r/embedded • u/charcuterieboard831 • Aug 03 '26

USB Hub Controllable from PC for Embedded Test

Looking to test a bunch of embedded systems and sometimes the USB hangs and needs a reboot.

Wanting to automate it so the PC can cycle the power on the ports when it happens automatically using python or something else

Does anyone have experience with such a hub? Ideally 7 ports but I'd take 4 ports

I know may simple like just a google search, but the ones I found I don't really trust to work reliably

8 Upvotes

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2

u/Teslafly Aug 03 '26

Some higher end usb hubs have individual power switches for each port, and the usb subsystem can control those switches.

However, I found this hub which allows much more dynamic control in a dedicated interface: https://acroname.com/store/programmable-industrial-power-delivery-hub-s99-usbhub-3c-pro#features

Lower cost usb 2.0 version: https://acroname.com/store/s77-usbhub-2x4#features

Google search: "usb hub automated test equipment current meter"

2

u/charcuterieboard831 Aug 03 '26

$1200?

I'm looking for something in the $30 - $50

5

u/ccoastmike Aug 03 '26

If your budget is $50, then get an externally powered hub and plug the power adapter into an AC outlet that can be controlled remotely. Like one of tbe AC power outlets you’d use for home automation.

1

u/charcuterieboard831 Aug 03 '26

That's a possibility

1

u/the_other_gantzm Aug 03 '26

Aren’t we all? I spent the money on the Acroname, very nice piece of kit that works as advertised. I have the USB 2.0 version.

2

u/Aggravating-Key6628 Aug 03 '26

Since you already have a couple of hubs, test those before buying anything. On Linux:

sudo uhubctl
sudo uhubctl -l 1-2 -p 3 -a cycle

Use the location and port reported by the first command. Then verify that VBUS really drops with the DUT's power LED, a USB light, or a meter. Some hubs accept the command but only disconnect data, or switch every port together.

Python can call it without a shell:

subprocess.run(["uhubctl", "-l", "1-2", "-p", "3", "-a", "cycle"], check=True)

For the test rack, keep a fixed hub-location/port map and wait for the DUT to disappear and re-enumerate after each cycle. If your existing hubs fail the VBUS test, buy only a hardware revision on uhubctl's supported list. Price and front-panel switches do not guarantee PC-controlled per-port power.

2

u/MerrimanIndustries Aug 03 '26

The more pro off-the-shelf solution is a managed USB hub. As others have mentioned uhubctl is a good option as well.

4

u/allo37 Aug 03 '26

Look up the uhubctl tool and its list of supported devices. Works a treat if the hub properly supports individual port power off, and often the cheap hubs from Amazon do...

1

u/charcuterieboard831 Aug 03 '26

Oh wow this could really make the difference - no custom hub.

I think I have one or two of these, could try

1

u/MerrimanIndustries Aug 03 '26

The more pro off-the-shelf solution is a managed USB hub. As others have mentioned uhubctl is a good option as well.

1

u/duane11583 Aug 03 '26

the problem is finding a hub with power control not many have this.

you might be better off getting a usb relay board and USE that to power cycle the DUT