Demo3 – USB 3.0 Host System Selection

Is your PC up to speed?

Introduction

ON Semiconductor'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.

Update - Read this First!

November, 2018; there have been many USB 3.0 Controller (aka "chip-set") improvements since this document was first created.  The most significant has been the fairly universal acceptance of the Intel-USB-eXtensible-Host-Controller in all new Desktop and Laptops. This chip-set has proven to work well with the Demo3.

The easiest method of determining Compatibility is to do a Web search for the USB Chip-set driver for the given make / model. For example, for a Dell 7480 USB Chipset driver, one of the links the search results in is for the Intel-USB-eXtensible-Host-Controller.

For all new Desktops and Laptops, it has been found that the USB chip-set driver is out of date, and may likely not recognize the Demo3 and will need to be updated.

New - Trouble-Shooting Guide

The following are the most common issues with the Demo3, and their solution.  Please refer to the Quick Start Guide for other critical information about the DevSuite HW and SW.

• "Camera not found" Warning

  • Check the compatibility list below, and if not found, do a Web search for your make / model of Desktop / Laptop for "USB Chipset driver" - if it is not "Intel-USB-eXtensible-Host-Controller" get another Desktop / Laptop.

  • Disconnect and re-connecting the USB cable, waiting 5 seconds, and then try the DevWareX Probe again. 

  • If that doesn't work, then check for a newer USB chip-set driver by doing a Web search for your make / model of Desktop / Laptop for "USB Chipset driver".

• "DEMO3 does not run reliably on USB 2.x port" Warning

  • First, determine if you are connected to a USB 3.0 port.  Most new Desktops / Laptops do not have USB 2.x ports.

  • Check for a newer USB chip-set driver by doing a Web search for your make / model of Desktop / Laptop for "USB Chipset driver".

  • Newer Desktops / Laptops now have USB 3.1 ports.  If that is the case, ensure that your Demo3 HW revision is 7 or higher - the revision is printed on the back of the board. If less than 7, contact ON Semiconductor Sales.

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.