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usb: Definition and Recommended Links

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In information technology, Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus standard to interface devices. USB was designed to allow many peripherals to be connected using a single standardized interface socket and to improve the plug-and-play capabilities by allowing devices to be connected and disconnected without rebooting the computer (hot swapping). Other convenient features include providing power to low-consumption devices without the need for an external power supply and allowing many devices to be used without requiring manufacturer specific, individual device drivers to be installed.

USB is intended to help retire all legacy varieties of serial and parallel ports. USB can connect computer peripherals such as computer mouse, keyboards, PDAs, gamepads and joysticks, scanners, digital cameras, printers, personal media players, and flash drives. For many of those devices USB has become the standard connection method. USB was originally designed for personal computers, but it has become commonplace on other devices such as PDAs and video game consoles. As of 2008, there are about 2 billion USB devices in the world.[1]

Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb)

other great electronics sites:ee toolbox site

• • usb
    • In information technology, Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus standard to interface devices. USB was designed to allow many peripherals to be connected using a single standardized interface socket and to improve the plug-and-play capabilities by allowing devices to be connected and disconnected without rebooting the computer (hot swapping). Other convenient features include providing power to low-consumption devices without the need for an external power supply and allowing many devices to be used without requiring manufacturer specific, individual device drivers to be installed.

      USB is intended to help retire all legacy varieties of serial and parallel ports. USB can connect computer peripherals such as computer mouse, keyboards, PDAs, gamepads and joysticks, scanners, digital cameras, printers, personal media players, and flash drives. For many of those devices USB has become the standard connection method. USB was originally designed for personal computers, but it has become commonplace on other devices such as PDAs and video game consoles. As of 2008, there are about 2 billion USB devices in the world.[1]

      Source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usb)

      (Note: The Electronic Engineers Toolbox provides an alternative set of featured links for this word at http://www.cera2.com/usb.htm)

      Featured Links:

      Jan Axelson's Lakeview Research

      The source for information and tools relating to USB, parallel ports, RS-232 and RS-485 serial communications, 8052-Basic microcontrollers, and making printed-circuit boards. Mr. Axelson has written a number of books, and has created web pages of resources for each topic. Also has information on the Serial Port.
      http://www.lvr.com/

      USBX™

      Express Logic's USBX™ is a USB Host/Device stack for use in embedded systems. USBX provides both host and device support for many common classes and USB controllers.
      http://www.rtos.com

      USB Design By Example

      The Second Edition of 'USB Design By Example' has now been published and is being supported from this Intel website A wider range of topics are covered and more examples are available for download! The 'Frequently Asked Questions' portion of this web site is being updated and then moved to the Intel website. Once this update is completed the FAQ section on this site will be deleted.
      http://www.usb-by-example.com/

      Plda Announces Superspeed USB Ip Solutions

      PLDA, the industry leader in high-speed interconnect IP, today announced the immediate availability of a new line of SuperSpeed USB IP products designed for ASIC and FPGA. SuperSpeed USB or USB 3.0 increases the speed of USB to 5 GHz, reducing system latency and increasing performance. This announcement significantly expands PLDA’s presence in the interconnect IP market and extends its existing leadership in the PCI space to this new...
      http://www.plda.com/pdf_files/20081113145911_USB%20press%20release.pdf

      Certified Wireless USB - Intel Microsite

      Intel leads the way in providing a new version of USB, called Certified Wireless USB, that strives to eliminate wire clutter and provide the convenience of high speed wireless technology for consumers. This is an 'infomercial' from Intel on its technology.
      http://www.intel.com/technology/comms/wusb/

      USB Implementers Forum, Inc.

      USB-IF, Inc. is a non-profit corporation founded by the group of companies that developed the Universal Serial Bus specification. The USB-IF was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology. The Forum facilitates the development of high-quality compatible USB devices, and promotes the benefits of USB and the quality of products that have passed compliance testing.
      http://www.usb.org/

      Insiders' Guide: Embedded Boards and Systems

      Choosing an embedded board, system, or service provider can be confusing. This guide overviews the ecosystem, has survey result from real users of embedded boards, and has interviews with leading vendors on topics like PC/104, EPIC, EBX, AdvancedTCA, CompactPCI, etc., as well as FPGA-based boards, choosing a board provider and other key issues.
      http://www.eg3.com/report-boards/

      The Wireless USB Promoter Group

      The Wireless USB Promoter Group was formed to create a new wireless extension to USB that combines the speed and security of wired technology with the ease-of-use of wireless technology. The Promoter Group will speed time to market and ensure rapid consumer adoption by preserving and extending the investment in the existing USB device and class driver infrastructure.
      http://www.usb.org/wusb/

      Beyond Logic

      Resource for topics such as USB, TCP/IP, and Embedded Linux. Very detailed and useful.
      http://www.beyondlogic.org/

      USB Central

      This site is a resource for information on USB, as well as a plug for the book USB Complete. Lots of links to resources for driving USB from your embedded product, or from your PC.
      http://www.lvr.com/usb.htm

      Explanation: these links are provided as part of our EE glossary project, which seeks to identify the most prominent keywords in embedded systems, embedded software, realtime and rtos, dsp (digital signal processing), system-on-a-chip, microprocessors and microcontrollers, and other constituent elements for embedded systems. While we seek to keep most of the links up-to-date, the user is refered to other primary electronic-based search sites such as: cera2.com, embedded.com, or EDN Magazine. If you have any suggestions of links or definitions, please email!

Mark Twain quote for the day:

If there is one thing that will make a man peculiarly and insufferable self-conceited, it is to have his stomach behave itself, the first day at sea, when nearly all his comrades are seasick.
- The Innocents Abroad