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USB 3.0 7-Port Hub with 2 BC 1.2 Charging Ports and 36W Power Adapter
$39.95 USD
SKU: USB3-HUB7CAmazon Rating : (1308 Reviews)
Features
- Expanded Connectivity & Power— This 7-port USB charging hub enhances your PC by adding seven USB devices with full plug-and-play support. Ports 1 and 7 provide up to 1.5A of extra charging power - ideal for power-hungry mobile devices. Includes hot-swapping support, USB over-current protection, and a 36W UL-certified AC adapter (100–240V) for stable, high-power performance.
- Smart & Efficient Design— Designed based on real customer feedback, this USB3.0 hub features a sleek matte finish, a rear-facing physical power button for easy control, and per-port status LEDs to indicate active connections. Edge ports deliver BC 1.2 charging signals for up to 1.5A - charging supported devices faster than the standard 900mA USB 3.0 ports. An ideal desktop power hub for home or office setups.
- Universal System Compatibility— This USB hub for laptop is compatible with most Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, ensuring seamless performance across different devices. On older systems, installing the latest USB 3.0 hub drivers and software updates will enhance compatibility.
- Recommended Use— While highly versatile, certain devices such as the Apple SuperDrive require proprietary Apple signals and may not function when connected through any USB hub. Additionally, this USB hub powered is not recommended for use with USB 3.0 PCI-E add-on cards in older Mac Pro systems.
- Lifetime Support— The Plugable USB expansion hub has been designed with reliability at its core and was built to meet the deployment demands of IT departments and the ease of use necessary for home offices. Includes lifetime support from our North American team of connectivity experts.
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7-Port USB 3.0 Hub With Two Powerful 1.5A Charging Port
The Plugable 7-Port USB 3.0 Hub with 36W Power Adapter (USB3-HUB7C) expands USB connectivity by enabling up to seven USB 3.0, 2.0 and 1.1 devices to be added to any USB 3.0 or 2.0 capable desktop, laptop, or tablet computer. Supporting standard USB 3.0 transfer rates up to 5Gbps (640MBps) to allow data to move quickly between devices, ideal for high-throughput devices such as USB external hard drives, flash drives, and USB graphics adapters.
In addition to the higher-wattage power adapter, this 7-port hub also includes 2 features our customers have repeatedly requested most USB 3.0 hubs don't offer: A fingerprint-resistant matte finish, and a physical on/off power switch to control power to the hub.
7 Ports of Connectivity
On average, most computers have 3 USB ports. With so many devices we depend on daily, that's just not enough. All seven ports are lined up front-and-center for easy access, with the power connection and host USB cable facing rearward to reduce cable clutter.Per-port LED status lights on the top of the hub indicate a successful connection between the device and the host computer.
Data Sync and USB Charging
In addition to standard data transfer and sync, this hub expands on the capabilities of regular USB 3.0 hubs, providing extra power on each edge port (ports 1 and 7). It's a no-compromise solution for gaining extra USB ports and providing power to mobile devices.Standard USB 3.0 ports only provide 900mA for connected devices. The two edge ports are great for power-hungry devices, providing up to 1.5A with special charging signals that enable supporting devices to charge at a much faster rate.
Modern Controller
Featuring the VIA VL817 USB 3.0 hub chipset updated to firmware version 9015 for maximum compatibility with almost all USB 3.0 hosts. It allows for full forward and backward compatibility between USB 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 hosts and devices.
The VIA Labs VL817 USB 3.0 hub chipset is a 4th generation solution which emphasizes high performance and high power efficiency.
Installation and Compatibility
The hub itself requires no driver installation, but attached devices may require drivers. Supports Microsoft Windows 11 through XP, macOS, and Linux kernels 3.0 and later.
Installing latest USB 3.0 xHCI host controller drivers is recommended. This hub is not recommended for use with older Texas Instruments, Fresco Logic, Etron, or Wistron USB 3.0 host controllers.
Older Mac Pros with USB 3.0 PCI Express add-on cards may not work with this or any USB 3.0 hub.The Apple SuperDrive is not compatible with this or any other USB hub (see Apple HT201788).
2.4Ghz wireless devices such as keyboard/mouse receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in close proximity to USB 3.0 devices or hubs.
In The Box
- USB Hub
- Power Supply
- USB Cable
- Quick Start Guide
Specifications
| USB Version | 3.0 |
| Chipset | VIA VL817 |
| Power Adapter | UL Certified 100-240V at 50/60Hz AC Input 12V 3A (36W) DC Output |
| USB Cable | 3ft (1m) USB 3.0 Type-A to Type-B |
| Power Cable | 5ft (1.5m) permanently-attached DC barrel jack |
| UL Listing | File Number E303985 |
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USB Port Types
USB-A
pietz, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This is the standard USB connection that most computers offered prior to the introduction of USB Type-C (USB-C). Even after the introduction of USB Type-C, this is still quite common.
It can provide data transfer rates up to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 gbps) specification depending on the host and device, but does not directly support video in the way that USB-C Alternate Mode does. This limitation makes DisplayLink USB graphics adapters and docking stations ideal on systems that do not have USB-C, or in instances where more displays are needed beyond available video outputs of a PC.
USB-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This type of connection comes in a couple different styles depending on whether USB 3.0 and higher transfer rates are supported (bottom graphic). Usually this type of connection is used to plug into USB devices that do not have a fixed cable connected, such as USB docking stations, USB hubs, printers, and others.
USB Mini-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
One of the first connectors for charging a smartphone, wireless game controller (such as the Sixaxis and DualShock 3), and other small devices such as external hard drives. Not commonly used today, but is still used in some cases. Most devices using USB Mini B are using USB 2.0, though a USB 3.0 variant does exist. This specification also added USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality, though it is more commonly implemented with Micro USB.
