Epson announced that it has begun shipping samples of the second product in the company’s line of USB controller LSIs with integrated USB software for USB memory connection applications.

USB memory devices, compact, portable and convenient, can be plugged into a USB port on almost any PC to quickly and easily transfer data between devices. Available in an extensive array of designs, USB memory devices have exploded in popularity as storage capacity has increased and prices have fallen. USB device functionality is increasingly being used in embedded systems, as well. However, embedded developers have not had an easy time providing USB memory connections. Among the challenges they face are: acquisition of USB know-how; long development cycles and many man-hours for USB software development; and inexpensive CPUs in the 8-bit and 16-bit class that lack USB host functions.

The newly developed S1R72U06 follows on the heels of Epson’s S1R72U16 as a USB host controller LSI that incorporates on-chip all the USB software needed for USB memory device connection. The new controller offers enhanced ease-of-use with expanded support. Unlike the earlier S1R72U16, the S1R72U06 provides serial interface support, as well as support for keyboard and mouse connections, single power supply operation, and ceramic resonators. Even device developers with no knowledge of USB can quickly and easily achieve USB memory connectivity with embedded systems because the new LSI can connect with and control inexpensive CPUs in the 8-bit and 16-bit class via a UART or SPI serial interface.

The S1R72U16, which is currently in volume production, supports High-Speed mode (480 Mbps). Like the S1R72U06, the S1R72U16 incorporates USB software, which allows developers to quickly and easily provide embedded systems with USB memory connection capability.

Release of an all-round model equipped with a file system is scheduled for the winter of 2009.