ASMedia USB4 Host Controller ASM4242 Passed USB-IF Certification

ASMedia Technology Inc. announced that its USB4 host controller ASM4242 (TID: 7443) passed the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certification at the CES in the USA on January 11, 2024.

USB4 host controller (ASM4242) and ASM2464PD/PDX devices at CES

This achievement positions it as the 1^st Taiwanese company and the 3rd globally after AMD and Intel, to attain certification for a host controller of this nature.

Che-Wei Lin, president, ASMedia, said: “We are happy to share with everyone this wonderful news. After extensive efforts from the dedicated ASMedia team, our USB4 host controller [ASM4242] has successfully obtained official USB4 certification. The certification of the USB4 host controller, ASM4242, underscores a distinguished level of maturity and reliability, and showcases its ability to switch and coordinate between diverse specifications, including PCIe, DisplayPort (DP), and USB4. ASMedia takes great pride in achieving recognition from the USB-IF, following in the footsteps of Intel and AMD. The entire USB4 testing process spanned nearly a year and was finally perfected. Having completed nearly a thousand tests in USB-IF authorized independent test labs, ASMedia successfully passed hundreds of tests at the USB Platform Interoperability Lab. These tests covered performance, logical specs, compatibility, and stability to offer a comprehensive verification process of the product design quality. As we usher in the new year of 2024, ASMedia stands well-prepared with both USB4 host controller and device certifications, and our products are poised to enter the phase of mass production. Samples from our clients have been successfully produced, and we look forward to seeing products featuring the ASM4242 in the market later this year.”

PCs equipped with the company’s USB4 host controller ASM4242 and USB4 device ASM2464PD can achieve speeds of up to 3,800MB/s, double that of USB3.2 Gen2x2. USB4 employs the ‘tunneling’ technology for data transfer. The ASM4242 utilizes the PCIe Gen4x4 interface, supporting 2xUSB4 ports. Furthermore, drawing from the extensive experience of mass production of over 100 million USB host controllers, it is compatible with USB3.2 and ensures both speed and compatibility.

Jeff Ravencraft, president and COO, USB-IF, emphasized: “USB-IF certification is a testament to the maturity and stability of the technological advancements of a product. We applaud ASMedia for their substantial progress in the USB4 technology development,solidifying their role as a pioneer and setting trends in USB4 technology.We look forward to supporting ASMedia and all USB-IF members as they diligently work to provide a broader range of USB Certified solutions for users and the USB ecosystem.”

In addition to the USB4 host controller, the firm presented its USB4 certified devices at CES: ASM2464PD and ASM2464PDX. These products have transitioned into mass production. This year, within company’s booth at CES, attendees are offered a preview of soon-to-be-launched end products from company’s customers. A noteworthy difference between ASM2464PD and ASM2464PDX lies in the latter’s capability to support more lanes, so customers can make flexible choices based on specific requirements. The company’s USB4 device silicon leverages the built-in PCIe Gen4 packet switch technology and harnesses USB4’s distinctive high bandwidth and dynamic bandwidth allocation features.

This empowers customers adopting this series of chipsets to configure PCIe devices or NVMe flash drives according to market positioning and product planning. Moreover, the product design emphasizes a high level of integration with peripheral components and adheres to a concise modular concept. This design philosophy enables customers to craft USB4 product lines that not only carry inherent value but also exhibit a differentiating edge in the market.

The company’s USB4 series were displayed at the CES. Alongside the host controller ASM4242 and device ASM2464PD, the firm is set to unveil the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gb/s) product, ASM3074C, in the hub product line to meet the diverse needs of our customers.