USB Micro-B
Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
IngenieroLoco, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
A smaller connector that serves many of the same uses as the Mini B connector, with added optional features such as Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) to allow devices like smartphones to output video to larger displays without requiring a dedicated port for video output.
The larger variant of USB-B is most commonly used for external hard drives for higher 5Gbps transfer rates.
USB-C, Thunderbolt™ 3, and Thunderbolt™ 4
Niridya , CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The most recent USB connection, USB Type-C (USB-C), represents a major change in what USB can do. The connector is smaller, can be connected in two orientations, is able to carry substantially more power and data, and can directly carry video signals of multiple types (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) Intel has also adapted the USB-C connector for use with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4.
It is important to note that while all Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 connections are USB-C, not all USB-C connections can be used with Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 devices.
More details regarding physical USB connections can be found on Wikipedia . The graphics depicted here are adapted from Wikimedia Commons by various artists under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Self-Powered vs Bus-Powered USB Devices
While all USB ports provide some amount of power for attached devices, the available power may not be enough for certain high-current devices such as USB hubs or external hard drives. High-current devices usually come with their own power adapter, making them self-powered, in contrast to a bus-powered device that draws all of its power from the host computer's USB interface. Bus-powered devices can cause issues if they need more power than is available from the host machine.
Many of our devices that include power adapters, especially USB hubs, will function in either self-powered or bus-powered mode. However, even though the device may function, each additional device attached to the host computer reduces the total available bus power. If the power runs out, any USB device attached to the computer may suddenly disconnect. If this were to happen to a USB storage device, such an event could result in permanent data loss.
If a device comes with a power adapter, we recommend that the adapter stay connected at all times, otherwise the device may not function as designed.
Self-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from an external power supply
Bus-powered USB device - A device that takes all of its power from the host computer's USB interface.
Will the HUB7C support USB Fast Charging?
When used with Battery Charging 1.2 (BC 1.2) Standard compliant devices, ports 1 and 7 are able to fast charge devices at over 3x the normal USB rate (1.5 Amps vs 0.9 Amps) without a computer attached. Actual charging rates are device-dependent and will vary by device, so check the charging rate chart below for information on your specific device.
When used with non-BC 1.2 Standard compliant devices, or when a host PC is attached, ports 1, 7, and all other ports function as a standard USB hub. In this mode, devices will behave as they would when connected directly to a PC, and may or may not charge. For example, older Apple devices with a 30-pin connector are *not* BC 1.2 Standard compliant, and will only charge when the devices are powered off.
Is this hub a good match for my Raspberry Pi?
Because the Raspberry Pi is a USB 2.0 device and can’t take advantage of USB 3.0 functionality as well as mixed results from users, we do not recommend this hub for use with the Raspberry Pi. The hub we do recommend is our 7 port USB 2.0 hub.
What do the blue LED lights indicate?
There is a blue led for each of the downstream USB ports on the hub. The LEDs turn on when a USB device is connected and recognized by the operating system. These lights may turn off even though a device is connected when the host computer operating system puts the device to sleep to conserve power. There is no master light to indicate the hub is receiving power.
Why does my wireless mouse or keyboard appear sluggish or not work properly when used with the hub?
Most USB receivers for wireless mice and keyboards operate in the 2.4Ghz band. When connecting the receiver to any USB 3.0 port there is potential for interference that can affect the devices performance. The most effective method is to add a short USB 2.0 extension cable between the hub and the receiver to mitigate the effect, and many wireless keyboards and mice come with such a cable for this reason.
My External hard drives disconnect randomly or when I sleep/wake my Mac causing an improper drive eject error message.
Hard Drive Updates:
- Check for and update external hard drive firmware if available.
- For Intel based Macs, perform an SMC and PRAM/NVRAM reset SMC.:
- Perform an SMC reset: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
- Perform an NVRAM/PRAM reset: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
- Disable Power Nap on Mac (in power settings, disable for when connected to AC power and battery if the customer uses the hub while also on battery power).
- If possible, test the USB hub and hard drives with a Windows PC to see if the issue persists there as well.
If this issue persists, if possible we have a tool that automates collecting a set of log files from your system. You can download the PlugDebug tool and learn how to use it by clicking on this link:
Ensure that you have the USB Hub connected to the computer when the PlugDebug application is run. Then send us a copy of the log files to Support@Plugable.com
Some or all of the USB ports are not working on my Hub.
If your USB Hub is having issues with some USB ports not connecting to the host computer, there are a few steps that you should try to resolve this issue.
Full power cycle reset:
- Disconnect the power supply, USB Host cable, and all devices from the USB Hub.
- Leave the USB Hub disconnected for 30-60 seconds.
- Reconnect the USB Hub’s power first.
- Connect the USB into the host, then plug USB devices back into the hub.
If this issue persists, if possible we have a tool that automates collecting a set of log files from your system. You can go here download the PlugDebug tool and learn how to use it.
Ensure that you have the USB Hub connected to the computer when the PlugDebug application is run. Then send us a copy of the log files to support@plugable.com
Do Plugable products support the Apple SuperDrive?
Unfortunately Plugable products do not support the Apple SuperDrive.
The Apple SuperDrive has stringent power requirements that can only be met by directly connecting the SuperDrive to your host laptop. As a result at this time Apple recommends only using their USB-C adapter cables. You can find more information on that here → How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive
If you have purchased a Plugable product to use with your Apple SuperDrive, and would like some additional assistance please do not hesitate to reach out. You can do so by emailing support@plugable.com, or going to Plugable.com/Support.
Understanding Heat Generation in Electronics
It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.
Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.
Factors Influencing Heat Generation:
- Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
- Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”.
- Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.
Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.
Tips for Users:
- Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
- Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
- Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.
In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.
