News Archive

Vinculum Firmware Updates Released

Vinculum Firmware Updates

Vinculum Article Published in AEI

Vinculum Firmware Updates

Vinculum Firmware Updates and Customiser Tool

Vinculum Firmware Updates

The Vinculum firmware libraries have been updated to version 3.58.  Both ROM and reflash files are provided.
 

Vinculum Firmware and User Manual Updates

The Vinculum firmware libraries have been updated to version 3.56 and the user manual has been revised.  In addition, several reflash files are now available.  The reflash files can be put on a USB Flash disk which when inserted into port 2 of a Vinculum will be read by the Vinculum to reprogram itself with the new firmware.
 

Vinculum Firmware User Manual Updated

The Vinculum firmware specifications have been updated and replaced with a Vinculum firmware user manual. The manual can be downloaded from the Documents page.
 

Vinculum Article Published

Vinculum Firmware Updates

Vinculum firmware libraries have been updated to version 3.55 and can be obtained from the Downloads page.
 

Vinculum Firmware Updates

Vinculum firmware libraries have been updated to version 3.54 and can be obtained from the Downloads page.
 

Vinculum Firmware Updates

Updated Vinculum firmware libraries are now available via our Downloads page.  A new firmware library is also available for using the Vinculum in slave mode (VDPS).

The latest versions can be downloaded here.
 

Vinculum Articles Published

VF2F2 Module Available

VF2F2 Module

The VF2F2 is a reference design for the Vinculum VNC1L. It is designed as a stand alone application which allows for the back up of files from a digital camera onto a USB Flash disk. The project is also available from FTDI as an evaluation kit. VF2F2 reference design schematics and PCB Gerber files are available for free download. The VF2F2 is available now from the FTDI Chip Shop and through the FTDI global sales network.

VDIP2 Module Available

VDIP2 Module

A new DIP module based on the VNC1L Vinculum embedded USB host controller IC is now available. The VDIP2 is supplied on a PCB designed to fit into a 40 pin DIP socket, and provides access to the UART, parallel FIFO, and SPI interface pins on the VNC1L device, via its AD and AC bus pins. All other Vinculum I/O pins are also accessible.

VDRIVE2 and VMUSIC2 Development Modules Available

VDRIVE2 Interface Module

FTDI are pleased to announce the availability of two new development modules based on the VNC1L Vinculum embedded USB host controller IC. Using FTDI's Vinculum firmware, the VDRIVE2 can be used to add USB Flash disk connectivity to virtually any system, allowing files to be written directly to a USB Flash disk. The VMUSIC2 module provides all the functionality of the VDRIVE2, but uses an extended version of FTDI's VDAP firmware with a VLSI VS1003 IC to allow MP3 file playback directly from a USB Flash disk.

Coming Soon: New VDRIVE2 and VMUSIC2 Development Modules

To receive advance access to the product specifications for these new Vinculum based modules, customers should register for the FTDI news letter.  Full product specifications will be made available via the news letter in the coming days.

Embedded World 2007, Nürnberg

FTDI will be exhibiting at Embedded World 2007 (Hall 12, Stand 12-518) in Nürnberg, Germany from 13th-15th February.  FTDI sales and engineering staff will be available to answer your questions on our full range of IC devices and modules.

DLP-VLOG Now Available

The DLP-VLOG has an on-board temperature & humidity sensor, real-time clock and two analogue input channels for measuring voltages in the 0-30 Volt range.  All acquired data is written to the USB Flash drive via the Vinculum host interface IC.

The DLP-VLOG is available now from the FTDI Chip Shop, from DLP Design and through the FTDI global sales network.

Coming Soon - DLP-VLOG

Based on the new Vinculum host controller chip from FTDI, this development kit demonstrates how to interface a USB Flash drive to a small microcontroller.  The DLP-VLOG has an on-board temperature & humidity sensor, real-time clock and two analogue input channels for measuring voltages in the 0-30 Volt range.  All acquired data is written to the USB Flash drive via the Vinculum host interface IC.

A product flyer is available here.

