Dead USB ports

[johnB]

Hi, is there anything I can do to revive two dead usb ports?

[mbirger]

It is either troubleshooting steps and BIOS upgrade:
http://www.fit-pc.com/wiki/index.php/In ... leshooting

or RMA:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/support/rma/

[biterror]

If the USB ports of FACE module are dead (without power), it is possible that a current limiting chip (RT9703) has failed. I just replaced one on my IPC FACE module and now all four ports are working again.

However, the USB2 ports on the back are also dead.. or, I'm getting "over-current condition" messages in syslog.

The BIOS reset didn't work for me and I can't see how it could help - the RT9703 chip is always enabled on my FACE module and BIOS can not control it (this is controlled by a resistor population option in hw).

[mbirger]

You have to make sure not to cause OVC conditions.
So the current limit switch might be somehow shorted on its Vout (maybe debris) or by using high current load.
Try to inspect and clean the area of USB pins from any debris.

[johnB]

oh no! can't believe it - two more ports just went dead. i'm now down to 2/8 usb ports on my extreme pc!

i was planning to upgrade next year...but it still sucks.

is it worth opening up the case and inspecting?
is a home-repair possible?

TIA,
John, Perth

[mbirger]

Please try these:
http://fit-pc.com/wiki/index.php/Intens ... leshooting

If the situation continues please consider RMA:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/support/rma/

[biterror]

Please try these:
http://fit-pc.com/wiki/index.php/Intens ... leshooting

If the situation continues please consider RMA:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/support/rma/

I'd say the efuse chip used in IPC is not doing its job. Instead of cutting power to USB ports and recovering it simply fails. I replaced the chip on the FM module and the USB ports came back to life. Still haven't fixed the motherboard, though.

(I have a similar experience of smart FETs. With all kinds of protection circuits built in, they still vaporized..)

[mbirger]

Please consider RMA if these USB ports are critical to you:
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/support/rma/