USB IP Core

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. while we are used to calling our little flash drives USBs, they are actually USB sticks. USB itself is, in fact, a standard that defines the various specifications and protocols for the connection, communication, and the power supply between a network of computers as well as between computers and peripheral devices and accessories associated with them.

The primary purpose behind the development of this protocol was to introduce the standardization of peripheral connections to personal computer through specialized ports. It helps to basically simplify the connections formed between the computer and its associated peripherals. Before its introduction in 1996, the most commonly used ports for peripheral and power supply connections were the serial ports and the parallel ports. They have, however, been replaced by USB ports since then.

In fact, the applications of the USB port have stretched well beyond what was initially planned or expected for it. We use so many USB ports, cables, and protocols in our daily routine lives. Your phone battery charge uses a USB connector, the keyboard and mouse connected to your personal computer uses a USB port, and almost every other office device- from printers and digital cameras to media players and flash drives- all use the USB industrial standard.

Benefits of USB IP Cores

There are many reasons that have contributed to the rise in popularity of USB ports and cables since its introduction, the primary one being the ease of use it boasts. No matter where you are, if you encounter a USB port and have the appropriate type of cable, you can expect to connect the two devices and allow the interface to configure itself without needing any intervention or assistance from your end. You do not need to restart or reboot any one of your devices when you connect using the USB port and the device sets itself up nicely, ready for immediate use. The computer does this by either using the already existing drivers for the device on the system or it asks the user to select the driver to be used and then takes care of the rest of the configuration by itself.

However, where USB connections win in terms of convenience, ease of use, quick turn around, and universal appeal, they lose out on some aspects as well. As you may have faced practically as well, USB cables are limited in length and are largely meant for table top or desk use where the peripheral must remain in close proximity of the connecting device such as your PC. Not only that but the USB port is also limited in terms of the devices it lets communicate with one another- it is meant for communication between the host which is the PC and the device which is the peripheral. You cannot use the USB ports to form a connection between two peripheral devices or two host computers.

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