USB host controller module gives flash disk interface to industrial and commercial products

Future Technology Devices International Limited, (FTDI) announces the availability of VDRIVE2, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash disk interface module based on its Vinculum integrated USB host controller integrated circuit (IC). The module is ideally suited to adding USB flash disk connectivity to a broad range of industrial or commercial products that previously did not have a USB interface. Typical usage includes data capture and transfer, diagnostic analysis and software updates. Only four signal lines, 5V supply and ground are required to be connected to the attached device, speeding design-in to both existing or new product designs. The VDRIVE2 is packaged in a neat, snap-in, plastic enclosure with a bi-colour led providing power and status indication along with a single USB type ‘A’ socket. The module is also perfect for use as a development and evaluation platform for the Vinculum IC.

Both UART and SPI interfaces are provided and are selected by use of on-board jumpers. Program and firmware updates can be made via these interface options or by inserting a USB flash disk. Vinculum’s Disk and Peripheral firmware (VDAP) is used to control all its USB mass storage class interface functions. An extended ASCII command set is used in terminal mode during design and evaluation whilst a short hexadecimal command set is used when connected to a microprocessor or microcontroller. Vinculum handles the file allocation table (FAT) structure transparently further simplifying the task of file handling.

Also available now from FTDI is the VMUSIC2 module. Based on the VDRIVE2, it offers the addition of a VLSI VS1003 IC to provide audio playback capability. MP3 and other popular digital music file formats can then be played back directly from an attached USB flash disk. This unit adds to the possible range of finished products that previously did not have the hardware resources available for USB interfacing. Potential applications for VMUSIC2 include operator instruction, multi-lingual safety announcements and music playback.

VDRIVE2 is priced at $24.50 and VMUSIC2 $37.50 per unit.

About FTDI

Future Technology Devices International (FTDI) specialise in the design and supply of silicon and software solutions for the Universal Serial Bus (USB). FTDI offer a simple route to USB migration by combining easy to implement IC devices with proven, ready to use, royalty-free USB firmware and driver software. The company’s single and multi-channel USB peripheral devices come with an easy to use UART or FIFO interface. These popular devices can be used in legacy USB to RS232/RS422 converter applications or to quickly interface an MCU, PLD, or FPGA to USB. A wide range of evaluation kits and modules are available to evaluate FTDI’s silicon prior to design-in.

Vinculum is FTDI’s brand name for a range of USB Host / Slave Controller ICs that provide easy implementation of USB host controller functionality within products, and utilise FTDI's tried and tested embedded firmware to significantly reduce development costs and time to market.

FTDI is a fabless semiconductor company headquartered in Glasgow, UK, and has regional offices in Oregon, USA, and Taipei, Taiwan. More information is available at http://www.ftdichip.com