Realtek Semiconductor Corp., one of the world's leading network and multimedia IC providers, launched the world's first multi-port USB4 hub controller (RTS5490), integrating USB Type-C/PD functionality and passing USB-IF full certification (TID: 11930).

Realtek's RTS5490 boasts a revolutionary speed upgrade, increasing the bandwidth from USB 3.2's 20 Gbps to USB4's 40 Gbps. It integrates protocols such as USB 3.2, USB-C, USB PD, PCIe, and DisplayPort while remaining backward compatible with existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 devices. With the RTS5490 USB4 hub controller, users can effortlessly expand their computer's ports with just a USB-C cable, offering ultra-fast data transfer, multi-display capabilities, and 240 W rapid charging.Realtek's RTS5490 highly integrated USB4 solution provides customers with unmatched design flexibility and compatibility with existing Thunderbolt 3 devices and includes:

• One upstream USB4 port, two downstream USB4 ports
• Two USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 downstream ports
• DisplayPort 2.1 with one input port and one output port

Benefiting from the downstream port's support for USB4, the RTS5490 enables emerging applications such as AI acceleration using USB4/Thunderbolt external graphics cards and high-speed data sharing between computers using inter-domain transfer technology. This highly integrated SoC solution features a high-performance 32-bit processor, a USB 2.0/3.2 hub, a DisplayPort controller, a PCIe switch, and a USB 3.2 host controller. The RTS5490 is currently one of the most competitive USB4 hub controller solutions on the market.

"Our RTS5490 is the only fully USB-IF Certified USB4 hub product on the market to integrate USB Type-C and USB PD 3.2 controllers. This significantly simplifies the complexity of design in products like PCs, docks, and displays, greatly shortening the product development cycle," said Yee-Wei Huang, Realtek's Vice President and Spokesman. "We will continue to innovate and drive continuous progress and development of data transfer technologies."