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2 layers46.5 × 49.5 mmUsb hub1, the printed circuit board in 3D

This project is a compact USB 2.0 hub designed around the SL2.1A USB Hub Controller. It expands a single USB connection into multiple USB ports, making it useful for portable workstations, custom keyboards, and other…

Size
46.5 × 49.5 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
11
Nets
22
Pads
70
Tracks, vias
213, 33
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
Created
15 Jul 2026
Updated
3 Aug 2026

Overview

Usb hub1 is an open-source printed circuit board by joshitha-c, from the joshitha-c/usb-hub repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 46.5 × 49.5 mm with 11 parts on 22 nets, routed with 213 tracks and 33 vias.

It is built around the SL2.1A, U-G-O4DD-W-1 and 903-131A1011D10100. Its parts include 3 capacitors, 2 resistors, 1 IC, 1 diode and 1 connector.

Main components

3

README

README.md

Travel USB Hub

This project is a compact USB 2.0 hub designed around the SL2.1A USB Hub Controller. It expands a single USB connection into multiple USB ports, making it useful for portable workstations, custom keyboards, and other embedded projects.

The hub was developed as part of a travel-focused hardware project, with the goal of reducing the number of adapters needed when working on the go. It provides a simple way to connect multiple USB devices through a single USB Type-C connection while keeping the hardware compact and easy to integrate.


Features

  • USB 2.0 compliant hub
  • Based on the SL2.1A USB Hub Controller
  • USB Type-C upstream connection
  • Multiple downstream USB ports
  • Compact PCB suitable for portable devices
  • USB-powered operation
  • Power filtering for stable performance
  • Schottky diode for reverse current protection
  • Easy to integrate into custom hardware projects

Travel-Oriented Design

The board was designed with portability in mind.

  • Small PCB footprint for compact enclosures
  • USB-powered, so no external power supply is required during normal operation
  • Supports multiple USB accessories from a single connection
  • Suitable for travel workstations and embedded systems
  • Simple design for easy assembly and maintenance

The hub is well suited for users who frequently travel with electronics and need a reliable way to connect multiple USB devices without carrying additional adapters.


Hardware Overview

The design is based on the SL2.1A USB Hub Controller, which manages communication between one upstream USB connection and several downstream ports.

Main Components

ComponentDescription
SL2.1AUSB 2.0 Hub Controller
USB Type-C ConnectorUpstream connection to the host
USB ConnectorsDownstream USB ports
Schottky DiodeReverse current protection
10 µF CapacitorsPower supply filtering

How It Works

The USB Type-C connector provides the upstream connection to the host computer.

Once connected, the SL2.1A hub controller handles communication between the host and each downstream USB device. Power is distributed to the connected peripherals while the filtering capacitors help maintain a stable supply voltage.

A Schottky diode is included to help prevent reverse current and improve power reliability.


Applications

This USB hub can be used in a variety of portable and embedded projects, including:

  • Travel workstations
  • Portable development kits
  • Custom mechanical keyboards
  • Raspberry Pi projects
  • Embedded systems
  • USB expansion for laptops
  • DIY electronics projects

Bill of Materials

QuantityComponent
1SL2.1A USB Hub Controller
1USB Type-C Connector
3USB Connectors
1Schottky Diode
310 µF Capacitors
SeveralResistors and other passive components

Future Improvements

Some ideas for future versions include:

  • Individual power indicators for each USB port
  • ESD protection on USB data lines
  • USB-C Power Delivery support
  • Per-port overcurrent protection
  • 3D-printed travel enclosure
  • Integration with a portable mechanical keyboard

Software Used

  • KiCad 10

schematic: image pcb: image

Parts

11
QtyValueFootprintReferences
310uFCapacitor_SMD:CP_Elec_4x5.4C2, C4, C5
25.1kResistor_SMD:R_0805_2012MetricR1, R2
1670688000EasyEDA:USB-B-TH_67068-8000USB1
1D_SchottkyDiode_SMD:D_2114_3652MetricD2
1SL2.1AEasyEDA:SOP-16_L10.0-W3.9-P1.27-LS6.0-BLU2
1U-G-04DD-W-01EasyEDA:USB-A-TH_U-G-04WD-W-01USB5
1USB-AF-90-14.4X13.6-H7.0-DIPEasyEDA:USB-A-TH_C46407USB2
1USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0_16PConnector_USB:USB_C_Receptacle_HCTL_HC-TYPE-C-16P-01AJ1

Questions

How big is the Usb hub1 PCB?

It measures 46.5 × 49.5 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the Usb hub1 use?

11 parts, built around the SL2.1A, U-G-O4DD-W-1 and 903-131A1011D10100. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the Usb hub1 KiCad files?

From the joshitha-c/usb-hub repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is usb hub1.kicad_pcb and its schematic usb hub1.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the Usb hub1 design in my own project?

Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask joshitha-c before reusing the design.

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