What is Usb: Definition and 155 Discussions

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an industry standard that establishes specifications for cables and connectors and protocols for connection, communication and power supply (interfacing) between computers, peripherals and other computers. A broad variety of USB hardware exists, including eleven different connectors, of which USB-C is the most recent.
Released in 1996, the USB standard is maintained by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). There have been four generations of USB specifications: USB 1.x, USB 2.0, USB 3.x, and USB4.

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  1. M

    Building USB-Controlled Robot on Budget

    I am new to electrical engineering, and have several questions involving a project that i have begun. The project is that i am building a 'robot' that will hold a UMPC connected to the internet, and the 'robot' itself will be controlled USB through the UMPC. I am looking to spend as little money...
  2. F

    Usb based data acquistion module, and interfacing it with labview?

    I want to make my own usb based data acquistion module, and try interfacing it with labview? Now I have a few questions, since i am quite new to it: Where do I get started? Can I do the interfacing(with labview) via parallel port ? or serially ? Can the Module be made using PIC...
  3. R

    USB Details as shown by Device Manager?

    I have six usb ports in all on my system. 2 in the front and 4 at the back. Now if I go into device manager (in windows xp professional sp2) and check under "Universal Serial Bus Controller" I get the following:- Intel(R) 82801 EB Universal Host Controller - 24D2 Intel(R) 82801 EB...
  4. R

    Using USB flash drive for extra memory?

    So, if i use this ready boost feature, will i be able to pull my drive otu when I'm done without it have any random crap on it?
  5. K

    How to connect USB mini-b plug to USB type A?

    Schematics?
  6. fluidistic

    Trying to install a modem (USB) in Ubuntu

    I just installed Ubuntu 7.10 and I'm unable to install my modem which works perfectly under Windows XP. The model is a Huawei SmartAX MT882. I have the drivers in a CD I believe, but I'm unable to install them. I have absolutely no experience with Ubuntu/Linux so any help is welcome. P.S...
  7. B

    Interfaceless USB driven relay

    Hello, I want to make simple USB driven relay but I am wondering if it can be done without having a USB device on the other end. Most solutions I have seen thus far have a microcontroller that drives a relay. I was wondering if I could use a library like libusb to send data directly to the...
  8. S

    Small, Lightweight Voltage Measurement Device for PC via USB

    I'm looking for a device I can use to measure analog voltage (up to 25V) and send the data to a PC via USB. Only really need one input, though it wouldn't hurt to have more. My main concern is that it needs to be pretty small and light - any ideas? The few I've seen online are either too...
  9. 2

    What's the best for portable applications you can run from your USB Flash Drive?

    I know there's PortableApps.com and U3. What other ones are there? What's the best?
  10. L

    Control I/O with USB | Get Help Now

    Hey, I need to find a way to control via usb something like 20 ins and outs. Don't have any idea what to do next. :\ Any help is more than welcomed. Liad.
  11. daniel_i_l

    Booting linux from usb using grub

    I've tried booting multiple distros from a usb (slux, puppy, ubuntu) using grub. When I turn on the computer with the usb, grub loads. But when I select any of the distros I get: Error 15: file not found. I tried changing the root from root=(hd0,0) to all the possible combinations and nothing...
  12. djeitnstine

    Manually Control USB with Cellphone

    Hi, I'm thinking about doing a small home project where I can control certain things away from home with my cellphone. I want to do this with minimal items, i.e. servers motors etc... what I'd like to do is basically send an email to my computer at home and have it operate external devices...
  13. Saladsamurai

    Anyone know how to tell which USB ports are Hi speed?

    Anyone know how to tell which USB ports are "Hi speed?" I read something about some of the USB ports on a computer being hi speed allowing for faster file transfers. I am backing up my system now to do a factory restore and I want to make sure I am using the fastest ports since these 8 GB...
  14. Chandra214

    Configuring USB Devices for Low Power Mode

    Hi all, set up: USB devices in power mode have three types a. high power mode ( 500mA) b. Low power mode ( 200mA) c. Self powered mode. in one of our applications we are configuring the device as low power device at the descriptor level ( Software). Once the host has the device...
  15. S

    How to convert 5 volts to 12 volts for a USB Motor

    Hi everyone, What I am wondering is if there is a way to convert 5 volts to 12 volts. The application I will be using this for is a USB driven motor. The USB cable can only handle 5 volts and the motor is 12 volts. So I am wondering if there is a device or something simple to build that can...
  16. F

    Linux Distro suggestions - USB drive

    I'm picking up an 8gb of 16gb flash drive. I'm planning on installing a linux distro on it, since I find myself using liveCDs so much anymore. Any suggestions? I've used puppy and DSL before, but since I'm not really limited spacewise I'd like to use something a little bit more...
  17. 8

    Wireless USB to USB: Can It Be Done?

    is there such a thing as a wireless usb to usb. for example i want to connect my printer to my laptop and it would be really easy if i could simply plug a thing into the usb input on my laptop and plug a thing into the usb of the printer and it would work essentially as a wireless usb cable...
  18. S

    Calculators Can you use any USB cable on Ti89?

