PLX reveals the world's first USB 3.0 peripheral controllers

DATA COMMUNICATIONS equipment maker PLX Technology announced today a range of general purpose USB 3.0 peripheral controllers that it claims are an industry first.

The new USB338x controllers will bridge USB 3.0 to PCI Express 2.0, allowing speeds of 5Gbps, which PLX believes will be required within the next five to ten years.

The controllers feature one or two PCIe Gen2 x1 ports, depending on the model. They also boast high power efficiency and flexible port configurations, along with PLX's USB Duet technology, which provides fast synchronisation for tablets and laptops.

Users can upgrade easily to the USB338x controllers if they have a PLX NET2282x USB2.0 controller, with minimal to no software changes required. Drivers are available for Windows CE, XP, Vista, 7, Linux and Vxworks.

PLX is aiming its controllers at a wide range of devices, including tablets, laptops, printers, projectors, embedded systems, WiFi adapters, graphics adapters, and TV tuners.

The USB338x controllers will be available for sampling in the second quarter, with full production scheduled for the third quarter. Prices will range from $7 to $8. µ