ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 7-Port Expansion Card User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 7-Port Expansion Card (Model llfs-65). Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and use to ensure proper functionality and to prevent damage to the product or your computer system.

2. Product Overview

The ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 Expansion Card is designed to extend your computer's connectivity by adding seven external USB 3.2 ports. This card supports a wide range of USB devices and offers high-speed data transfer capabilities.

• Enhanced Connectivity: Provides 7 external USB 3.2 ports, allowing simultaneous connection of multiple USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1 devices.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: Equipped with RENESAS and UPD720201+720210 master control, enabling USB 3.2 transmission speeds up to 5 Gbps for efficient file access and transfer of large media files.
• Stable Power Supply: Features an integrated PCIe power interface and a 1.5A USB current output, supported by 10 solid capacitors, ensuring stable and reliable power delivery to all connected USB devices.
• Broad Compatibility: Compatible with various operating systems, including Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11, and Linux.

Figure 2.1: Overview of the ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 7-Port Expansion Card.

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install the ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 Expansion Card into your desktop computer.

1. Prepare Your System:
   • Power off your computer and unplug all power cables.
   • Open your computer case. Refer to your computer's manual for instructions on how to safely open the case.
   • Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity by touching a metal part of the computer chassis.
2. Locate an Available PCIe Slot:
   • Identify an available PCIe x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot on your motherboard. The card is designed for a PCIe x1 slot but can fit into larger slots.
   • Remove the metal bracket cover from the corresponding slot on the back of your computer case.
   

   Figure 3.1: Close-up view of the PCIe x1 connector on the expansion card.

3. Install the Expansion Card:
   • Carefully align the gold-plated PCIe connector of the expansion card with the chosen PCIe slot on the motherboard.
   • Gently but firmly press the card down into the slot until it is fully seated. Ensure the metal bracket on the card aligns with the opening in the computer case.
   • Secure the card with a screw to the computer case, if applicable.
4. Close the Computer Case:
   • Replace the computer case cover and secure it.
   • Reconnect all power cables and peripherals.
5. Power On and Driver Installation:
   • Power on your computer.
   • For Windows operating systems (Windows 8, 10, 11) and Linux, the card is typically plug-and-play, and drivers will install automatically. The integrated driver supports UASP for faster speeds.
   • For older operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 7, manual driver installation might be required. If the card is not recognized, check the manufacturer's website for driver downloads.

Important Note:

Ensure there is sufficient physical space inside your PC case for the card, especially around the external ports. Some PC cases may have obstructions that prevent full access to all ports.

4. Operating Instructions

Once the ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 Expansion Card is successfully installed and recognized by your operating system, you can begin connecting your USB devices.

1. Connecting USB Devices:
   • Plug your USB devices (e.g., external hard drives, flash drives, keyboards, mice, printers) into any of the seven available USB 3.2 ports on the expansion card.
   • The ports are backward compatible, meaning they will work with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and USB 1.1 devices, though at the speed of the connected device.
   

   Figure 4.1: The seven USB 3.2 ports for connecting peripherals.

2. Data Transfer:
   • For optimal performance, use USB 3.2 compatible devices and cables to achieve transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
   • The card supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for enhanced performance with compatible storage devices on supported operating systems (Windows 8 and above, Linux).
3. Power Delivery:
   • Each USB port provides up to 1.5A of current, sufficient for most USB devices.
   • Avoid connecting devices that collectively draw more power than the card can supply, as this may lead to instability or device malfunction.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 Expansion Card, consider the following maintenance guidelines:

• Dust Removal: Periodically open your computer case and use compressed air to gently remove dust accumulation from the expansion card and surrounding components. Dust can impede airflow and lead to overheating.
• Secure Connections: Ensure the card remains firmly seated in its PCIe slot and that all USB cables are securely connected. Loose connections can cause intermittent issues.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate your computer in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated environment to prevent damage from moisture or excessive heat.
• Software Updates: Keep your operating system updated to ensure the latest drivers and compatibility improvements are applied.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your ASHATA PCIe to USB 3.2 Expansion Card, refer to the following troubleshooting steps:

6.1 Card Not Detected or Not Functioning

• Check Physical Installation:
  • Ensure the computer is powered off and unplugged.
  • Open the case and verify that the expansion card is fully seated in the PCIe slot. Re-seat the card if necessary.
  • Confirm that the card's metal bracket is not obstructed by the computer case, which could prevent proper seating.
  • Try installing the card in a different available PCIe slot to rule out a faulty slot.
• Driver Issues:
  • For Windows 8, 10, 11, and Linux, drivers should install automatically. Check Device Manager (Windows) or system logs (Linux) for any unrecognized devices or driver errors.
  • If using Windows XP or Windows 7, and the card is not detected, visit the ASHATA support website for manual driver downloads and installation instructions.
• Power Supply:
  • Ensure your computer's power supply unit (PSU) has sufficient wattage to support all installed components, including the new expansion card and connected USB devices.
  • While the card uses PCIe power, an underpowered PSU can lead to system instability.

6.2 USB Devices Not Working or Disconnecting

• Test Individual Ports: Try connecting the USB device to a different port on the expansion card to determine if the issue is port-specific.
• Test Different Devices: Connect a known working USB device to the card to verify if the issue is with the card or the original USB device.
• Check USB Cables: Ensure you are using high-quality USB cables, especially for USB 3.2 devices, as faulty or low-quality cables can cause connectivity issues.
• Power Draw: If multiple high-power USB devices are connected, they might exceed the card's 1.5A per port output. Try disconnecting some devices or using a powered USB hub for high-demand peripherals.

7. Specifications

Figure 7.1: Top view of the expansion card highlighting its components.

8. Warranty and Support

ASHATA products are designed for reliability and performance. For any questions or issues not covered in this manual, please contact ASHATA customer support.

• Warranty Information: Specific warranty details may vary by region and retailer. Please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact your point of sale for warranty terms.
• Customer Support: For technical assistance or product inquiries, please reach out to ASHATA customer service via the contact information provided on the official ASHATA website or through your retailer.