Ellisys Ships First SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Protocol Analyzers

  • Author: USB World
  • Filed under: USB News
  • Date: Nov 30,2008

Ellisys, a leading supplier of protocol test and analysis solutions for the Universal Serial Bus (USB), Wireless USB, the WiMedia UWB platform, and Bluetooth®, has delivered Explorer 280 (EX280) SuperSpeed USB protocol analyzers/generators to its early adopter customers in the U.S and Japan, believed to be the world’s first such production shipments of this type of protocol test tool.  Ellisys demonstrated the EX280 system at the SuperSpeed USB Developers Conference held in San Jose CA, November 17-18, 2008, where it will participated as a Gold sponsor of the event.

“Ellisys designed the EX280 system from the ground up, avoiding the pitfalls of using a patchwork of older analyzers or technologies, using new, custom-designed hardware and firmware specifically built to handle the engineering challenges presented by SuperSpeed USB architecture,” states Laurent Guinnard, Ellisys co-founder and president for technology.  “We are pleased to be able to deliver real, working SuperSpeed USB protocol analysis products to an early market, and to enable those early adopters eager to validate their designs.”

Dual-Use System Provides Unsurpassed Configuration Flexibility
The EX280 hardware can be configured on-the-fly as a logically passive analyzer, monitoring and characterizing SuperSpeed USB or legacy USB traffic between two system components, such as a host and device.  It also has a dual role in that it can perform as an active generator, emulating a system component in order to actively characterize and test another system component.  Additionally, the EX280 can be configured to accommodate standard connectors built to the USB 3.0 specification, or alternative front-end interconnections, such as SMA.  A dual capture modality provides users a choice to employ a stream-to-disk feature, or a traditional circular buffer approach, using very large hardware memory resources.

“Our development approach is comprehensive, and includes involving our customers as an important voice in the design effort, establishing an active technical support and feedback network, working closely with complementary and proven solution providers, and implementing an ongoing feature development effort,” states Mario Pasquali, Ellisys co-founder and president for products.  “We look forward to enabling the rapidly growing ecosystem of SuperSpeed USB developers.”

Company’s History with USB and Commitment to SuperSpeed USB
Ellisys has been providing USB test and analysis tools for eight years, and has introduced many industry firsts as well as unique and innovative approaches to USB analysis and validation, including an automated compliance test suite (Device Examiner™), inline error injection, stream-to-disk functionality, probing methods for embedded USB applications, and graphical timing analysis (InstantTiming™).  Ellisys has also been a key contributor to the growth and development of Wireless USB, with the 2005 introduction of the industry-leading WEX300 WiMedia Explorer analyzer/generator system.  To support early adopters of SuperSpeed USB, Ellisys has implemented a partner program, intended to provide participating leading-edge developers with EX280 application software tools, Beta products, and engineering collaborations.  Early SuperSpeed USB adopters may request membership to this program at www.ellisys.com/technology/early_adopters/usb30.php.

Availability and Configurations
The Explorer 280 system is in stock and now shipping.  The hardware may be purchased as analyzer-only, generator-only, analyzer/generator, or in a Duo configuration of two units configured as analyzer and generator.  For more information, please contact sales@ellisys.com.

About SuperSpeed USB
The USB 3.0 Promoter Group was formed to create SuperSpeed USB a personal interconnect that can delivers over 10 times the speed of today’s connection.  The technology will target fast sync-and-go transfer applications in the PC, consumer and mobile segments that are necessary as digital media become ubiquitous and file sizes increase.  The USB (Universal Serial Bus) 3.0 specification will create a backward-compatible standard with the same ease-of-use and plug and play capabilities of previous USB technologies.  Targeting over 10x performance increase, the technology will draw from the same architecture of wired USB. In addition, the USB 3.0 specification will be optimized for low power and improved protocol efficiency.


Visteon’s next generation of in-vehicle audio, infotainment and entertainment systems meets the challenge of combining rapidly changing consumer requirements with the long automotive lifecycle.

Targeting the fast changing world of consumer electronics, Visteon Corporation’s next generation in-car entertainment systems offers vehicle manufacturers a fast and flexible route to introduce the latest consumer technology in their vehicles.

Designed to offer a gateway for consumer electronics into the automotive environment, Visteon’s family entertainment systems (FES) provide vehicle manufacturers with an opportunity to offer new and differentiating features that deliver value.

Visteon employs two core strategies to offer manufacturers a fully scalable and upgradable platform — an open software framework that allows secure yet simple upgrades of the latest consumer interfaces, and a scalable hardware solution containing a powerful micro processor core with an open interface to allow additional enhancements.

Visteon’s entertainment system is leading the automotive implementation of open software interfaces by introducing a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) into its platform. The JVM enables software developers to write one application for mobile phones or the internet that can easily be ported to work in Visteon’s various entertainment systems. As a result, little incremental engineering is required and development time is significantly reduced.

