Low power standby requirements are typically associatedwith battery-powered systems. Automotive systems,for example, commonly require power supplies tomaintain output voltage regulation even under no-loadconditions—while drawing minimal quiescent current topreserve battery life. Rising energy costs, however, haveextended the need for low current standby operation toline-powered systems, such as small plugged-in appliancesfor home and business.
This example implements a gameport translator on the PIC16C765. The
firmware translates a gaming device plugged into the gameport to a USB
gaming device. The firmware is set up to translate the DexxaTM
eight-button gamepad. Changes to the firmware will be necessary
for a different gaming device.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a communications architecture that gives a personal
computer (PC) the ability to interconnect a variety of devices using a simple four-
wire cable. The USB is actually a two-wire serial communication link that runs at
either 1.5 or 12 megabits per second (mbs). USB protocols can configure devices
at startup or when they are plugged in at run time. These devices are broken into
various device classes. Each device class defines the common behavior and
protocols for devices that serve similar functions. Some examples of USB device
classes are shown in the following table
The first gem of wisdom I ever acquired about consulting, obtained many years ago
from a former schoolmate, was to ensure that everything is plugged in: no continuity, no
data. Wires carry voltages and currents from one place to another. Their behavior is
reasonably simple and predictable—at least for sufficiently low data rates and short
lengths—and they can be seen, grabbed, traced, and tugged.
You probably have heard all about what you can do with the Raspberry Pi. This credit-
card sized computer can be plugged into your TV or any HDMI monitor to replace a
typical computer. This little device is used in many computer projects, DIY electronics
projects and even as a learning tool for kids who want to learn the basics of computer
programming.
