Epson Develops USB Host Controller LSI with Dedicated USB Software for Connecting Mouse or Keyboard

Seiko Epson Corporation (“Epson”) has developed the S1R72U01, Japan’s first*1 USB controller LSI that includes dedicated software for connecting a mouse or keyboard. Sample shipments of the S1R72U01 have already begun. Recently, the principles of universal design have been employed in various devices, highlighting a growing trend towards ease of use. As interface tools that are very inexpensive and easy-to-use, the mouse and keyboard are increasingly being used with embedded devices other than personal computers. However, before connection between a mouse or keyboard and an embedded device can actually be achieved, developers must deal with the following issues:

* Acquisition of USB know-how
* USB software development requires a lengthy time period and many man-hours
* Inexpensive CPUs in the 8-bit and 16-bit class are not equipped with USB host functions

Epson’s newly-developed S1R72U01 incorporates all the USB software to enable connection with a mouse or keyboard in the chip, thus making it unnecessary for developers to have any knowledge at all about USB. Moreover, this product is able to connect with and control inexpensive CPUs in the 8-bit and 16-bit class and allows quick and easy connection with a mouse or keyboard and embedded devices.

*1 As of July 2008, based on studies carried out by Epson.