Demo3 – USB 3.0 Host System Selection

Is your PC up to speed?

Introduction

Aptina's Demo3 interface board uses USB 3.0 ("Super Speed" USB) to provide improved performance over its predecessor. Since this technology is roughly 10 times faster than previously used on the Demo2/2X, the host system requirements have changed. This presents Demo3 users with new considerations when selecting a desktop or laptop system. This document will discuss options for new equipment purchasers or those attempting to upgrade their existing systems.

Background

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.

• Incompatible - Legacy systems incapable of accepting adapter cards or systems that have compatibility issues with the Demo3.

As this technology matures and is widely adopted, we expect this to be less critical to track.

Desktop System Compatibility

The following table lists the level of USB 3.0 support available from various desktop systems tested by the Demo3 Team. This data is subject to change and was last audited: 5/22/2013.

Laptop System Compatibility

The following table lists the level of USB 3.0 support available from various laptop systems tested by the Demo3 Team. This data is subject to change and was last audited: 5/22/2013.

USB 3.0 Chip Vendors

The following section contains information regarding specific USB 3.0 chip vendors. Since it is impractical to test every combination of system & USB 3.0 host controller with the Demo3, this may give some general indication of compatibility when specific data does not exist.

AMD – Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

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.

Fresco Logic Inc.

Early examples have shown to have compatibility issues with USB devices in general and specifically do not recognize the Demo3. Cypress Semiconductor has indicated from their testing that first generation Fresco Logic parts are not completely USB 3.0 compliant. Recent solutions have not been tested for improvement. Fresco Logic based solutions are not recommended at this time (5/22/2013).

Intel Corporation

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.

NEC/Renesas Electronics

(http://www.renesas.com/products/soc/usb_assp/index.jsp)
One of the initial USB 3.0 implementers on the market was NEC, after a merger this technology was marketed under the Renesas branding. Typically older drivers and software will reference the NEC name, while newer releases reference Renesas.
NEC/Renesas have had roughly a 1-1.5 year head start over every other manufacturer, so their solutions are most commonly available (although this will change over time as support moves to the chipset). As such, they have had the most development and maturity. Due to these stability factors, the bulk of Demo3 testing has been conducted with NEC/Renesas based USB 3.0 host adapters. There are 3 generations of NEC/Renesas parts:

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):

VIA Labs, Inc.

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.

USB 3.0 Chip Identification

There are various techniques than can be utilized to determine what USB 3.0 chip is used on a system. The Windows Device Manager may provide some clues if a manufacturer does not specify and you have access to the system. At the bottom of the Device Manager expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section:

Example from a Windows7 desktop machine, entries showing NEC/Renesas controller (in this particular case, built into the motherboard):

Example from a Windows 7 laptop, entries showing USB support from the Intel 7 Series chipset. The first two entries pertain to USB 2.0 portion, while last two entries pertain to the USB 3.0 portion:

Alternatively, a visual inspection can confirm the USB 3.0 part. This will be simpler with add-in adapter cards and motherboard based solutions. Integrated laptop solutions will require disassembly.
Example of typical NEC/Renesas based PCIe adapter:

Close-up of 1^st generation NEC/Renesas parts (µPD720200):

Questions and Comments

Please contact Email imaging_demo_bugs@aptina.com.

History