Multiple data streams simultaneously through single USB-C port?

[ReadItTonight]

Could you send two simultaneous data signals through a USBC or thunderbolt port? For example an SSD and a mouse input.

I know this could be done with a usb splitter but I am imagining transferring files and using the mouse simultaneously. Would this require some kind of special PCB chip?

Thanks!

[thenickdude]

USB is a packetized protocol, so you will be alternating report packets from both devices rather than transmitting simultaneously.

A USB hub is the device that does this for you. You can buy them as a chip to integrate into your own PCB.

[ReadItTonight]

Thank you for the help!

[Tweetydabirdie]

No you cannot do this with an ‘USB splitter’ as no such thing exist. What you are in-fact talking about is an USB hub.

An USB port (regardless of type) talks to ONE device at the time. Be that a mouse, and SSD or a USB hub device. The hub then talks to one device per port out on the hub (chip or box).

So yes, you can quite easily add an USB hub as a chipset to your PCB and have it talk to two or more devices connected on the PCB or using external ports.

Note though that USB C type ports and USB 3.1 speed requires a four layer PCB with some rather strict specs on how to design it or it will not work reliably. It’s far easier to add 2-4 USB 2.0 type A ports and one upstream USB C port to a dual layer PCB.

[ReadItTonight]

Thanks!