The system’s browser utilizes data compression technology that reduces both the time and amount of data to be downloaded to the vehicle. Visteon is also designing a range of additional software features including a Java-based chat client, enabling users to access their existing MSN Messenger, Skype or Google Chat accounts from the vehicle.

The scalable architecture is designed to allow for flexibility in the choice of applications and connectivity means. The design achieves this by maintaining a powerful and stable central processing core, but leveraging powerful USB ports to offer a wide range of options in the final application.

As part of the concept, the vehicle manufacturer can select two devices for initial implementation with additional choices for the future. The overall design therefore remains relevant for the latest consumer trends and updates, requiring only software updates to the central processing core and new automotive grade devices designed by Visteon to be connected via USB.

“Visteon’s decision to enable Java in the entertainment system and focus the hardware design around a scalable solution positions the design perfectly for integrating new features and functions as they become available,” said Christian Feltgen, global director, audio and infotainment systems. “More importantly, it allows the vehicle manufacturer to stay competitive with frequent and inexpensive updates as the market evolves.”

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 35,500 people.


USB Man 4-port Hub

The Man with the USB Hands

  • USB Man. USB Man.
  • He does whatever a powered hub can.
  • His heart lights up; he’s got four ports.
  • He might be naked, ’cause he’s not wearing shorts.
  • Look ooooout. It’s USB Man!

It’s USB Man – the cutest little four port hub around. He’s got a USB port in each extremity and is ready to connect to your goodies. Wait…that sounds kinda wrong, but you know what we mean.

Each USB Man 4-port Hub comes with an AC power adaptor, so your power-hungry USB goodies won’t starve. And his little heart lights up green when you plug him in. Apart from being cute, he’s pretty flat, meaning he won’t stand out on your office desk too much (in case frivolity is frowned upon where you work), but he will provide you with unlimited smiles during your slow work day. USB Man to the rescue!

USB Man 4-port Hub

  • His hands and feet are USB ports, and his heart lights up to let you know he’s powered on.
  • USB 2.0
  • Includes: USB Man and AC adaptor
  • Cord length: 45″
  • Hub Dimensions: 4.5″ x 4″ x 1.75″

Price: $27.99 Buy here: ThinkGeek.com


Silex Technology Announces SDK Enabling USB Device Networking

  • Author: USB World
  • Filed under: USB News
  • Date: Nov 26,2008

Silex now offers device manufacturers world class technology to easily connect and share USB devices on a wired or wireless network

Silex Technology America, Inc., a leader in device connectivity, today announced a suite of Software Developer Kits to allow device manufacturers to add functionality to their product for easily connecting and sharing virtually any USB device, including multifunction printers, storage, iPods, etc., on a home or office network.

The SDK allows any type of USB device to connect with full compatibility. It is based on proven technology as demonstrated in Silex products for almost 4 years. Since the USB products work across the network the same way as when connected directly via USB, the device manufacturer can offer their customers a very easy to use solution, with low support costs.

The SX Virtual USB SDK for Linux allows manufacturers to easily implement Silex “Virtual Link” functionality, which enables USB devices to communicate and be shared seamlessly on a network using USB over IP technology, into virtually any embedded network device that has a USB Host port.

The SDK has a very small memory footprint and only uses about 50KB of ROM with low RAM requirements, and is designed to be very efficient. It can be used with any version of Linux compiler. The SDK code included is optimized for Linux 2.6.x and can be implemented in as little as 1 week.

“There are more and more homes with multiple computers and networks, making centralized access to USB devices an important application,” said Keith Sugawara, General Manager of Silex Technology America. “Silex Virtual Link technology allows device manufacturers to combine multiple functions into their network device, saving cost and offering distinct product differentiation.”

The SX Virtual Link SDK for Windows and SX Virtual Link SDK for Macintosh allow manufacturers and system integrators to easily implement Silex “Virtual Link” functionality into Windows and Macintosh applications and communicate across the network with devices connected to Silex USB Device Servers or with devices which have integrated the SX Virtual USB SDK. It allows discovery, connection, disconnection, and other features to be available in Windows and Macintosh applications.

Family of Connectivity Solutions

This software is the latest addition to Silex’s family of connectivity products. Device manufacturers who do not have network connectivity hardware built in to their products can choose among external and internal hardware OEM solutions. These solutions offer the same features and capabilities, while providing time to market advantage in the hardware design.

The SX Virtual USB SDK for Linux and the SX Virtual Link SDK for Windows and Macintosh are available immediately.

SILEX TECHNOLOGY

Silex Technology America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Silex Technology, Inc. (JASDAQ: 6679), a 30-year developer of systems, external and embedded device connectivity products, and biometric readers and software. For additional information, call (801) 748-1199 or go to www.silexamerica.com.


