| Q. |
If I work with a third party vendor to develop a USB Driver, how can
I assure compatibility with drivers introduced by Microsoft*?
|
| A. |
At the January Developer’s Conference, a Microsoft spokesperson told an
audience of 500 to develop on Detroit (OSR 2.1 with USB Supplement) while assuring that
best efforts will be made to ensure compatibility in subsequent Microsoft releases,
starting with Memphis. |
|
| Q. |
What is Intel’s role?
|
| A. |
Intel’s primary role is to work with third parties to promote the availability
of production-quality drivers and support our customers’ product integration and qualification
cycles. |
|
| Q. |
What is the Peripheral Integration Lab (PIL)?
|
| A. |
The PIL was created to help Intel customers with the design and integration of
Intel products. PILs are located in Penang and Arizona. (Similar labs exist for chipsets and processors.) |
|
| Q. |
What resources are available from third-party software vendors?
|
| A. |
See "Developer Resources" |
|
| Q. |
Will IEEE 1394 ultimately replace USB?
|
| A. |
USB and IEEE 1394 are generally considered complementary specifications.
Some audio and video applications may ultimately move to 1394, but it is not currently
being implemented for the majority of PC peripherals. When IEEE 1394 becomes available,
it is expected that 1394 and USB ports will both be available on PCs. The applications
thought to be most appropriate for 1394 will be higher-end imaging, consumer electronics
and storage devices. |
|
| Q. |
USB offers an ideal connection between the telephone and the PC. What
is the status of Computer Telephony Integrated (CTI) development with USB?
|
| A. |
Numerous USB-based CTI products are now under development. A number of
new products are planned for introduction in 1997. |
|
| Q. |
How long will the 12Mbit/sec. bandwidth of USB remain adequate?
Is there a plan to upgrade the USB specification to support higher speeds?
|
| A. |
The 12 Mbit/sec. bandwidth of USB is adequate for most PC peripheral devices
such as digital audio speakers, printers and telephony products. Higher-speed devices,
such as consumer electronics products, may be appropriate for IEEE 1394. In addition, USB’s
lower-speed 1.5 Mbit/sec. mode should allow developers to cut the cost of devices that do
not require higher performance.
|
|
| Q. |
Can traditional serial ports co-exist with a USB port on the same PC?
|
| A. |
Yes. USB is an independent bus. Both USB and serial ports will be implemented
in PCs shipping in 1997. It is expected that PCs will gradually make the transition from serial
ports to USB ports. |
|
| Q. |
What USB-enabled systems are available now?
|
| A. |
Many USB-enabled systems are already available. These include PCs from AST,
Compaq, Gateway 2000, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Sony, Toshiba, and Packard-Bell, as well as
Tulip Computer and Siemens Nixdorf in Europe, and NEC in Japan. Check with the manufacturers
for more specific information. |
|
| Q. |
How will USB benefit the mobile platform?
|
| A. |
USB should bring the same benefits to mobile platforms as it does to
desktop systems. (This includes the ability to flexibly attach and detach peripherals
and to add additional functionality, such as computer telephony.) USB should also
enable smaller form factors, as suppliers of mobile systems make the transition
from serial and parallel ports. USB is expected to begin appearing on laptop
computers in mid 1997. |
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