USB4-C Dual-PC Software Switch
Budget: $30 – $250 USD
I need a compact, USB4-compliant USB-C switch that lets one external hard drive move seamlessly between two PCs. Rather than pressing a physical button, I want to trigger the changeover from a small software utility—CLI or lightweight GUI—that can run on LINUX and exposes a simple command for scripting.
Key expectations
• Full USB4 / 40 Gb s data integrity so the drive performs exactly as if it were plugged in directly.
• Safe hand-off: the inactive PC must see the drive cleanly disconnected while the active PC gains it with no enumeration errors.
• Power distribution handled internally, with over-current protection.
• Latency from software click to successful hand-off under two seconds.
Deliverables
1. Hardware schematic, PCB layout, and complete BOM using readily available parts.
2. Firmware for any on-board controller or mux used to manage the switching logic.
3. Cross-platform control software (source code + compiled Windows binary) that:
– Lists current host ownership.
– Allows switch command via GUI click or CLI call.
4. Assembly guidance and testing procedure.
5. Proof-of-concept video or log showing the hard drive moving between two live PCs.
I’m happy to iterate on form-factor, but the first milestone is a working prototype that satisfies the data-rate and safe-disconnect requirements. If you have prior experience with USB4 retimers, PD negotiation, or similar high-speed switching designs, I’d love to see it.
Key expectations
• Full USB4 / 40 Gb s data integrity so the drive performs exactly as if it were plugged in directly.
• Safe hand-off: the inactive PC must see the drive cleanly disconnected while the active PC gains it with no enumeration errors.
• Power distribution handled internally, with over-current protection.
• Latency from software click to successful hand-off under two seconds.
Deliverables
1. Hardware schematic, PCB layout, and complete BOM using readily available parts.
2. Firmware for any on-board controller or mux used to manage the switching logic.
3. Cross-platform control software (source code + compiled Windows binary) that:
– Lists current host ownership.
– Allows switch command via GUI click or CLI call.
4. Assembly guidance and testing procedure.
5. Proof-of-concept video or log showing the hard drive moving between two live PCs.
I’m happy to iterate on form-factor, but the first milestone is a working prototype that satisfies the data-rate and safe-disconnect requirements. If you have prior experience with USB4 retimers, PD negotiation, or similar high-speed switching designs, I’d love to see it.