USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 device not recognized by Latitude 5440 and 5340

Affected Platforms:

• Latitude 5340
• Latitude 5440

Affected Products:

• USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 devices
• Western Digital P50 Game Drive

A Western Digital P50 gaming drive or other USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 devices, when connected to a Latitude 5440 or 5340 with a USB-C to USB-C cable (length of about 25 cm (10 inches)), might not be recognized, detected by the computer, or the device is detected and disconnects over and over.

• Using a longer USB-C to USB-C cable from another vendor shows the same behavior.
• Using a shorter USB-C to USB-C cable of about 20 cm (8 inches) or lower works.
• The drive is also recognized when a USB-A to USB-C cable is used, but this might limit the performance.
• Connecting the drive with the 25 cm (10 inches) or longer USB-C to USB-C cable to a dock and then connecting the dock to the computer works.

• The cause of this issue is the required wattage of the attached device. USB 3.2 Gen2 x2 often need more than 7.5 W to perform optimally, due to their capabilities.
• The difference in behavior between different Latitude generations is the stricter power management optimization specifications of the newer generations.
• The difference in behavior over the cable length is the difference in available inrush current by using shorter or longer cables.

Change the BIOS setting USB Type-C Connector Power from 7.5 W to 15 W.