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Second generation of FTDI's allpurpose USB interface IC

FTDI (Future Technology Devices International) has introduced its Vinculum VNC2 user-programmable dual-USB 2.0 Host/Slave intelligent SoC controller. The design has evolved, says CEO Fred Dart, in response to user feedback from many projects involving the first-generation part; engineers wanted a greater degree of flexibility and programmability. Accordingly, you can now develop your own application firmware and program the (new) host controller yourself. You would carry out that development in the royalty-free software development environment that accompanies VNC2 and that includes a compiler, linker and debugger to fully utilise the increased memory and multitude of communication protocols that VNC2 handles. FTDI based the softwaredeveloped toolkit on C and includes a comprehensive suite of object files to provide support for USB host functionality, including USB flash drive storage, HID, USB COMMs class and FAT File functionality.

The processing unit that you would be programming is a full-function 16-bit MCU core of FTDI's own design. It has 256 kbytes of on-chip programmable e-fl ash program memory and 16 kbytes of SRAM data memory. The company has enhanced the I/O communication capability to include two SPI slave controllers, one SPI master controller, one highspeed UART interface (up to 3 Mbaud), plus a fl exible eight-channel PWM block allowing precise 16-bit control of motors, servos and other analogue application areas. "You can think of the VNC2," Dart says, "as a powerful microprocessor, with enough power to off-load major tasks from a host CPU—that just happens to have two comprehensive USB channels among its resources." Designing its own core along with the tool chain allows the company to provide the entire package royalty-free, Dart adds.

The VNC2 comes in 32-, 48-, and 64-lead packages (LQFP or QFN) with up to 44 user-defi ned I/O pins. Operating from a single +3.3V supply, the VNC2 has a standby current of typically 128 µA and a further three low power-modes. In 48-lead LQFP (offering a direct upgrade to the VNC1L) it costs $2.75 (10,000).

FTDI, www.ftdi-chip.com/FTProducts.htm#VinculumII.