Smaller USB 2.0 On-The-Go Is A Go For PCs, Portables

Considered a third-generation implementation, the I-PHY USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) physical layer (PHY) is available as a block of intellectual property from Innovative Semiconductors. It targets low-power USB connections with PCs and portable electronics devices, including digital still cameras, digital video cameras, MP3 and personal media players, mass storage devices, and thumb drives.

The ISI-210 I-PHY is about 30% smaller and consumes about 30% less power than the company's second-generation PHY. Despite the reductions, it retains all of the features of the second-generation core, including support for the UTMI+ OTG specification and integrated board components to reduce overall component count. Most competing USB 2.0 products are, at best, comparable in area and power to Innovative's second-generation cores.

The USB 2.0 OTG PHY is available for licensing. Fees vary from $200,000 to $400,000 based on the process technology.