usb ports not providing enough power

[RH_]

We have a usb scanner that requires 500mA of power.  However, for several of our customers using HPs, the usb ports are not providing enough power to the scanner causing an application crash.  Some customers are using the HP EliteDesk 800 G1 USDT, others are using HP t310 zero clients.  Plugging the scanner into a powered usb hub has resolved the issue every time. 

Is there a modification they can make to the Universal Serial Bus Controllers to ensure that a particular port will be able to provide 500mA so they do not need to purchase a powered usb hub for every system?  Or do you have another suggestion?

Thanks in advance.

[WAWood]

RH_

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

If your question is about increasing the power going to the USB ports on the motherboard, or on the case but powered through a cable attached to the motherboard, the answer is NO.

The only option to have USB ports with more power is the one you have already found.

[komondor · Accepted solution]

I am not familiar witht eh exact models but 500MA is the max output for USB 2.0 but 3.0 can go higher have you tried usingn 3.0 ports if not you can also get a Y cable tha uses the power from 2 ports.  Many systems have issue with  USB only Scanners and power requirements.

[RH_]

Thank you both.  Unfortunately these machines do not have any usb 3.0 ports they can use.  I had not thought of the y-cable, I will pass that along to try.  However, my understanding is that usb 2.0 ports are required to provide 500 mA of power though, is that incorrect?  

[SDH]

Wiki is your friend:

"The USB 1.x and 2.0 specifications provide a 5 V supply on a single wire to power connected USB devices.

A unit load is defined as 100 mA in USB 2.0, and 150 mA in USB 3.0. A device may draw a maximum of 5 unit loads (500 mA) from a port in USB 2.0; 6 (900 mA) in USB 3.0."

I think it is more likely that the scanner is drawing more than 500mA.  I had not known of that Y cable idea..... I'd try that.

[RH_]

The scanner manufacturer is insisting the scanners do not require more than 500mA of power, so I'm not sure if they are incorrect and the scanner is in fact requiring more power, or if there is an issue with the usb port on the HPs and they are not allocating power correctly.  So far we have only seen this issue with HPs.  The y cable looks like a good alternative solution though.  Thank for all for the assistance!

[komondor]

Ok I have a good solution purchse this and see what current it is putting out and drawing

https://www.amazon.com/Display-Tester-Current-Detector-Charger/dp/B015F83X0U/ref=sr_1_3?rps=1&ie=UTF...

This device has valid reviews accordind to the fakespot web site

http://fakespot.com/product/5a9v-led-display-multi-tester-dual-usb-output-current-detector-for-phone...

You will be able to see how much the scanner is drawing from the hub as well as how much the ports are putting out.

Very handy tool

[RH_]

Thank you so much, I will give that a try.