Tiny USB Hub Adapter for Smol Pi Projects

Raspberry Pi Zero's form factor is excellent unless you need to connect multiple USB devices. Instead of cables and (relatively) large four-port HATs, Retrocution has an adapter board that adds two USB ports with a 20.6 by 16.5 mm PCB. While their tutorial focuses on the Pi Zero, such a board is suitable anywhere you want to add USB ports with a minimum of space.

For this solution, you need the PCB, a hub controller chip, a handful of passive components, and a through-hole USB A-connector. The PCB is available from OSHPark in quantity three for about $1 each. Retrocution mentions, at the time of writing, there is another minor revision of the board coming soon. As for the components, the only oddity is the hub controller. The part number, or name, is "FE1.1s." It is a 28-Pin SSOP with four USB 2.0 ports. The current version of Retrocution's board only makes use of two of them. (This chip also appears in HATs with four USB ports.)

Once you have the PCB and the parts, assembly is easy with their straightforward instructions. If you're new to working with SMD, this project might be a good starting point. Retrocution documented each step, including the hardware tools they used.

Last, even if you don't need the hub, the clearly labeled picture of the Pi Zero's USB pads makes it simple to had a single physical port, if needed.

For more information, check out the full DIY tiny USB hub write-up here.