Summary of 4-port NanoHub – tiny USB hub for hacking projects
The NanoHub 4-port is a compact USB hub evolution, offering four ports in a tiny form factor. It includes ESD protection diodes for safety and supports up to 4A combined output current. However, it consumes more power (up to 0.8W), making battery use challenging without cascading smaller hubs. Ideal for soldering-savvy hackers, it requires precise wire connections with lengths under 400mm due to impedance issues.
Parts used in the NanoHub 4-port:
- USB connector
- ESD protection diodes
- Power traces
- Downstream ports
- Soldered wires
A 4-port upgrade to the original NanoHub; an entire 4-port USB hub that is smaller than a USB connector
The NanoHub 4-port is a natural evolution of the original 2-port NanoHub – a truly tiny USB hub to use in the most cramped of spaces. Nanohub 4-port is bigger and better! Even though it boasts twice as many downstream ports (effectively tripling its usefulness; providing 3 extra USB ports instead of just 1), it is only 4mm wider (1/8″). Also, by popular request, ESD protection diodes are included on the input and output ports, meaning you can safely use the NanoHub 4-port with user-accessible ports, where you might zap the port contacts with static electricity. Lastly, the power traces have gotten a slight boost; you can now draw up to 4A on the output ports (combined, sustained).
There is a bit of a downside to all this grunt – the power consumption is considerably higher. If you want to run this on a small battery (e.g. hack it into a phone or tablet, or use it in a battery-powered IoT device), you might want to consider using one or more cascaded 2-port NanoHubs. At full speed with all ports operational and transferring data, it can draw up to 0.8W (average). On an operating system that supports selective suspend (and all attached devices also support this), the average power consumption is well below this, a few hundred mW typically.
Directions for use
This USB hub is really for hacking projects, by people who are comfortable soldering tiny wires. The 4-port NanoHub wires are spaced very close together and require a steady hand to connect up. Because these aren’t properly impedance matched wires, you will not be able to use more than approx. 400mm cable lengths reliably. Also, carefully observe and double-check the polarity of your wires.
Read more: 4-port NanoHub – tiny USB hub for hacking projects
-
What is the size difference between the NanoHub 4-port and the original?
The 4-port version is only 4mm wider than the original 2-port model. -
How much current can the NanoHub 4-port supply?
It can draw up to 4A on the output ports combined and sustained. -
Does the device include static electricity protection?
Yes, ESD protection diodes are included on input and output ports. -
What is the maximum cable length recommended for this hub?
Cable lengths should not exceed approximately 400mm reliably. -
Can I run this hub on a small battery?
It is possible but power consumption is high; cascaded 2-port hubs are suggested. -
Who is the intended user for this project?
It is designed for hacking projects by people comfortable soldering tiny wires. -
Why is the power consumption higher on the 4-port version?
The increased grunt and number of ports result in considerably higher power usage.