Anti-Virus and Remote Protection Updates Keep IronKey Devices Protected Against Latest Threats

IronKey, maker of the world’s most secure flash drive, today announced a comprehensive initiative to protect portable and mobile media from viruses, worms, trojans, botnets, crimeware and other malware threats. Enterprises and government agencies have been under attack from targeted malicious software (malware) that is attempting to penetrate protected networks by bringing malware and crimeware into these networks. It installs malicious code into USB removable media when used on personal computers at home and while traveling, and then spreads into corporate and government networks when the device is used on those networks. With over 120 million USB flash drives purchased every year, this problem is significant and is growing exponentially as cyber criminals expand their activities.

IronKey devices are intelligent, secure storage devices with strong, two-factor authentication and on-board security co-processors. As security processor costs become more affordable, it is possible to embed increasingly sophisticated layers of protection inside portable devices to protect enterprise and government networks from media-borne malware and crimeware. This enables IronKey secure storage devices to provide the highest levels of anti-virus and anti-malware support in hardware. Hardware support for anti-malware provides an unbeatable layer of protection for mobile devices to prevent malware from spreading onto enterprise networks.

The IronKey Anti-Malware Initiative Includes the Following:

Always-on hardware encryption. IronKey USB flash drives encrypt all stored data with military grade AES CBC mode encryption without installing software or drivers. Malware cannot circumvent or disable the encryption of sensitive stored data, making this a safe repository for storing confidential information, intellectual property and protected personal information.

Malware-protected software and firmware updates. IronKey devices can be updated remotely via a secure update service. All firmware and software is validated by industry leading 2048-bit RSA digital signatures, preventing the installation of malicious software or firmware onto IronKey devices.

Secure manufacturing processes. Unlike many computer hardware products that are manufactured in offshore, uncontrolled factory environments, all IronKey devices are designed and manufactured in the USA, which dramatically reduces that risk of hostile factories implanting malware onto silicon or memory chips during the manufacturing process.

Secure provisioning and quality assurance processes. IronKey devices will not function without secure and digitally signed and verified firmware and software. These software and firmware images are developed, security scanned, anti-malware scanned, and digitally signed at IronKey premises in the USA. All IronKey devices are inoperable until they are loaded with verified and scanned software and firmware from IronKey headquarters. This provides a security validation that is unmatched in the industry, ensuring that IronKey devices have not been tampered with in the manufacturing or supply chain process.

Real-time anti-malware scanning. IronKey is integrating best-of-breed anti-malware scanning technology to prevent malware from untrusted computers from infecting IronKey secure storage devices, and then spreading into corporate and government networks. IronKey has numerous patent-pending technology innovations that leverage the power of the on-board crypto processor to enable anti-malware protection in the hardware on the IronKey device to protect data and networks without requiring the installation and operation of software or drivers on host computers.

Top-tier US based ASIC security processor design team. IronKey’s continued innovation in the areas of intelligent security processors on very small form-factor portable storage devices, particularly USB flash drives or memory sticks, allows IronKey to deliver the world’s most secure flash drive with intelligent on board anti-malware and anti-crimeware technology. IronKey has a top-tier ASIC security processor design team that develops the world’s most secure, intelligent security processors for secure storage and authentication. The integration of intelligent security processors into standard USB flash drive formats provides affordable, easy to use, and effective protection against data loss, data leakage, and malware for enterprise and government customers.

IronKey Enterprise remotely managed devices provide revolutionary security capabilities at an affordable price. IronKey devices are available to enterprises and government agencies starting at $79 for 1GB of secure, protected storage. When plugged into a computer with network access, IronKey devices receive automatic updates to applications, malware protection, authentication tokens and security policies. IronKey also protects against malware being transferred to the device, and malware cannot disable the device’s hardware-based security features.

IronKey understands the requirements of highly-secure networks. IronKey’s initial research was partially funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. The IronKey secure USB devices can withstand both simple and sophisticated attacks and all IronKey products have been FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated.

IronKey Enterprise solutions can be centrally managed so their use is governed and managed by an organization’s access-control and security policy that allows only trusted and privileged users to access the device. Once authorized, the IronKey device will fully integrate with the host malware and virus inspection software from best-of-breed vendors including McAfee, Symantec, Checkpoint, Kaspersky, NOD32, Trend, Microsoft and other various anti-malware solutions.

IronKey

IronKey products and services bring the power of authentication, encryption, identity management and privacy to consumers and businesses around the world. We blend world-class security expertise with product design that emphasizes usability, simplicity, and accessibility. All IronKey products are FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated.

The IronKey Team consists of experts in consumer devices, information security, privacy and secure banking technologies, with prior executive roles at Apple, Arcot Systems, Earthlink, Entrust, First Data Corp, GeoTrust, PayPal, RedCannon, RSA Security, Teros, Tumbleweed, Valicert, and VISA.

Founded in 2005, IronKey is privately held and based in Los Altos, CA. For more information, visit: http://www.ironkey.com/.





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