Element 5 (E5) hub is able to connect to many different host computers (such as iPad and iPhone) and requires different controllers to do so. In total, this hub contains several main controllers such as a Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 v2 controller, USB 3.2 10Gbps controllers, and USB 2 controllers. These controllers will be activated under different circumstances:

• When connected to a host computer using Thunderbolt 3, 4, 5 or USB4, USB4 v2, all controllers will be used. The USB-C ports on the hub will be able to connect to any protocols, and the USB-A ports on the hub will connect to any USB protocols.
• When connected to a host computer using USB 3, both USB 3.2 10Gbps controllers and both USB 2 controllers will be used. All ports on the hub will be able to connect to any USB 3 or lower protocols. Thunderbolt devices will not be recognized in this configuration.
• When connected to a host computer using USB 2, the USB 2 controller will be used. All ports on the hub will be able to use USB 2 or lower protocol. Thunderbolt devices will not be recognized in this configuration.

The data paths on this hub are straightforward:

• When this hub connects to a Thunderbolt / USB4 host computer, the Element 5 will use a Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 path.
• When this hub connects to a USB 3 host computer, the Element 5 will use a USB 3 path so it will not recognize any Thunderbolt devices plugged into the hub.
• When this hub connects to a USB 2 host computer, the Element will use a USB 2 path so it will not recognize any Thunderbolt devices plugged into the hub.

Please use the following diagram for a more visual example.