4 Port USB 3.2 Gen1 Hub HAT for Raspberry Pi

With the introduction of the Raspberry Pi 4 Boards to the market, we have recently been seeing a lot more attention being placed on these tiny but powerful single board computers, and people all over the world are now utilising them for so much more than simple sensor networks and prototyped projects. This is because these Raspberry Pi Boards are finally capable of meeting the needs of a standard user, rather than just the specialised needs of server enthusiasts and Makers, making them some of the most versatile development boards on the planet when it comes to all-round general computing power and functionality. However, if there’s one area that almost every Pi board is lacking (and we may just be being greedy here) it’s that they simply don’t include enough USB ports for the ever-increasing number of different modules and accessories that we want to use.

This 4 Port USB 3.2 Gen1 Hub HAT for Raspberry Pi is a fantastic remedy to the classic “not enough USB ports” problem, and lets you utilise a single USB port to break it out into four more, essentially adding three extra ports if you don’t include the one required to run it. This means that you can finally use your keyboard, mouse AND headphones or other USB devices all at the same time, enjoying the full power of USB 3.0 for all of them and opening up even more great possibilities for awesome projects. It works quite simply by connecting via a specialised USB adapter board, but can also be used like other modules via a USB cable, and fits directly onto the top of a Pi, behaving like many other Pi HATs and extending the 40 Pin GPIO Header from the top of the board. This of course means that installation is as simple as plugging the HAT into the top of the Pi, while the driver-free operation means you don’t even have to tell your Pi how to use it in order to enjoy the full functionality it offers.

Because Waveshare understands that not everyone will have a Pi 4, and that sometimes older Pi Boards need more USB ports too, this module comes with a USB 3.0 adapter as well as a USB 2.0 adapter, which each fit their corresponding boards, with subtle differences in design that ensures compatibility regardless of whether you have an older or new Pi. However, it must be noted that if you are using the USB 2.0 ports on older models, then the USB ports on the Hub HAT will also offer USB 2.0 operations, although this level of functionality is still more than welcome on any of the Pi Boards, both new and old, even when they have to be limited to USB 2.0 speeds.

Additional Resources:

• For more resources and information regarding this awesome module, be sure to check out the official Waveshare USB 3.2 Gen1 HUB HAT Wiki.

When it comes to producing unique electronics components and modules, there are very few brands that can provide the quality that Waveshare can. Based in the Futian District in Shenzhen, China, Waveshare are experts in developing electronics to a high standard of quality, which have been thoroughly tested to work seamlessly with corresponding development platforms and systems – such as the E-Ink HATs for Raspberry Pi’s.

What we love most about Waveshare is how they are dedicated to providing quality products, and have moved away from the typical “Made in China” stigma – cheap products with cheap parts and components. Instead, Waveshare understand the value of supplying quality products and building sustainable relationships with international resellers and distributors. They know that consistent quality will result in consistent business, and as such they always ensure strict quality control for each and every product that comes out of the manufacturing plant.

We are always excited to peruse through their vast catalogue of exciting new products to find unique modules, components or even entire development boards that are designed with quality in mind. Because we know that every cent that we spend with Waveshare will be well-spent, with each product that order adding real value to our own catalogue of products.