Demo3 – USB 3.0 Host System Selection

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To fully realize the performance of the Demo3, it must be attached to a computer that contains a USB 3.0 host controller. USB 3.0 was a relatively young technology at the launch of Demo3 (mid-2012). The availability of integrated USB 3.0 hosts was sparse, but has increased steadily. For now, it is necessary to characterize system support of USB 3.0 (and subsequently Demo3) into the following categories:

• Integrated – A USB 3.0 host controller is provided by the system motherboard, either incorporated into the chipset or via a dedicated part. Users in need of new systems should consider this route.

• Add-in (compatible) – The system will accept an add-in card that provides the USB 3.0 host. Users wishing to upgrade their existing machines should consider this option.
  • Desktops – Typically, a free PCI Express (PCIe) x1 slot is required. The slot must be complaint with the PCIe 2.0 specification (sometimes referred to as Generation 2 or Gen2).
  • Laptops – An ExpressCard slot is required. The slot must be compliant with the ExpressCard 2.0 specification.

• Add-in (limited functionality) – Some machines may physically accept the add-in solutions, but do not meet the specification requirements. So for example, an older desktop with PCIe 1.0 compliant slots will only operate the USB 3.0 adapter card at half-speed. This is not a recommend option and should only be considered as a temporary solution. Users should be aware of the following points and decide accordingly:
  • Pros – Faster than USB 2.0 speed. More available bus power to the device, 900mA vs. 500mA.
  • Cons – Half of USB 3.0 speed. Timing critical issues may be hidden. Not supported, the Demo3 Team will not be able to fix any problems specifically arising from this usage.

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Laptop System Compatibility

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Working with Renesas, AMD added USB 3.0 support to their chipsets in 2011. This began with the A70M and A75 Fusion controller hubs (FCH). Cypress Semiconductor has confirmed Demo3 functionality (exact model TBD).

ASMediaTechnology Inc.

(http://www.cypress.com/?id=4&rID=58617)
Cypress Semiconductor has documented issues with the ASM104x using driver version 1.14.1.0. They recommend downgrading to the driver version 1.10.1.0 when using FX3 based devices. From the Demo3 Team's testing with HighPoint Technology's RocketU 1144A card, we have not seen this solution to work for the Demo3. At this time (5/22/2013) we do not recommend solutions based off the ASMedia part.

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The 7 Series Chipset family is the first Intel chipset to integrate a USB 3.0 host controller. This is also the chipset that supports the Ivy Bridge family of CPUs (3^rd generation Core Family) and was released in mid-2012.
Intel 7 Series Chipsets are recommended for use with the Demo3.
Tip: if a system contains a Core i7/i5/i3 3xxx series processor, then it uses a 7 Series Chipset.
Required: For proper operation with Intel 7 Series chipsets, the Demo3 needs to be running E.106 (boot firmware), E.20B (firmware), 26 (FPGA), or later. Use the HardwareUpdate Tool to check the current firmware loaded on the Demo3 and update the Demo3 if necessary. Note that newest available version will be displayed on the next dialog as each item is selected, and it may not match the versions listed here.

Ex. HardwareUpdate Tool listing Demo3 boot firmware, firmware and FPGA versions.

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1. μPD720200
2. μPD720200A
3. μPD720201 & μPD720202

These are recommended for use with the Demo3.
NEC/Renesas does not produce their own solution; they supply their USB 3.0 part to 3^rd party motherboard and add-in adapter vendors. Most vendors just copy the reference design, so all the add-in adapters will appear approximately the same and are able to use a common driver. There is no one solution better than another and this allows flexibility in purchasing. Some known NEC/Renesas based add-in adapter models for reference (in no way comprehensive):

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External hub and PCIe adapter card solutions using the VIA VL800 part have been tested in-house with the Demo3.
The VL800 is recommended for use with the Demo3.

Others

Nvidia, Texas Instruments, etc. are also known to be working on or have released USB 3.0 host controller solutions. Demo3 has not yet been tested with any of these.

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