Sorry, I don’t know if anyone already asked:
USB peripherals require up to 500mA. The Beagleboard xM has four USB ports: are there any explicit limits on the total current it can handle on its USB ports?
Or can I assume that when feeding the xM with 5V 2.5A there will be sufficient juice for up to four 500mA USB peripherals? (and… will the xM become insanely hot like my current 4-port USB hub?)
Thank you!
Most USB peripherals do not require 500mA. Each USB port can provide up to 500mA, but you cannot exceed the current of your power supply at the DC input. Four ports at 500mA means 2A. That only leaves 500mA for the rest of the board. Don’t forget there is a USB HUB on the board that needs power and a Ethernet port that needs power as well. I suggest you go with a 3A supply if you really plan to crank 2A out to some montrous peripherals on the USB ports.
The HUB on the -xM can become a little warm. You cannot leave your finger on it for 10 minutes without some level of discomfort. There should be no additional heat generated by the HUB as the current that goes to each USB port does not go through the HUB itself, but the FET switch on the board that also provides over current detecion and on off control.
Gerald