Infineon Balances Power and Performance in USB 2.0 Peripheral Controller
Infineon has launched a USB 2.0 controller that features dual-core processing, integrated security, and large on-chip SRAM for high-throughput devices.
Many embedded systems, including scanners, cameras, biometric readers, and industrial equipment, continue to rely on USB 2.0 due to its predictable timing and stable throughput. As those same devices start handling larger data streams and tighter security requirements, older USB controllers can run into practical limits, especially around buffer size, processing headroom, and the need for extra external security components.
EZ-USB FX2G3 targets USB 2.0 Hi-Speed designs that need consistent 480-Mbps throughput with integrated processing and security.
Infineon aims to address those constraints with the EZ-USB FX2G3. The controller builds on the widely used EZ-USB FX2LP platform, adding greater processing capability, integrated security, and a higher-capacity internal data path. The EZ USB FX2G3 targets USB 2.0 Hi-Speed peripherals that need to sustain 480-Mbps transfers while handling control tasks, security functions, and application logic on a single device.
How the FX2G3 Handles Data at Speed
The FX2G3 (datasheet linked) uses two CPU cores: a 150-MHz Arm Cortex-M4F and a 100-MHz Cortex-M0+. USB traffic and data movement run on one core, while application code and peripheral control run on the other. Keeping these tasks separate helps reduce bottlenecks and makes data transfer timing more stable during continuous, high-speed operation.
Block diagram of Infineon’s EZ-USB FX2G3 USB 2.0 peripheral controller.
The FX2G3 will also include six configurable serial communication blocks that can be set up as SPI, I²C, or UART. These interfaces connect sensors, codecs, and other control devices. For higher data rates, the GPIF III interface provides a parallel LVCMOS connection with up to 16 data lines plus clock and control signals. Running at up to 100 MHz in both transmit and receive modes, the GPIF III is intended for direct links to cameras, ADCs, and other high-speed data sources.
Security Features Integrated Into the Controller
Security is integrated directly into the FX2G3 controller, using a secure boot image from ROM and real-time firmware validation. Cryptographic functions are performed in hardware, preventing interference with application performance and eliminating the need for external security devices.
This is particularly relevant for biometric designs, such as fingerprint images or facial recognition data, that constantly move through the system. By keeping the cryptography on the FX2G3 rather than offloading it elsewhere, the overall design stays simpler, and there are fewer handoff points where sensitive data can leak or be mishandled. Infineon also made its debug and test interfaces disableable after deployment, further tightening system security.
Pushing USB 2.0 Data Without Bottlenecks
The FX2G3 features a high-bandwidth data subsystem that transfers data from the parallel LVCMOS interface to USB endpoints at speeds up to 480 Mbps. To keep transfers efficient and avoid CPU usage, it uses 1,024 KB of dedicated SRAM as a buffer between the data source and the USB interface.
This buffer lets the FX2G3 handle large data blocks within the chip, helping prevent underruns during streaming and reducing the timing demands on the firmware. For devices such as scanners, cameras, and data-acquisition systems, on-chip SRAM can replace external buffer memory, simplifying PCB layout and reducing power and signal-integrity issues. The EZ USB FX2G3 also has 512 KB of application flash, 128 KB of general-purpose SRAM with retention control, and 128 KB of ROM for initialization, security, and flash programming.
Power Management, Packaging, and Applications
The FX2G3 operates over a 1.7 V to 3.6 V voltage range and features power control with deep-sleep modes to retain SRAM. Individual peripheral I/O blocks can be powered down when not in use. This kind of control is useful in designs that need to move a lot of data when active but still keep average power in check, such as portable medical devices or battery-backed measurement equipment.
Power system requirement block diagram of the FX2G3.
Physically, the controller comes in an 8 mm × 8 mm, 104-pin LGA package and exposes up to 48 shared I/O pins. Alongside the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface, it also includes a USB Full-Speed function that can be used for tasks, including a virtual COM port. Infineon is positioning the device for a broad range of USB peripherals, including biometric readers, scanners, cameras, medical equipment, industrial automation systems, gaming accessories, and data-acquisition hardware. On the software side, development is supported by ModusToolbox, EZ-USB firmware examples, GPIF III configuration tools, and evaluation boards to help bring up both the USB and parallel data paths.
The FX2G3’s dual-core architecture, built-in security features, and large on-chip data buffer address common limitations of older USB 2.0 controllers. It provides more headroom for sustained throughput and integration without forcing a redesign around newer USB standards, which is often a practical requirement in long-lifecycle embedded products.
All images used courtesy of Infineon.