What is a Hi-Speed USB Host Controller?
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is an input/output port standard for computers and digital equipment, which allows easy transfer of data via a direct connection or cable. The original USB standard version 1.1 was superceded by USB 2.0, also known as hi-speed USB. A hi-speed USB host controller refers to the hardware inside the computer that provides hi-speed USB functionality to the ports. USB first hit the market in November 1995, but the new standard had compatibility problems. These bugs were addressed and the subsequent USB version is now referred to as “original” USB 1.1. The data transfer rate (DTR) for USB 1.1 was impressive at 12 megabits per second (mbps), and was intended to replace slower parallel and serial ports for peripheral devices. The first devices to be widely adopted for USB ports were keyboards and mice. Printers, scanners, external tape drives and other devices followed. As demands for faster data transfer increased, a newer version of USB answered the call. USB 2.0 bo
One of the many advantages of USB ports is that they can operate in a daisy chain. One hi-speed USB host controller can control several USB ports. If your computer doesn’t have enough USB ports for your needs, a USB hub can be added for a few dollars. The hub plugs into a single USB port while offering a “bay” of additional ports. Some devices, however, like digital cameras or iPods™ might require a direct port or a powered hub. Powered hubs have their own A/C adapters.
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is the small flat connectors on the back (and sometimes front) of your PC. The original design is set as USB 1.1 and is capable of data verbs rates of 12mbps. The design was improved and a newer revision USB 2.0 was produced which can transfer at up to 480Mbps, 40 times faster than the prehistoric version. USB2.0 is also referred to as hi-speed USB. The controller is the chip inside the computer that ‘controls’ the USBs. If your PC only have USB 1.1 then you can purchase a PCI card with USB 2.0 ports on it.
