USB FAQ

What is USB?

USB is a peripheral bus spec developed by PC and telecom industry leaders -- Compaq, DEC, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, NEC and Northern Telecom -- that brings plug and play of computer peripherals outside the box, eliminating the need to install cards into dedicated computer slots and reconfigure the system. Personal computers equipped with USB allow computer peripherals to be automatically configured as soon as they are physically attached - without the need to reboot or run setup. USB also allows multiple devices -- up to 127 -- to run simultaneously on a computer, with peripherals such as monitors and keyboards acting as additional plug-in sites, or hubs.

 

Who created USB?

USB was developed by a group of seven companies that saw a need for an interconnect to enable the growth of the blossoming Computer Telephony Integration Industry. The seven promoters of the USB definition are; Compaq, Digital Equipment Corp., IBM PC Co., Intel, Microsoft, NEC and Northern Telecom.

 

What kind of peripherals will USB allow me to hook up to my PC?

You name it: telephones, modems, keyboards, mice, 4x and 6x CD ROM drives, joysticks, tape and floppy drives, scanners and printers. USB's 12 megabit/s data rate also accommodates a whole new generation of peripherals, including MPEG-2 video-based products, data gloves and digitizers. Also, since computer-telephony integration is expected to be a big growth area for PCs, USB can provide an interface for Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and digital PBXs.

 

What does USB mean to Host and Peripheral Vendors?

The compatibility of USB is built on the foundation of a technically solid and open specification that meets customer needs for affordable, easily expandable PCs. USB compatibility in turn may enable both suppliers and resellers of PCs, peripherals and software to profit from powerful new marketing methods:
  • "Platform packaging" allows logically related hardware and software products to be marketed together.
  • USB can reduce the incompatibility risk associated with bundling PCs, peripherals and software to create specialized turnkey systems that meet the needs of specialized market niches.
  • USB-compliant peripherals may result in offering corporate purchasers and home users more purchasing choices, without fear of system degradation.
  • Resellers may have more flexibility to mix and match selected products and systems in order to stage seasonal promotions and to offer purchase incentives.
  • USB may enable more peripheral suppliers to benefit from the momentum established by PCs based on MMX™ technology.
  • USB may help suppliers to reduce their development costs which will allow them to establish highly competitive new price points.
 

Where can I get a current copy of the USB spec?

The current spec is available for download from the USB Implementers Forum home page (www.usb.org/present.htm).

 

What are the advantages of working with Intel on USB products?

Intel strongly supports USB and the success of our customers. Intel continues to work closely with customers to introduce USB technology in a variety of products, ranging from computer integrated telephony to monitors and input devices. In addition, Intel has the vision to look ahead and to proactively solve potential technology roadblocks.

 

Is USB hub functionality available now?

Yes! Intel 8x930Hx USB hub controller samples are available now. The 8x930Hx provides embedded as well as external downstream ports for USB hub peripherals such as keyboards and monitors.

 

How can using Intel USB development tools provide advantages for our USB product development effort?

Intel's USB development tools program is a key link in Intel's end-to-end support for our customers and gets developers off to a running start with their USB designs. The development tools program consists of a comprehensive set of hardware and software products and services, including:
 

How can Intel USB solutions accelerate our time-to-market?

Intel's "end-to-end" USB solutions can help developers implement USB in their products for early prototyping. This in turn allows developers to test "close-to-market-ready" products together with USB-compliant PCs to evaluate user acceptance. Intel provides a variety of development platforms, software tools, and third-party vendor support.

 

How many USB-compliant PCs can we expect to see on the market?

Dataquest (5/96) has expressed the opinion that up to 30 million USB-compliant PCs may be shipped during 1997, and that by 1998, all PCs will feature USB technology.

 

Are there USB products out right now?

Yes. PCs with USB capability started shipping this summer, and the following USB host systems are available:
IBM* - Model number 2176C6Y or higher

Compaq* - Model number 4762 or higher

Toshiba* - Model name Infinia™

Siemens* - Model Scenic Pro C5

Sony* - Model number/name, PCV-70, VAIO®

Products used to design and build USB systems, such as connectors, chipsets and board-level computers are also available.

* Other names are the property of their respective owners

 

What is the USB-IF?

The USB Implementers Forum is a support organization formed by the seven promoters of USB to help speed development of high quality compatible devices using USB.

 

What are the benefits of USB-IF?

We are constantly looking for more ways to encourage and accelerate USB product development. The following list is a collection of benefits that USB-IF has committed to it's members.

 

How do I join USB-IF?

A membership application can be downloaded from the USB Implementers Forum website (www.teleport.com/~usb/usbifapp.htm).
 

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