Cervoz Launches Low-Profile USB Expansion with 8-Port and USB Type-A/C Versatility

[TheLostSwede]

Cervoz, a global leader in industrial-grade modules, proudly introduces its latest PCIe low-profile USB 3.2 expansion series—the MEC-USB-PL. Purpose-built to meet the rapidly growing demands for industrial connectivity, the MEC-USB-PL series is designed to offer unmatched flexibility and scalability, supporting up to 8 ports per card with both USB Type-A and Type-C connectors. The series delivers a robust and future-proof solution for a wide range of industrial applications, enabling seamless integration into modern, data-intensive operations.

Engineered for Industrial Performance and Reliability
The MEC-USB-PL series combines high port density with versatile configurations. Available in both 4-port and 8-port configurations, it allows industrial users to optimize connectivity setups based on specific needs. The 4-port model (MEC-USB-PL004) is ideal for applications needing focused, high-speed data transfer across devices, while the 8-port models (MEC-USB-PL008 and MEC-USB-PL008C) offer extensive connectivity. The MEC-USB-PL008C's mixed supporting of USB Type-A and Type-C enables compatibility across both legacy and modern devices.




High-Speed and Robust Data Transmission
With USB 3.2 standard, the MEC-USB-PL series enable data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps per port, ensuring rapid and reliable data flow across connected devices. The performance is essential for applications requiring uninterrupted data transfer, such as automation, inspection systems, and real-time monitoring. The quad-lane PCI-Express interface further enhances data throughput, ensuring robust and consistent performance under heavy workloads.

Compact and Adaptable Form Factor
Designed for space-constrained environments, the series features a compact, low-profile design (68.90 x 158.00 mm) fitting easily into embedded and tight industrial setups, allowing users to incorporate high-density connectivity into compact systems without sacrificing valuable space. The series offers both standard and low-profile bracket options, ensuring seamless integration into various system configurations.

Advanced Power Managemen
One of the standout features of the MEC-USB-PL series is its advanced power management capabilities. The series offer adjustable power output (between 900mA and 1500mA), allowing users to tailor power delivery to match the needs of their connected peripherals. Additionally, the multiple power input configurations ensure stable operation during power instability and fluctuation. The adaptability is critical in industrial contexts where peripherals vary in demand of power level.

A Comprehensive Connectivity Solution for the Future
The MEC-USB-PL series is engineered to bridge current and future connectivity needs. Supporting both USB Type-A and Type-C connectors, this series allows industrial users to future-proof their setups, adapting easily to evolving industrial settings without major overhauls. The forward-looking solutions support industries in maintaining adaptable, high-performance connectivity infrastructures.



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[ymdhis]

So how does this work, 4 ports on the card, and two extension panels with two C connectors each that you can connect to the ports on the back of the card? That would mean it uses 3 slots, not that good.

 

[Chaitanya]

Even with 1.5A setting all 6 ports would require 60W + additional extra for the controller so that extra PCIe power connector shouldnt be really needed and given the target audience generally wont have any high end GPU in that system putting any strain on motherboard.

So how does this work, 4 ports on the card, and two extension panels with two C connectors each that you can connect to the ports on the back of the card? That would mean it uses 3 slots, not that good.

They should really provide a full height bracket so that users can attach all the Type C ports on single bracket instead of 2 slots.

 

[TheLostSwede]

So how does this work, 4 ports on the card, and two extension panels with two C connectors each that you can connect to the ports on the back of the card? That would mean it uses 3 slots, not that good.

If you look at the card, it has four two ports controllers and a PCIe bridge. Each of the USB Type-A ports is connected to one controller and the headers at the rear of the card are connected to one controller each as well. Each header can do two ports, either Type-A or Type-C. You could connect those to the front ports of a case if you want to.
What isn't clear is how they've solved the detection of Type-C inputs, as a Type-C port normally requires a chip to detect the cable orientation, which there's no mention of.

They should really provide a full height bracket so that users can attach all the Type C ports on single bracket instead of 2 slots.

They do if you check the spec sheet on their site, but only two Type-C ports still...

