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USB Duet™ Technology

USB is ubiquitous today. This technology is most popular in consumer devices and gadgets, such as digital cameras, flash drives, mobile phones, and printers. USB Duet Technology from PLX adds a USB client port (like on digital cameras) to a mobile PC system and enables the port to have multiple functions such as sharing files and peripherals. Its familiar usage models (e.g. mass storage) and plug-and-play capabilities allow instant usability.

Description

The USB 2.0 protocol follows a Host to Client/Device model. A standard USB cable always connects a USB Host to a client; there is no peer-to-peer communication in USB. USB Host (type A) ports are everywhere, supported by all PCs today and on many set-top boxes (STBs) and gaming consoles. With so many USB Hosts in the market, USB Duet allows a mobile PC system to easily connect to all of these USB host systems. USB Duet technology revolutionizes today's PC-to-PC connectivity of TCP/IP or Ethernet. While TCP/IP is disadvantageous in its complex configuration, security holes, and slow performance (e.g. WiFi), USB Duet resolves all of these problems. It is simple, secure, and takes advantage of the high-performance (480Mbps) of Hi-Speed USB 2.0.

USB Duet uses PLX's NET 2280 / 2282 PCI to USB bridge which easily connects to the PCI bus of mobile PC systems to provide a USB client port. In parallel, USB Duet's killer software applications continue to grow, adding more and more value and flexibility to the USB client port on mobile PCs.

Applications/Usage Models

Netbooks / Ultra Portable PC

  • Share desktop PC's peripherals – USB Duet EZ-Dock
    • Share desktop's DVD-ROM to install new software
    • Use desktop's big LCD monitor as an external display
    • Share desktop's keyboard and mouse
  • Data synch, backup, share files – USB Duet HD
    • Synch e-mail, projects, and settings with desktop PC
    • Quickly backup files to desktop PC
  • Instant Networking at 480Mbps – USB Duet FastLink
    • Quick internet sharing
    • Easy setup for multi-player network gaming
    • Leverage existing network applications (e.g. backup software)

Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs) / Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)

  • Share desktop PC's peripherals with USB Duet EZ-Dock (See figure 1 on the right)
    • Share desktop's DVD-ROM to install new software on UMPC/MID
    • Use desktop's big LCD monitor as an external display
    • Share desktop's keyboard and mouse to control UMPC/MID
  • Share files with USB Duet HD (See figure 2 on the right)
    • Easy access to UMPC files
    • Enjoy UMPC's music, pictures, and movies from STB or gaming console
    • Quickly backup files
  • Instant Networking at 480Mbps with USB Duet FastLink
    • Quick internet sharing
    • Leverage existing network applications (e.g. backup software)

USB Duet Advantages

  1. Compliance – USB 2.0 specification
  2. Familiar usage models
  3. Performance – 480Mbps
  4. Easy integration to existing systems
  5. Multiple functions (future expandability)
  6. Secure protocol

Product Information

NET 2280 / 2282 PCI to Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Peripheral Controller. Download databook and development tools.

  • Packaging: Tiny 121-ball BGA or 120 pin TQFP
  • Sub-micro watts power

USB Duet reference boards are available in PCI, PCMCIA (cardbus), and ExpressCard form factors.