Embedded: Infrared Lives On With USB

Universal Serial Bus (USB) and flash memory sticks can be found everywhere, including in digital cameras. Now, the SMSC USB2230 combines a USB-based flash memory read with a USB-to-IrDA (Infrared Data Association) bridge and a dual-port USB 2.0 hub. This single-chip solution also cuts board space and power consumption. The chip, which operates at 3.3 and 5 V, requires only a single USB port. The flash memory reader handles 15 different types of devices. The IrDA interface complies with IrDA v1.1 FIR and SIR, and it handles speeds from 9.6 kbits/s to 4 Mbits/s. Also on-chip is a 30-MHz 8051 8-bit microprocessor. The system is programmable using a serial EEPROM, 76-kbyte program ROM or up to 128 kbytes of external flash. Drivers are available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. The USB2230, housed in a 128-pin TQFP, costs $4.99.