    Hey guys, I have a ti89 but I lost the USB cable that came with the calculator. I am trying to transfer some data to the calculator, but can I use any regular USB cable to do so? Thats what I read when I searched, but when I use the USB cable that came with my digital camera it says "TI 89...
  19. U

    Booting off a usb drive on a pc that does not support it

    I would like to boot off a usb drive on a pc that does not support it. Has anyone thought of booting off a cd and transferring the start-up to the usb drive?
  20. rocomath

    Phone died charging thru USB

    Ok, so my phone died :( and my outlet charger is broken so I charge it thru the USB. Does my computer have to actually recognize my phone in order for it to start charging it? I've had it hooked for an hour now ... but it still hasn't turned on even for a second.
  21. F

    USB Communications - Looking for Advice on Sandbox, Libraries, Tutorials

    I have a odds and ends question for anyone who wants to share knowledge. I just got done with a project doing serial port programming, and I want to take what I learned and expand that. Is there any environment that is more or less a sandbox for USB communications? If you're familiar with...
  22. U

    Idle USB devices slow down active ones?

    I was running a benchmark test on an external hard drive, and to my surprise the presence of several other peripherals greatly reduced the performance, even though they were all idle (keyboard, mouse, smartphone, external cd drive). It went down to a 20% of normal performance. Is this...
  23. C

    Changing filesystem of USB drives

    I found some USB removable storage drives a few days ago, but they won't work on windows. Windows acts as though they haven't been plugged in, so I tried having a look at them using linux, and I can see everything to do with them etc. I now know that the filesystem used is "vfat" (i've never...
  24. Saladsamurai

    What's the Best USB Flash Drive for Fast Data Storage and Affordable Pricing?

    So I need to pick up a few of these for school. The prices on 4GB range from $30 USD-100+ depending on the brand. All I am doing is storing data like .pdf .ps .doc and maybe some pics/video lectures. Doe the brand really matter if I am not doing anything that requires 'lightning speed' or...
  25. O

    Control Output Voltage on USB Cable Programmatically

    I'm looking for a way to control the output voltage on a USB cable through programming. I don't know too much about how to program USB devices, but I know there's a default 5v output, a ground, and two data lines in every USB cable. Ideally, I would like to be able to set this voltage output to...
  26. T

    Why is my Transcend USB not opening?

    I recently bought Transcend USB storage JF 30 initially it was really good and I can able to copy or paste in it. Now what happenned when i insert into the usb port my operating system recognize it then i immediately went inside My computer and double clicked the REmovable disk drive its not...
  27. D

    Looking for programmable USB remote

    I am looking for a wireless USB remote with customizable hotkeys that I can assign to launch customized macros. I haven't really found anything made specifically for that purpose. The best I came up with are wireless numeric keypads but that is still not good enough. I need something compact...
  28. Simfish

    USB to FireWire Adapter: Do They Exist & Are They Reliable?

    So I just bought a Lacie external hard drive. Problem is - my laptop doesn't have firewire - and my external hard drive only has a firewire port. So do good USB/firewire adapters exist? I searched on the Internet for some - but there don't seem to be many of them. Does the adapter allow a...
  29. S

    Funny USB Gadgets - Air Dart Launcher & Beverage Cooler

    After searching for a flash drive on the internet I came upon this. http://www.everythingusb.com/usb_air_darts.html A USB powered air dart launcher with software which allows the user to aim it and launch the darts via computer. I also found a USB beverage cooler which I though was equally...
  30. R

    How to Map a USB Printer to LPT1/2/3 in Citrix Metaframe XP 1.0?

    Hello, I am a new sysop for a company who uses Citrix Metaframe XP 1.0 and ICA remote connections. As far as I can tell, this version of Citrix does not support USB Printers when it auto-configures client printers for application use. However if the same printer is plugged into a LPT...
  31. russ_watters

    What are Opinions on USB Turntables for Digitizing LPs?

    I have some lp's I'd like to digitize. Anyone have any opinions on USB turntables such as these?: http://www.buy.com/retail/searchresults.asp?querytype=home&qu=usb+turntable&qxt=home&display=col&dclksa=1
  32. T

    USB Oscilloscopes - Buyer's Guide & Reviews

    Hey i was wondering if anyone here had one? I am thinking about buying it but I am just afraid that it might fry the usb port :eek:. http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28119 i was looking at this one but the sampling rate isn't that high =/. So its either pay 160 for all that or pay...
  33. W

    Network Security | Infolocktech.com

    Hello, Can anybody tell me of a good website that provides information about network security?Someone recommended www.infolocktech.com. Any recommendations on this? werstyle teen
  34. DaveC426913

    USB Port Speed: Is It Possible to Increase Without Replacing Hardware?

