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Universal Serial Bus (USB) Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Specifications
  • USB Frequently Asked Questions
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Universal Serial Bus 2.0

  • How fast is Hi-Speed USB 2.0?

    • Hi-Speed USB 2.0 operates at 480 Mbps.

  • When was the final USB 2.0 specification released?

    • The spec was released at Microsoft's Windows Hardware Engineering Conference* (WinHEC) in April 2000.

  • Who developed USB 2.0?

    • USB 2.0 was developed by seven industry-leading companies, collectively named the USB 2.0 Promoter Group: Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, NEC, and Philips.

  • Is there a difference between Hi-Speed USB and USB 2.0? Which is the correct nomenclature?

    • There is a difference in Hi-Speed USB and USB 2.0. The difference is that the USB 2.0 specification covers all three speeds 480 Mbps, 12 Mbps, and 1.5 Mbps. "Hi-Speed USB" refers to just the 480 Mbps portion of the USB 2.0 specification. We now use the term "USB" to refer to the 12Mbps and 1.5Mbps speeds.

  • What is USB On-the-Go?

    • USB On-the-Go addresses the growing need for mobile interconnectivity by allowing a USB peripheral to communicate directly with another USB peripheral.

  • When did Intel release its first chipsets with the integrated Hi-Speed USB 2.0 controller?

    • Intel released the 845E, 845G, and 845GL chipsets in May 2002, all of which integrated Hi-Speed USB 2.0 in the I/O controller hub (ICH4).

  • What is the "Hi-Speed logo" and what does it represent?

    • The "Hi-Speed logo" is a trademark-protected logo for use by qualified licensees. The logo is a guarantee to the consumer that the product has undergone compliance testing for quality.

  • Where can I get more info on Hi-Speed USB 2.0 in general?

    • USB-IF web site is the definitive source for all information pertaining to USB 2.0.

  • How many devices can be connected to one host PC?

    • Each host controller can support up to 127 devices. A host PC may contain multiple host controllers.

  • Do you have any other questions?

    • The USB-IF maintains a frequently asked questions web page

  • Are any technical books available that discuss USB?

    • USB Design by Example, Second Edition by John Hyde provides you with the expert knowledge and skills you need to design and implement a wide range of USB devices.

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