14 DAY TRIAL // VIA Labs unveiled earlier today its second generation of SuperSpeed USB 3.0 four port hub controller chip, which adds a new series of features and improved functionality when compared to its predecessor.
The new hub controller is known as the VIA Labs VL811 and one of the most important improvements that it brings to the table is support for the CDP technology, also known as “Charging Downstream Port.”
This technology is included in the USB Battery Charging Specification (BCS) and allows for BCS-compatible devices to charge up to three times faster than conventional USB hubs or hosts since it can provide up to 1.5A of current.
Furthermore, CDP allows users to simultaneously transfer data while charging their mobile device.
Other features brought by this second generation USB 3.0 hub controller include improved compatibility and performance between new hosts and new devices, support for USB 3.0 low power states as well as a new sleep charging option.
"VIA Labs VL811 builds on the success of the VL810, the world’s first 4-port USB 3.0 Hub controller," said Terrance Shih, Project Manager of VIA Labs, Inc USB 3.0 Hubs.
"It adds exciting new features, such as the rapid charging function and improved performance," concluded the company's rep.
VIA's new VL811 hub controller can be equipped with up to four USB 3.0 ports and when installed in an external hub or other similar device it requires an AC adapter to provide the power required by the IC to operate.
In addition to being used in standalone devices, the VL811 can also be integrated in motherboards and used for driving multiple USB 3.0 ports from a single USB 3.0 host controller.
VIA Labs hasn't mentioned anything about when the first products to integrate the VL811 will arrive to market. At this time, the hub controller isn't listed in USB-IF's list of SuperSpeed compliant devices.