NEC Electronics Announces Eco-Friendly USB 2.0 Hub Controller

First Product in New ECOUSB Family

NEC Electronics Corp. (TSE: 6723), a leading semiconductor solutions provider, and its subsidiaries in the United States and Europe, NEC Electronics America, Inc. and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH, today announced the newest addition to their industry-leading Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 semiconductor solutions, a highly integrated USB 2.0 hub controller manufactured with eco-friendly materials that serve to minimize environmental impacts. This new device, part number µPD720114, is the first product in NEC Electronics’ new ECOUSB™ family of USB devices.

“USB 2.0 has proven to be an exceptionally popular technology, as users become increasingly interested in moving large media files between digital devices,” said Katsuhiko Nakazawa, general manager, PC Peripheral Systems Division, NEC Electronics Corporation.  “However, the popularity of USB-based products means that original equipment manufacturers must consider a variety of environmental factors prior to bringing their designs to market. How much power will be consumed? Will improper disposal introduce potentially dangerous substances to the environment? To help alleviate worries about these issues, NEC Electronics is developing an ECOUSB family of USB 2.0 solutions.”

A variety of features and materials makes the µPD720114 device an eco-friendly choice. Reconfiguration of the controller’s communication logic has enabled on-chip integration of parts that formerly needed to be off chip, including the voltage regulator, several resistors and the serial ROM that manages information related to the hub’s configuration, helping to reduce the number of components required in a USB 2.0-based system. The alignment of pins and placement of circuits also have been optimized, shrinking the controller’s footprint to 7 mm2 and its mounting area by approximately 60 percent compared to previous models. This optimization means that fewer materials are needed during the fabrication process and that stresses to the environment will be minimal upon the controller’s final disposal.

Environmental concerns related to power consumption have been addressed to such a degree that, measured against earlier generations, the µPD720114 consumes 10 percent less power in full-speed operation and 20 percent less in standby.

For compliance with the Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive for the European Union, the µPD720114 hub controller uses a halogen-free sealing resin designed to minimize negative environmental effects over the whole of the controller’s life.

Availability
Samples of the new µPD720114 USB 2.0 hub controller are available now.  Production quantities are also available. Availability is subject to change.

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NEC Electronics and ECOUSB are either a registered trademark or trademark of NEC Electronics Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.  All other registered trademarks or trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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