OEMs Ready USB3.0R-P2-PCIe Add-On Card Based On New Renesas Chipset

[btarunr]

OEMs are readying USB 3.0 PCIe add-on cards based on the reference design "USB3.0R-P2-PCIe", which will be sold through several vendors such as Buffalo. These cards take advantage of the new Renesas μPD720202 chipset, which is known to be more cost-effective, faster, and power-efficient than the μPD720200A, which it succeeds. The μPD720202 features a 40% performance boost over previous generation, the card has a redesigned circuit that reduces electrical leakage when in power-saving mode, when the chip consumes about 4.5 mW. The card gives out two USB 3.0 ports, and draws power from a 15-pin SATA power connector, instead of 4-pin Molex or Berg connectors. The PCB is compact, half-height, and hence low-profile capable. Cards should include low-profile brackets.



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[buggalugs]

would be better if they included an internal USB 3 connector on the PCB for front panel.

 

[TheLostSwede]

would be better if they included an internal USB 3 connector on the PCB for front panel.

The μPD720202 is only a two port controller, a card with the μPD720201 would do the trick though.

Not sure what's news in this story though, as cards with both controllers have been on sale for quite some time already.

 

[wickerman]

I like seeing SATA power connectors on things as well, 4-pin molex is so old-hat and I hate wrestling with those damn things when the pins start to get loose and get misaligned. But I agree with buggalugs, internal USB 3.0 would be handy for internal connectors especially since most of the earlier and low/mid range boards don't have the USB 3.0 connections. But I'm sure there will be a version of this card that will do just that.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Not quite a solution to the problem, but Silverstone has a card based on the same Renesas chip with only an internal header http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=327&area=en

 

[MrMilli]

I like seeing SATA power connectors on things as well, 4-pin molex is so old-hat and I hate wrestling with those damn things when the pins start to get loose and get misaligned. But I agree with buggalugs, internal USB 3.0 would be handy for internal connectors especially since most of the earlier and low/mid range boards don't have the USB 3.0 connections. But I'm sure there will be a version of this card that will do just that.

+1
On modular PSU's i had to specially plug in those molex cables just for these cards.

 

[TheGuruStud]

Not quite a solution to the problem, but Silverstone has a card based on the same Renesas chip with only an internal header http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=327&area=en

And it's still expensive (for my tastes).