# The Spark Gap - Episode 6

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2014-07-20
- Length: 48m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-6

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey explain how to integrate USB connectivity into embedded devices, covering the physical layer, connector types, and implementation strategies. They detail the differences between USB connector standards like Type A, Type B, Mini, and Micro, and discuss power delivery specifications from USB 2.0. The hosts compare three main implementation methods: using FTDI USB-to-UART converters, utilizing microcontrollers with embedded USB peripherals, and employing standalone USB PHYs like the Maxim MAX3420 or TI TUSB1211 for FPGA-based designs.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=0) Introduction: USB Overview and Connector History
- [3:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=228) USB Connector Types: Type A, B, Mini, and Micro
- [10:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=645) Power Delivery and Grounding Considerations
- [17:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=1057) Data Lines, Speeds, and Physical Layer Requirements
- [20:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=1246) Implementation Method 1: FTDI USB-to-UART Chips
- [28:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=1719) Implementation Method 2: Microcontrollers with Embedded USB
- [35:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=2154) Implementation Method 3: Standalone USB PHYs and FPGAs
- [43:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6#t=2580) Design Decisions and Summary of Approaches

## Topics

- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- FTDI (company)
- Maxim (company)
- MAX3420 (chip)
- Texas Instruments (company)
- TUSB1211 (chip)
- Microchip (company)
- ST (company)
- NXP (company)
- Cypress (company)
- MStack (other)
- LibFTDI (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [337: Not Completely Explode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-07-16-337-not-completely-explode) (Embedded.fm)
- [486: A Nice Rainbow Dream](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-03-486-a-nice-rainbow-dream) (Embedded.fm)
- [328: Debugging Like a Monkey](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-04-23-328-debugging-like-a-monkey) (Embedded.fm)
- [Callow Cough Coverups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-07-05-callow-cough-coverups) (The Amp Hour)
- [167: All Aliens Are Shiny](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-09-07-167-all-aliens-are-shiny) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2014-07-20-the-spark-gap-episode-6. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Spark Gap.