 

[Chaitanya]

If you look at the card, it has four two ports controllers and a PCIe bridge. Each of the USB Type-A ports is connected to one controller and the headers at the rear of the card are connected to one controller each as well. Each header can do two ports, either Type-A or Type-C. You could connect those to the front ports of a case if you want to.
What isn't clear is how they've solved the detection of Type-C inputs, as a Type-C port normally requires a chip to detect the cable orientation, which there's no mention of.


They do if you check the spec sheet on their site, but only two Type-C ports still...

There are a lot of cheap PCI breakout brackets available on market which use 20pin internal USB 3.0 interface to provide either 2 Type C or 1xA and 1xC port and seems like Cervoz has included similar bracket with the card.
Examples:

https://www.amazon.in/Female-Connector-Adapter-Extension-Bracket/dp/B07ZNQ17D8

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002483020346.html

Checked the spec sheet and would have liked to seen a full height 4 port bracket included or available as option but as things stand right now users will have to get additional bracket and use up 3 PCI slots in system.

 

[bug]

5Gbps, so it's really USB 3.0

 

[TheLostSwede]

There are a lot of cheap PCI breakout brackets available on market which use 20pin internal USB 3.0 interface to provide either 2 Type C or 1xA and 1xC port and seems like Cervoz has included similar bracket with the card.
Examples:

https://www.amazon.in/Female-Connector-Adapter-Extension-Bracket/dp/B07ZNQ17D8

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002483020346.html

Checked the spec sheet and would have liked to seen a full height 4 port bracket included or available as option but as things stand right now users will have to get additional bracket and use up 3 PCI slots in system.

Type-A is obviously not an issue. The problem with Type-C is the orientation detection, as if you plug in a Type-C cable to a "passive" Type-C receptible, you're going to have it work one way around, but not the other.

5Gbps, so it's really USB 3.0

Well, it's all USB 3.2 now, but yeah, the Renesas host controllers used are from the USB 3.0 era.

 

[FiRe]

nothing like being late to the party with USB4 being the newest now...

 

[ymdhis]

5Gbps, so it's really USB 3.0

At least that's straightforward, and not USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 Spec A Rev B Symmetric/Asymmetric With/Without Power Delivery and DP Tunneling in USB-A or USB-C format.

Most USB-C cables I find are still wired to USB 2 max.

They really screwed up the USB standard. It's almost anything but universal now.

 

[bug]

At least that's straightforward, and not USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 Spec A Rev B Symmetric/Asymmetric With/Without Power Delivery and DP Tunneling in USB-A or USB-C format.

Most USB-C cables I find are still wired to USB 2 max.

They really screwed up the USB standard. It's almost anything but universal now.

It becomes universal by the virtue of USB meaning practically anything

USB 3.0-3.2 is probably the biggest mess one can imagine. Hopefully this will be cleaned up starting with USB 4.

 

[The Von Matrices]

If you look at the card, it has four two ports controllers and a PCIe bridge. Each of the USB Type-A ports is connected to one controller and the headers at the rear of the card are connected to one controller each as well. Each header can do two ports, either Type-A or Type-C. You could connect those to the front ports of a case if you want to.
What isn't clear is how they've solved the detection of Type-C inputs, as a Type-C port normally requires a chip to detect the cable orientation, which there's no mention of.


They do if you check the spec sheet on their site, but only two Type-C ports still...

With no USB-C mux chip, those USB-C ports look like a USB-A port to the end device. The disadvantage is it doesn't provide any more features than a single USB 3.0 A port. So no power delivery, faster speeds, alternate modes, etc.

 

[THU31]

Even with 1.5A setting all 6 ports would require 60W + additional extra for the controller so that extra PCIe power connector shouldnt be really needed and given the target audience generally wont have any high end GPU in that system putting any strain on motherboard.

According to Wikipedia, x4 cards can only draw 25 W from the slot. x1 cards can only draw 10 W.

I have a x1 card with two 3.0 ports, and while it's detected without extra power, the actual ports don't work without a molex connected.

 

[Ruru]

So how does this work, 4 ports on the card, and two extension panels with two C connectors each that you can connect to the ports on the back of the card? That would mean it uses 3 slots, not that good.

About 99.999% of PC users has only a graphics card as their only expansion card, so there will be spare slots for expansion.

I'm on that minority as I have a PCIe WLAN card and a M.2 -> PCIe adapter, yet I still could install this card using all three slots.