ESC - Boston, USA 2006

Our thanks to all those who attended the seminar on the Vinculum embedded USB host controller and visited our stand at the ESC - Boston show. A photograph of our staff at the exhibition is available to view here.  Also, the presentation can be downloaded from the ESC Boston web site.

Introducing the Vinculum VNC1L USB Host Controller

FTDI VNC1L USB Host Controller IC

The initial product member of the family is the VNC1L device which features two USB Ports which can be individually configured by firmware as Host or Slave ports.  Key VNC1L features include : ► 8/32 bit V-MCU Core ► Dual DMA controllers for hardware acceleration ► 64k Embedded Flash Program  Memory ► 4k internal Data SRAM ► 2 x USB 2.0 Slow/Full speed Host/Slave Ports ► UART, SPI and Parallel FIFO interfaces ► PS2 legacy Keyboard and Mouse Interfaces ► Up to 28 GPIO pins depending on configuration ► 3.3V operation with 5V safe inputs ► Low power operation (25mA running/2mA standby) ► Inbuilt FTDI firmware easily updated in the field ► LQFP-48 RoHS compliant package ► Multi-processor configuration capable

FTDI's CEO., Fred Dart said - "Vinculum brings cost effective USB Host  capability to products that previously did not have the hardware resources available.  We anticipate that these devices will be especially popular for adding USB Flash Drive connectivity to a wide range of consumer and industrial products.  As Vinculum comes complete with FTDI's in-house developed firmware, there are no USB software stacks to license, indeed, no knowledge of USB is required to use these devices."

"Vinculum", derived from the Latin word "vincere" means "an entity that binds/ ties objects or expressions  together" - in our case various USB and other technologies.

► Download Vinculum application areas (PDF)◄
► Download the ESC Taiwan Vinculum (PDF) presentation ◄

Vinculum Firmware and Flash Programming Utility Now Available

The initial versions of the VDIF, VDAP and VDFC firmware are now available for free download from the Downloads section of this site.

The VPROG utility has also been made available as a free download to allow the VNC1L-1A firmware to be upgraded through the UART using an FTDI 232 USB-serial device.  A user manual is provided with the VPROG application download.

Initial Vinculum Firmware Releases now available.

Three  complete firmware packages have been released for the VNC1L as of this time. These are as follows:

VDIF (Vinculum Disk InterFace)
The VDIF firmware is primarily used to add a USB Mass Storage class device (e.g. USB Flash Disk) interface to a microcontroller or to a peripheral with a USB slave port.  Four possible hardware ports for communicating with the VNC1L depending on hardware configuration are  UART, FIFO, SPI, and USB.
► Interface an MCU or other device to a USB Flash disk  on USB Port 2 of the VNC1L  when
     no USB slave device is connected to USB Port 1 of the VNC1L
► Interface a USB peripheral device such as a PDA or Mobile Phone connected via USB Port 1
     of the VNC1L to a USB Flash disk on USB Port 2 of the VNC1L

► For more details click here ◄

VDAP (Vinculum Disk And Peripheral interface)
The VDAP firmware is primarily used to add a USB Mass Storage class device (e.g. USB Flash Disk) and/or a FT232/FT245 series USB device interface to a microcontroller.  Three possible hardware ports for communicating with the VNC1L depending on hardware configuration are UART, FIFO, and SPI.

► Interface an MCU or other device to a USB Flash disk  on USB Port 2 of the VNC1L .
► Interface an MCU or other device to a FT232/FT245 series device  on USB Port 1 of the VNC1L .

► For more details click here ◄

VDFC (Vinculum Disk File Copy)
The VDFC firmware is used by the VF2F reference design (below) and acts as a file copier/backup device between a digital media device (e.g. digital camera with a USB mass storage class interface) and a USB Flash Drive.

VDIP1 Module makes prototyping Vinculum designs a snap.

The VDIP1 module is an MCU to USB Host Controller development module for the VNC1L device.  VDIP1 is supplied on a PCB designed to fit a 24-pin DIP socket and provides access to all UART, SPI and FIFO interface pins of the VNC1L device.
Ideal for rapid prototyping and development of VNC1L designs, an attractive quantity discount structure also makes this module suitable for incorporation into low/medium volume finished product designs.

