Microsoft USB-C Travel Hub teardown

[Original photos and analysis by Leaves – adapted for English-language audience with permission; some editorial commentary added]

Introduction

The Microsoft USB-C travel hub ‎[SWV-00001/SWV-00002] is Microsoft’s first foray into the USB-C hub product class. With a single USB-C downstream port, Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, VGA, and 3 USB 3.x ports it offers decent expandability in a compact chassis that matches the Surface brand design aesthetic.

Feature Summary

• 1x VGA port (1080p)
• 1x HDMI 2.0 port (4K60 capable, older laptops limited to 4K30)
• 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
• 1x USB A 10Gb/s downstream port with up to 7.5W downstream charging
• 1x USB-C 10GB/s downstream port with up to 7.5W downstream charging (no DP alt mode video)
• integrated 15cm USB-C host cable with cable-end stowage

Notes:

• Only one monitor (HDMI or VGA) can be used at a time
• Cannot charge laptop when using hub since passthrough PD charging is not supported

Teardown

Pictured are two Microsoft USB-C travel hubs with text inscriptions crossed out indicating pre-production hardware or units that failed factory testing.

Splitting the top lid away from the main chassis was difficult. In addition to edge tabs, there are some glued supports that break when opening the chassis. Perhaps these can be repaired with more glue. Removing the lid reveals the shielded PCB assembly and cable-end stowage slot. Both are fastened with Philips (+) #00 screws.

The USB-C host cable and strain relief is routed through the main chassis.

The two outer PCB shields interlock. After pulling one shield up and over the VGA port, the assembly can be split in half revealing two separate PCBs.

Popping off the shields further reveals 6 blue thermal pads so these act as heatsinks too. [ed] Given how thin the shields are and the fact that everything is enclosed in insulating plastic, I’m not sure how effective all this is. But this approach results in a uniform temperature across the hub which is good.

The main USB-C cable is soldered in place with half of the wires terminating on the first PCB, and the remaining on the second PCB. A small removable ribbon cable connects the two PCBs together. The Dell DA300 hub uses a similar design so this approach is not unique.

[ed] Soldering, strain-relief, and signal shielding is neat & tidy indicating some level of advanced tooling and automation is used for this assembly step. Given the cable is routed through the chassis, full automation is unlikely. But this partial automation approach is superior to many brands that use 100% manual cable->PCB soldering.

[ed] Why not have all the USB-C wires terminate one PCB given that there is a ribbon cable between PCBs anyway? Having all wires go to a single PCB where half connect to the top and half to the bottom is particularly challenging to solder. Using both PCBs allows single-sided soldering which is quicker and more reliable. The drawback of this approach is the need for an elaborate jig to hold the two PCBs in place while soldering.

Analysis

Key integrated circuits

• Realtek RTS5423 USB 3.x Gen2 hub with PD 3.0
• Realtek RTL8153B Gigabit Ethernet
• Realtek RTD2142S USB-C -> DisplayPort with integrated VGA/HDMI drivers
• Ci MS242-A300 Ethernet transceiver coil pack

Realtek USB-C hub reference design

Display chip

The display output IC is the Realtek RTD2142S previously seen in the StarTech CDP2HDMDP MST hub. Although no public datasheet is available, it’s clear that this chip can support HDMI, DP and/or VGA outputs. It is a simple low-cost chip that can only run a single distinct display output. [ed] Why did Microsoft choose to support only a single display output while competing devices can support 2 distinct display outputs? Perhaps to drive customers to purchase the more expensive Surface Dock 2.

Bizlink/Startech CDP2HDMDP using Realtek RTD2124 MST display chip

Filtering & ESD-protection

ESD protection and signal filtering is comprehensive with protection diodes on all inputs and outputs. The USB A port has a common mode inductor for signal filtering with the rest using capacitors.

Power filtering is uninteresting using conventional components.

Editor’s Conclusion

Although the PCB and chassis design is elegant and compact, Microsoft leaves a lot of functionality out of this hub making it uncompetitive in the market at its price point ($99 USD MSRP). Less expensive devices from reputable brands offer more flexible display output configurations, more USB ports, audio, and PD passthrough charging for laptops.