Ugreen UG- 20197 USB-C to 4*USB 3.0+HDMI Adapter

Technical Product Documentation

UGREEN UG-20197 USB-C to 4-Port USB 3.0 + HDMI Adapter

The UGREEN UG-20197 delivers multifunction connectivity by transforming a single USB Type-C port into four USB 3.0 Type-A ports plus an HDMI video output. This adapter addresses both peripheral expansion and display connectivity requirements for modern USB-C equipped laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.

Dual Subsystem Architecture

The UG-20197 integrates two independent functional components within a unified housing. The USB hub subsystem manages peripheral connections across four ports, while the HDMI adapter subsystem handles video signal processing and output. Both systems operate simultaneously without interference, allowing users to connect USB devices while extending or mirroring displays.

This convergence design eliminates the need for multiple separate adapters. Consequently, users requiring both USB expansion and video output need only one device instead of carrying dedicated USB hubs and HDMI adapters separately.

USB 3.0 Hub Performance

The four USB 3.0 ports implement USB 3.1 Gen 1 specifications, delivering theoretical bandwidth up to 5 Gbps. Each port supports practical transfer speeds approaching 500 MB/s when used individually. The shared 5 Gbps bandwidth distributes among active USB connections, meaning simultaneous transfers across multiple ports divide available throughput proportionally.

Furthermore, each USB port provides up to 900mA power output at 5V, adhering to USB 3.0 power delivery standards. This capacity accommodates most bus-powered peripherals including external hard drives, flash drives, keyboards, mice, webcams, and card readers without requiring supplemental power sources.

HDMI Video Output Specifications

The HDMI port supports video output up to 4K resolution at 30Hz (3840 × 2160 pixels). This Ultra HD capability ensures compatibility with modern displays, monitors, and projectors. Additionally, the HDMI output supports lower resolutions at higher refresh rates:

• 1920 × 1080 pixels (1080p) at 60Hz for smooth full HD content
• 1680 × 1050, 1600 × 900, 1440 × 900 at 60Hz
• 1280 × 1024, 1024 × 768 at 60Hz for legacy displays

Moreover, the HDMI interface complies with HDMI 1.4 specifications, providing HDCP 1.4 content protection for encrypted video sources. The output automatically negotiates optimal resolution and refresh rate through EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) communication with connected displays.

DisplayPort Alternate Mode Implementation

The UGREEN UG-20197 utilizes DisplayPort Alternate Mode protocol available through USB Type-C connections. Therefore, the host device must support video output through its USB-C port—not all USB-C ports include this capability. Devices equipped with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, or USB-C with DP Alt Mode function properly with the UG-20197.

The adapter converts DisplayPort signals from the USB-C connection into HDMI output format. This conversion occurs through dedicated video processing chipsets within the adapter, maintaining signal quality and supporting various display modes.

Audio Passthrough Capabilities

The HDMI output supports multi-channel digital audio passthrough up to 7.1 surround sound. This feature enables audio transmission to HDMI-equipped displays, soundbars, home theater receivers, or monitors with integrated speakers. Supported audio formats include:

• PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) stereo and multi-channel
• Dolby Digital (AC-3) passthrough
• DTS (Digital Theater Systems) passthrough
• Sample rates up to 192 kHz

Consequently, users can eliminate separate audio connections when using displays or audio equipment with HDMI inputs. The host device’s audio settings control output routing and format selection.

Extended and Mirror Display Modes

The UG-20197’s HDMI output supports both extended desktop and mirror display modes, depending on operating system capabilities:

Extended Desktop Mode

• Displays different content on external monitor and laptop screen
• Increases total workspace for productivity applications
• Allows independent window management across displays
• Supports unique resolution and orientation settings per display

Mirror Mode

• Duplicates laptop screen content on external display
• Ideal for presentations and training scenarios
• Maintains consistent resolution across both displays
• Simplifies content sharing in conference room environments

Operating system display management tools control mode selection, resolution settings, and display arrangement.

USB Hub Controller Technology

The USB hub section incorporates a dedicated controller managing traffic distribution across the four downstream USB 3.0 ports. The controller provides:

• Hot-plug detection allowing device connection during operation
• Individual port power management and current monitoring
• Over-current protection preventing damage from faulty peripherals
• Backward compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices
• UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) support for enhanced storage performance

The controller handles bandwidth arbitration automatically, ensuring fair distribution of available throughput among active devices. This management occurs transparently without user intervention.

Physical Construction and Design

The UG-20197 features a rectangular aluminum alloy housing measuring approximately 120mm × 50mm × 18mm. The aluminum construction provides multiple functional advantages:

• Effective heat dissipation from USB hub and video processing chipsets
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding protecting signal integrity
• Structural durability withstanding daily handling and transport
• Professional aesthetic complementing modern laptop designs

The device includes an integrated USB Type-C cable approximately 18cm in length. This attached cable design prevents loss while providing sufficient reach for convenient desktop positioning. The cable incorporates strain relief at the USB-C connector junction to prevent wire damage from repeated bending and insertion cycles.