VDIP1 Module

Key VDIP1 features include : ► Jumper selectable UART, SPI or FIFO MCU Interfaces ► Uses FTDI's VNC1L device ► USB "A" type socket to interface with USB peripherals ► 2nd USB Interface available via module pins if required ► Single 5V supply input ► Auxiliary 3.3V/200mA power output to power external logic ► Power Good and Traffic Indicator LEDs ► Reset# and Prog# signals allow device programming via the      UART interface if required. ► For More Details Click Here ◄

VF2F - back up Digital cameras to USB Flash Drives.

VF2F is a reference design for a VNC1L based stand-alone application.  VF2F illustrates how to construct a file back up device for a Digital Camera with a USB Mass Storage Class interface.  At the push of a button, all the picture files on the camera are copied to a unique folder of a USB Flash drive so that the digital camera memory can be re-used to take further pictures.  This is an ideal accessory for digital camera users who wish to backup their photos on the road without having to carry a notebook PC, or for people who want to share or swap their photos without requiring a card reader.  VF2F is powered by two AAA size alkaline batteries.

VF2F Reference Design

Key VF2F features include : ► Two USB "A" sockets connect to Digital Camera and USB      Flash Drive respectively ► Uses FTDI's VNC1L device ► Single button file backup function ► Intelligent LEDs illustrate successful drive enumeration,      file copy function and error conditions. ► Onboard DC-DC converter supplies the circuitry with 5V and      3.3V power from 2 x AAA cells ► Schematics, firmware  and PCB Gerber files available for      download ► Assembled/Tested PCB available for evaluation ► For More Details Click Here ◄

VDRIVE1 - easily add USB Flash Drive interface to products.

VDRIVE1 is possibly the easiest solution for adding a USB Flash Drive interface to existing products.  Only four signal lines plus 5V/GND are required to be connected.  Using the DIFS firmware, the interface can be selected between UART or SPI modes using the on-board jumpers.  VDRIVE1 is ideal for use in commercial products such as domestic goods, set top box, etc. as well as industrial products such as data loggers, software upgradeable products, etc.

VDRIVE1 Interface Module

Key VDRIVE1 features include : ► One USB "A" socket to connect to USB Flash Drive ► Uses FTDI's VNC1L device ► Link Selectable UART or SPI interface ► Only 4 signals to connect excluding PWR/GND ► 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch 6-pin connector compatible with TTL-232R-3V3 for easy evaluation ► Single 5V supply required ► Uses VDAP firmware and command set ► For More Details Click Here ◄

VMUSIC1 Module - easily add USB Flash Drive interface and Audio Playback to products.

VMUSIC1 is a product that not only lets you add USB Flash drive interfacing to your product but allows you to play back MP3 and other popular digital music formats direct from a USB Flash drive.  Extensions to the VDIF command set allow you to play a selected file as well as control the volume, balance, etc. of the sound channel and monitor the status of the file being played.  VMUSIC1 is ideal for adding MP3 playback from USB drive capability to home entertainment and in-car audio systems, as well as other appliances requiring audio playback capability from USB Flash drives.

VMUSIC1 Interface Module

Key VMUSIC1 features include : ► One USB "A" socket to connect to USB Flash Drive ► Stereo 3.5mm headphone jack socket and audio line-out      connector for audio playback. ► Uses FTDI's VNC1L device coupled with VLSI VS1003 IC      for music playback. ► Link Selectable UART or SPI interface ► Only 4 signals to connect excluding PWR/GND ► 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch 6-pin connector compatible with TTL-232R-3V3 for easy evaluation ► Single 5V supply required ► Uses extended VAP command set ► For More Details Click Here ◄

FTDI to exhibit Vinculum technology at ESC, Boston, USA - 2006.

Visit us at the forthcoming Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) in Boston, where FTDI will be exhibiting at Booth 820.  The show runs from Tuesday September 26th through to Wednesday September 27th at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA.  For details of the exhibition, click on the ESC Boston logo (left).

In addition to the new Vinculum USB Host Controller devices and modules, we will also be exhibiting our popular range of USB interface device and module solutions.

Note : We have a limited number of free courtesy  passes available for attending this show - if you would like one,  please contact our USA office .