Waveshare USB HUB HAT (B) | 4-Port USB & UART Serial Expansion Board for Raspberry Pi
Description
The Waveshare USB HUB HAT (B) is an advanced multi-functional expansion board built to maximize the connectivity and debugging efficiency of the Raspberry Pi series. By adding four robust USB 2.0 ports, it transforms a single USB interface into a multi-device hub, allowing seamless connection of keyboards, mice, flash storage drives, and sensors.
In addition to expanded USB capabilities, this HAT features an onboard USB-to-UART serial converter, making headless setup, console access, and kernel debugging exceptionally straightforward. A dedicated physical switch lets you enable or disable the UART interface instantly to avoid communication conflicts. Designed with precision multi-status indicators, it provides real-time visual feedback for power input, serial activity, and individual port operation.
Key Features
- 4 USB 2.0 Expansion Ports: Backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices, offering ample ports for peripherals.
- Onboard USB-to-UART Converter: Streamlines serial communication and debugging directly from your development machine.
- UART Enable/Disable Switch: Convenient toggle switch to isolate serial lines and prevent bus conflicts.
- Comprehensive LED Indicators: Real-time status monitoring for power supply, serial bridge, and all four USB channels.
- Zero-Optimized Form Factor: Board dimensions match the compact Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W / Zero WH layout cleanly.
- Wide Pi Compatibility: Fully operational across various Raspberry Pi model generations through standard header alignment.
Benefits
- Eliminates External Dongles: Provides multiple USB ports directly through a single board connection without messy wiring.
- Simplifies Terminal Debugging: Integrated UART bridge allows direct serial console connection without extra adapters.
- Prevents Bus Conflicts: Dedicated onboard switch lets you disconnect the serial interface when running standalone applications.
- Visual State Monitoring: Multi-indicator LEDs offer instant diagnostic feedback on power and data flow.
- Space-Saving Profile: Custom tailored to match the compact dimensions of the Raspberry Pi Zero ecosystem.
Applications
- Headless Raspberry Pi Setup: Utilizing the USB-to-UART bridge for initial terminal access without a monitor.
- Compact IoT Gateways: Connecting multiple USB dongles, sensors, and communication modules to a Pi Zero.
- Embedded Computing Rigs: Expanding peripheral connectivity in space-constrained industrial enclosures.
- Educational Robotics & Labs: Providing multiple USB connections for student experimentation and debugging.
- Automation Control Terminals: Interfacing barcode scanners, keyboards, and serial instruments on a single compact host.
Package Includes
- 1 x Waveshare USB HUB HAT (B) for Raspberry Pi Series
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Target Architecture / Compatibility | Raspberry Pi Zero / Zero W / Zero WH / Compatible with all 40-Pin Pi Series |
| Expansion Board Type | 4-Port USB Hub HAT with Integrated Serial Bridge |
| Downstream USB Interfaces | 4 x USB Type-A Ports (Fully Compliant with USB 2.0 / 1.1 Specifications) |
| Serial Communication Bridge | Onboard USB-to-UART Converter with Hardware Enable/Disable Toggle Switch |
| Controller Clock Frequency | 12 MHz Operating Clock Rate |
| System Diagnostic Indicators | Multi-Status LEDs for Power Input, UART Activity, and Individual USB Channels |
| Electrical Power Input | Powered via Host Pi USB Connection / External 5V Header Pins |
| Logic Signal Compatibility | Standard 3.3V GPIO Logic Levels for Raspberry Pi Interfacing |
| Mounting Mechanism | Standard 40-Pin GPIO Header Alignment with Standoff Support Holes |
| PCB Substrate Build | Industrial-Grade Plated Double-Sided FR-4 Glass Epoxy Board |
| Item Dimensions (L × W × H) | 65.0 mm × 30.0 mm × 15.0 mm |
| Shipping Weight | 0.03 kg (30 grams) |
| Shipping Dimensions (L × W × H) | 7.0 cm × 5.0 cm × 2.4 cm |
