SparkFun USB-C Host Shield

The SparkFun USB-C Host Shield contains all of the digital logic and analog circuitry necessary to implement a USB peripheral/host controller with your Arduino. This means you could use your Arduino to interface with and control any USB 2.0 compatible device - thumb drives, digital cameras, BT dongles, and much more!

This version updates the USB Type-A connector to a USB-C connector and provides users with the option to power the shield from the 5V or VIN pins. The USB-C female connector also supplies 5V as any normal USB (downward facing) port would.

A four-wire serial interface is used to communicate with the host controller chip, so the shield connects the Arduino's hardware SPI pins (D10-13) to the MAX3421E. All SPI signals are sent through a hex converter to step them down to 3.3V.

MAX3421E USB Controller

• Provides USB Host and Peripheral Functionality
  • USB 2.0 Specification: 12Mbps (full-speed)
• Operating Voltage: 3.0 - 3.6V
• Supply Current:
  • 45mA (max)
  • 8.7mA (idle)
  • 30 - 60µA (suspend)
• SPI Clock Speed: 0 - 26MHz
• Operating Temperature: -40 - +85°C

Arduino Shield

• Arduino R3 Footprint
  • SPI Pins:
    • SCK: D13
    • POCI: D12
    • PICO: D11
    • CS: D10
  • INT: D9
  • GPX: D8
  • RST: D7
• Reset Button (for Arduino Board)
• Switches:
  • On/Off
  • Power Input: VIN or 5V
• USB-C Female Connector
  • Configured for Host Applications
  • Supply Current:
    • Limited by Power Input
    • CC1 and CC2 (56kΩ pull-ups)
  • Schematic
  • Eagle Files
  • Board Dimensions
  • Hookup Guide
  • Arduino Library: USB Host Rev. 2.0
  • MAX3421E Datasheet
    • Errata_MAX3421E
    • Programming Guide
    • Tutorial - Turn any video game controller into a USB mouse
  • GitHub Hardware Repo
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