    Everytime I plug something into my laptop USB port it tells me "This device can perform faster". Is that something I can do without replacing any hardware?
  35. J

    USB 2.0 vs. Firewire: Pros & Cons for External HD

    My girlfriend and I are contemplating purchasing a new computer. She is studying filmaking and needs a faster more up to date system than we are currently using. Chances are we will be purchasing an additional external hard drive so she can save her work at school and bring it home to continue...
  36. J

    Can a USB Printer Be Connected to a Parallel Port on an Older Computer?

    Hello all, Is there any cable out there that will allow me to hook up a USB printer to a parallel port on a computer? Problem is most printers these days are USB hookup and my older systems have parallel port hookups or USB 1.1. Or will the modern USB devices work on the USB 1.1 port I have? I...
  37. F

    How can I make Stepmania read serial data from a game cube to USB adapter?

    ok i wasnt sure which forum to place this in so I am putting it here now. I am currently trying to help my boyfriend figure out something. his project is to design and build a game cube to usb adapter that will work with stepmania (a dance dance revolution simulator that you can download for...
  38. F

    Game cube to usb adapter advice

    I am currently trying to help my boyfriend figure out something. his project is to design and build a game cube to usb adapter that will work with stepmania (a dance dance revolution simulator that you can download for free online). he has already correctly mapped out the buttons in his code...
  39. A

    USB Controller Cost in USA: Find the Perfect Option Here

    I was wondering how much would a USB controller cost in the USA, I'm looking for something simple but with a built in micro-controller, and if it could be shipped to outside the US? Thanks.
  40. P

    Can You Record Video and Audio Through USB? Free Software Options

    hey guys, Is it possible to record video from a video camera through USB getting in the sound as well...And if yes where can i get some free software from?? Thanks Jake:smile:
  41. R

    USB drive went through the laundry

    All my files......are still accessible! I'm amazed that this thing works. It went through both the washer and the dryer. Here's a picture in case you've never seen one of these: http://www.usbflashdrive.org/art/product/hi_SamsungUSBflashdrive.jpg
  42. Z

    LaTeX Can You Run LaTeX from a USB Drive?

    Is it possible to "install" LaTeX (for windows) on, say, a USB pocketdrive? Or better yet could I just copy over all the directories from an existing computer and then be able to compile .tex files using the packages I have installed? I know you can get other pieces of software that run off...
  43. O

    Modify USB ZipDrive power input source - query

    I have a USB Iomega zip drive (100MB) that uses both an external power supply and USB cable. Subsequent models of the same drive take power (5V) directly off the USB from the PC. I wish to modify my zip drive to make it a bus-powered device. The external PS measures +5V open circuit. The spec...
  44. EnumaElish

    Can a USB Y-Cable Solve My Problem?

    Is there such a thing as a USB Y-cable? I have a USB keyboard that I'd like to use for 2 alternate PCs without plugging it out of one and into the other whenever I switch. I have a KVM switch but the keyboard will not function on one of the PCs through the KVM switch. It needs a direct...
  45. exequor

    PC Card vs USB Tuner for Acer Laptop - What to Get?

    I am considering getting a tv tuner for my acer laptop. I have heard of some lag issues with the usb tuners. I have 64mb of shared video memory (and usb2 ofcourse) but i don't want to buy a usb tuner then there are lag issues. I noticed that the usb ones are cheaper than pc cards and they...
  46. S

    Can I Make My 0-5v Pulse Wireless with a Small Transmitter?

    I have an pulse of 0 to 5 volts that I want to send to my computer. I have a USB interface for it, but I need it to be wireless. Size matters. I need the the transmitter part to be as small as possible. The receiver can be any size. Because of that, the interface I have is already a little...
  47. B

    Secure USB Hard Drives - Solutions & Ideas

    Right now I am using a SmartDisk FireLite 60 GB USB removable hard drive to store information from work and home. Does anybody know how to password-protect the entire disk or select folders on the disk? There are a few software tools on the market, but I was hoping somebody has some personal...
  48. S

    Connecting Serial Port Joystick to USB

    I have an old serial port joystick but no serial port on my computer i am pretty sure there is a way to connect the serial port to a usb adapter does anyone know how to do this? thanks
  49. W

    How can i connect two pc through USB

    i have a problem. how can i connect two pc's thruogh USB, the problem is, i want to know basics that is i want how its work, i don't want to just connect but i want to make that software which makes connection but i need the easiest way to do so. thank you Afzaal Ahmad
  50. K

    Power Supply from USB: Get Answers to Your Questions

    hi, I want to power a digital pen using a USB connected to the PC. What is the exact procedure for this...as in do i require any external circuitry? I also heard about this DTR pin which when permenantly enabled, acts as a power supply. can anyone enlighten me about these things? thanks.
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