USB module

Paragon (1211)

30-06-2009, 18:48

Look at this beauty:

www.vinculum.com/images/vdip2.jpg

It is a module with an embedded USB host controller and two USB ports. There is a 1 USB port version too, but the 2 port version is cheaper (???)

As far as my (limited) knowledge about hardware design goes, it seems like this module can be plugged directly to the Z80 bus, without any external component (unless there is some problem with signal timings).

Some hardware guru around here would like to glue this to an MSX cartridge to make an ugly but functional prototype?

More details:

www.vinculum.com/prd_vdip1.html
www.vinculum.com/prd_vnc1l.html

Edit: what a monster image! Has the BBCode IMG tag any attribute to reduce it?

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By nikodr

Paladin (750)

30-06-2009, 19:00

i want it!how much is it ???

By legacy

Hero (570)

30-06-2009, 19:57

Well, I have two of them. I am working with Eagle to design a pcb making it connectable with a MSX.
There are two ways to connect, via RS232 and via the paralelle port, offcourse the paralelle port must have a bidirectionel possibility.
You can buy this beauty at FTDI. about €22

By Leo

Paragon (1236)

30-06-2009, 20:22

nice , i d like to order a pair of them .... done !

By konamiman

Paragon (1211)

30-06-2009, 21:16

Well, I have two of them. I am working with Eagle to design a pcb making it connectable with a MSX.

Do you plan to include a flash ROM in your design? If so, a DOS kernel can be included and USB mass storage devices can be used in MSX.

By legacy

Hero (570)

30-06-2009, 21:38

Do you plan to include a flash ROM in your design? If so, a DOS kernel can be included and USB mass storage devices can be used in MSX.

Hm, I,m affraid that my knowledge is not that big to include a flash rom.
I'm working with the datasheet to design the board.
Including more, I need some help for that, if you are familiair with Eagle, I can send you the schema and board files, if you like.

By konamiman

Paragon (1211)

30-06-2009, 23:09

Including more, I need some help for that, if you are familiair with Eagle, I can send you the schema and board files, if you like.
I am a programmer, my knowledge about hardware design is almost zero. So the schema and board files would be of little use to me.

I can only help with the logical design, that is, suggesting mappings for the components and the like. Anyway, a board with the VDIP module alone would be a nice toy to start with.

BTW do you have VDIP1 or VDIP2 modules?

By legacy

Hero (570)

30-06-2009, 23:47

I have the VDIP2 modules, I have them purchased in a combined buy action with some other ppl.
But since you are a programmer, you can write maybe some drivers for it ?
I have the design allmost ready, and will them put online, so everyone who like it may improve and use it

By Leo

Paragon (1236)

01-07-2009, 06:28

there are also RAM version of unapi implementations ?
by the way these modules allow mass storage only ...

By konamiman

Paragon (1211)

01-07-2009, 09:02

But since you are a programmer, you can write maybe some drivers for it ?
You got the idea.

But for proper operation (that is, to handle storage devices transparently), it should have a ROM capable of holding the DOS 2 kernel and a disk controller.

there are also RAM version of unapi implementations ?
Yes. Are you thinking on a USB UNAPI specification?

by the way these modules allow mass storage only ...
Wrong. With the appropriate firmware, any device can be handled. The VDAP firmware that comes preloaded in the VDIP modules, for example, handles any kind of device in USB port 1 and mass storage devices in port 2. The funny part is that the module itslef can handle FAT filesystems.

By legacy

Hero (570)

01-07-2009, 09:12

FTDI tell us.
The VNC1L USB Host Controller ICs not only handle the USB Host Interface, and data transfer functions but owing to the inbuilt 8/32-bit MCU and embedded Flash memory, VNC1L encapsulates the USB device classes as well. When interfacing to mass storage devices such as USB Flash drives, VNC1L also transparently handles the FAT file structure communicating via UART, SPI or parallel FIFO interfaces via a simple to implement command set. The VNC1L device features two USB Ports which can be individually configured by firmware as Host or Slave ports.
VNC1L brings cost effective USB Host capability to products that previously did not have the hardware resources available. We anticipate that these devices will be especially popular for adding USB Flash drive connectivity to a wide range of consumer and industrial products. As VNC1L comes complete with FTDI's in-house developed firmware, there are no USB software stacks to license, indeed, no knowledge of USB is required to use these devices.
If I understand it correct, it can handle more then only mass storage