Port Layout and Accessibility

The four USB 3.0 ports align along one edge of the housing with approximately 13mm spacing between adjacent ports. This spacing accommodates most standard USB connectors, though oversized plugs on some devices may limit simultaneous use of all four ports when positioned adjacent to each other.

The HDMI port occupies a separate edge of the housing. This positioning separates video and peripheral connections, improving cable management in workstation setups. The HDMI Type-A female connector accepts standard HDMI cables without requiring adapters.

LED Status Indicator

An integrated LED indicator provides visual operational feedback. The blue LED illuminates when the adapter receives power from the USB-C host port, confirming proper connection and active status. The LED remains continuously lit during operation, providing immediate verification of hub functionality and power delivery.

Plug-and-Play Operation

The UGREEN UG-20197 operates without driver installation on supported operating systems. Modern Windows, macOS, and Linux systems include native drivers for both USB hub and DisplayPort to HDMI conversion functionality. Upon connection, the host device automatically recognizes the adapter and activates both USB ports and video output.

However, optimal performance requires USB-C ports with both data transfer and DisplayPort Alternate Mode capabilities. Some USB-C ports serve exclusively for charging and lack the necessary protocols for full adapter functionality.

Interface Specifications

• Upstream Connection: USB Type-C male connector (DP Alt Mode required)
• USB Downstream Ports: 4× USB 3.0 Type-A female ports
• Video Output: HDMI Type-A female connector
• USB Data Rate: Up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen 1) shared across four ports
• HDMI Standard: HDMI 1.4 compliant
• Cable Length: Approximately 18 centimeters (integrated)

USB Hub Performance

• USB Standard: USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 compliant
• Transfer Speed: Up to 5 Gbps theoretical maximum (shared)
• Real-World Performance: Up to 500 MB/s per port when used individually
• Per-Port Power Output: Up to 900mA at 5V (USB 3.0 specification)
• Total USB Power: Up to 3.6 watts across four ports
• Backward Compatibility: USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) and USB 1.1 (12 Mbps)
• UASP Support: USB Attached SCSI Protocol for enhanced storage performance

Video Output Specifications

• Maximum Resolution: 3840 × 2160 pixels (4K UHD) at 30Hz
• 1080p Performance: 1920 × 1080 pixels at 60Hz
• Supported Resolutions: 1680×1050, 1600×900, 1440×900, 1280×1024, 1024×768 at 60Hz
• Video Protocol: DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C
• HDCP Support: HDCP 1.4 content protection
• EDID Management: Automatic display detection and configuration
• Display Modes: Extended desktop and mirror mode (OS dependent)

Audio Specifications

• Audio Passthrough: Multi-channel digital audio via HDMI
• Supported Formats: PCM stereo/multi-channel, Dolby Digital, DTS
• Channel Support: Up to 7.1 surround sound
• Sample Rates: Up to 192 kHz
• Audio Destination: HDMI displays, soundbars, AV receivers with HDMI input

Physical Construction

• Housing Material: Aluminum alloy
• Color Finish: Space gray aluminum
• Dimensions: Approximately 120mm × 50mm × 18mm
• Weight: Approximately 85 grams
• Cable Type: Integrated USB-C cable with strain relief
• Port Spacing: Approximately 13mm between adjacent USB ports
• Cooling Design: Passive aluminum heatsink (fanless)

Power Specifications

• Power Source: USB bus-powered (no external adapter required)
• Total Power Consumption: Approximately 8 watts maximum at full load
• USB Hub Draw: ~1.5 watts baseline
• HDMI Processing: ~2-3 watts (resolution dependent)
• Operating Voltage: 5V DC from USB-C host
• Power Delivery Passthrough: Not supported

Operational Features

• LED Indicator: Blue power and activity status light
• Hot-Plug Support: Connect/disconnect devices during operation
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 45°C
• Storage Temperature: -10°C to 60°C
• Typical Operating Temp: 45-55°C under full load
• Humidity Range: 10% to 90% non-condensing

Operating System Compatibility

• Windows: 8, 8.1, 10, 11 (32-bit and 64-bit); Windows 7 with updates
• macOS: Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra and later versions
• Linux: Ubuntu 16.04+, kernel 4.4 and newer
• Chrome OS: Supported on USB-C enabled Chromebooks with DP Alt Mode
• Driver Requirements: Plug-and-play on Windows 10/11 and macOS; Windows 7 may need updates

Display Connection Features

• Lane Configuration: Dedicated DisplayPort lanes separate from USB data
• Automatic Negotiation: EDID-based resolution and refresh rate detection
• Color Depth: Supports 24-bit True Color (16.7 million colors)
• Aspect Ratio Support: 16:9, 16:10, 4:3 display formats
• Overscan Control: Managed through operating system display settings

Data Transfer Features

• Simultaneous Transfers: Multiple USB ports active concurrently
• Bandwidth Allocation: Dynamic sharing of 5 Gbps across active USB connections
• Transfer Protocol Support: Bulk, isochronous, interrupt, and control transfers
• Over-Current Protection: Individual port current limiting
• Short-Circuit Protection: Automatic port shutdown on fault detection
• ESD Protection: Electrostatic discharge protection on all ports