USB controller chipmakers including ASMedia Technology, Genesys Logic, Realtek Semiconductor, Renesas Electronics, Standard Microsystems Corporation (SMSC), Texas Instruments (TI) and VIA Labs have all received certification from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) for their SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) hub controllers, gearing up for the booming business in 2013.

Demand for USB 3.0 hubs is set to surge thanks to upcoming rollouts of Haswell-based PC products, of which some mid-range and high-end models incorporate one to two USB 3.0 hub controllers, according to industry sources. Another target area is the market for standalone docking stations, which is expected to further stimulate demand for USB 3.0 hub controllers, said the sources.

Already seven companies – Renesas Electronics, TI, and fabless designers ASMedia, Genesys Logic, Realtek, SMSC and VIA Labs – have their USB 3.0 hub controllers USB-IF certified, the sources indicated. The chip firms are gearing up for the market potential.

Despite its smaller market size than that for USB 3.0 host and device controllers, USB 3.0 hub controllers carry higher gross margins, the sources pointed out. However, more entries in the market will likely lead to price wars among suppliers and gradually drag down gross margins, the sources said.