Skip to the beginning of the images gallery

Bidirectional USB 3 Multiplexer

SKU: TPH-105521 Brand: The Pi Hut

The bidirectional USB 3 Multiplexer ('mux') allows either a single USB device (or multiple devices when using a USB hub) to be switched between two USB...

Special Price $24.56 AUD, inc GST

Regular Price $32.64 AUD, inc GST

$22.33 AUD, exc GST

Special pricing ends 16 June 2025

* this special may end earlier than shown

Available with a lead time
Expect dispatch between Mar 24 and Mar 31

The bidirectional USB 3 Multiplexer ('mux') allows either a single USB device (or multiple devices when using a USB hub) to be switched between two USB hosts (computer) or using its bidirectional ability you can connect one of two devices to a USB host at a time.

The PCB is designed to fit onto the (USB/NIC end) mounting holes of a full-sized Raspberry Pi with a 40-pin header. This allows easy stacking when using the multiplexer with a Raspberry Pi board.

Three USB3 Type-A sockets are on the multiplexer labelled A, B, and C. The multiplexer can be toggled between connecting ports A to B when pulling the S pin LOW (default) or connecting ports A to C when pulling the S pin HIGH (using a 3.3V to 5V signal).

The 3-pin 0.1" header has pins for GND, S, and 3v3 which can be used to connect a manual switch if required, or you can connect the GND and S pins to a microcontroller to switch ports.

Whilst there are many USB 3 Multiplexers available to share a device between USB hosts, and some of these are capable of bidirectional use, they rarely switch the power (i.e. other bidirectional multiplexers simply connect the power pins of all USB ports together which can confuse a USB device when its data lines are connected to a different USB host). With this multiplexer, the power is switched so when selecting A<>B either port can source power for the other but port C is not powered, similarly when using A<>C either port can supply power for the other but port B is not powered.

Another feature of this multiplexer is a power delay. When switching from A<>B to A<>C by pulling the S pin HIGH power is first disconnected between A<>B and the data lines are connected between ports A<>C. Then after a short delay the power is connected between A<>C (and vice versa when S goes LOW). Delaying the power like this when switching gives the USB device time to reset.

To control which USB host the USB port is connected to, set the S (SELECT) pins HIGH/LOW as per the table below (the S pin works with a 3.3V to 5V signal).

SELECT	Connection
0/LOW (default)	Port A is connected to Port B
1/HIGH	Port A is connected to Port C

Only suitable for 5V supplies with 5V devices.

When choosing USB 3 Type-A plug to plug cable(s) you MUST ensure the RX and TX pairs are crossed and VBUS is connected (if RX/TX pairs are not crossed the cable will only work for USB2).

Also, be aware the multiplexer signals are switched (not repeated/re-driven) so keeping the total cable length short (<2M) is a must for signal integrity. We have a 1m USB 3.0 extension cable in our store that works with the Multiplexer.

Features

Supports USB 3 and USB 2
Bidirectional (switch 1 device to 2 hosts or 2 devices to 1 host)
Switches both data and power between A<>B and A<>C
Power line disconnected for unselected port
Power on Delay when switching port (giving the device time to reset)

Package Contents

1x Bidirectional USB 3 Multiplexer

This product is listed in:

Breakouts & Modules>Multiplexers

Product Comments

Start the conversation

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page (no login required).

Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

$3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
$7+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
$11+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

$12+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
$16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!