mode-select pins. USB host mode supports four USB 2.0 ports, while the OTG mode supports two USB 2.0 host ports, one USB OTG port, and a provision to select GPIO or ISA interface. All four USB 2.0 host ports are integrated with on-chip transceivers and support an Enhanced Host Controller Interface (EHCI) and Open Host Controller Interface (OHCI). The MCS9990 is fully compliant with PCI Express Base Specification, Revision 1.1, and with related card specifications to support 2.5-Gbps differential transmit and receive lines. The device comes in a 128-pin LQFP and includes an on-chip voltage regulator, the core operating at 1.2 V and the I/O at 3.3 V. It is available now and costs $12.50 each in lots of 500. MOSCHIP SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY LTD., Santa Clara, CA. (408) 737-7141.