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Hardware & Drivers
USB

USB offers several benefits such as low cost, expandability, auto-configuration, hot-plugging and outstanding performance. It also provides power to the bus, enabling many peripherals to operate without the added need for an AC power adapter. Since USB is a standard, third-party hardware is identical for all platforms; only differing in the software required for a specific OS.

USB can operate at 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps), or 12 Mbps, or both at the same time! On systems with USB 2.0 support, USB can operate in Hi-Speed mode, 480 Mbps. Typical USB devices include keyboards, mice, joysticks, game pads, and other low-bandwidth, low-cost devices. Unlike FireWire, USB controls peripheral devices in a master/slave relationship.

USB Resources

Mac OS X USB Debug Kits

Mac OS X USB Debug Kits install replacement IOUSBFamily kernel extensions which provide detailed messages about USB processing when used with the USBProber utility application.

Related Links

USB Implementers Forum Website

The USB-IF was formed to provide a support organization and forum for the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology.

USB-Implementers Forum (USB-IF) Developers Area

USB Developer related information to aid in the advancement and adoption of Universal Serial Bus technology.

USB 2.0 Specification

Universal Serial Bus Revision 2.0 specification provides the technical details to understand High-Speed USB requirements and to design High-Speed USB compatible products.

Immersion's Force Feedback Technology

Immersion APIs, design applications, and documentation for haptic USB implementations.