As automobile infotainment systems are becoming more prevalent, car makers are increasingly being tasked with providing reliable, intelligent connections between the car's display and one or more mobile devices. Microchip Technology, a manufacturer of integrated circuits (ICs), has announced five new USB 2.0 smart hub ICs that enable such connections.

The new chips permit multiple architectures; infotainment systems builders can therefore implement their designs to interface with the operating systems of all major smartphones. The graphical user interface of a mobile device will be displayed on the vehicle's screen and will integrate with voice commands inside the car. The chips provide drivers a more seamless, uninterrupted user experience. Driver assistance apps on mobile handsets will also be integrated within the infotainment systems, all while the device is charging.

The new smart hub ICs enable cascading of the hubs to the second- and third-row seats, so a vehicle with dual USB ports can connect one device to the head unit, leaving the other port free to charge and upload/download data. That allows one device to provide navigation assistance while another plays music.

Demonstration application and evaluation boards are available for each of the USB 2.0 smart hub ICs. Each device has an integrated 32-bit microcontroller for advanced bridging, audio application support and USB Power Delivery. The USB4715, USB4914 and USB4925 are available in 48-pin QFN packages, and the USB4916 and USB4927 are offered in 64-pin QFN packages. Devices are now available in volume production in 10,000 unit quantities.