Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: USB is most common and fast protocol that is replacing all other wired communication protocol. Main aim of this project is to replace the GPIB pin of instruments with USB. Methods/Statistical analysis: Generally all the instruments use General purpose interface bus i.e. GPIB pin for transfer of data. But it is very bulky and also it is not fast. This project replaces the bulky GPIB pin with faster and smarter USB. We are using USBTMC protocol to design the driver as well as firmware. USBTMC is the test and measurement protocol which is based on USB 2.0 specifications. Findings: Here, Beagle bone black board is used as the device where we can write the firmware. Driver program is written and registered in Linux PC. The Output is shown in minicom. The data is transferred from PC to the device through USB cable using USBTMC protocol. This is verified by getting the output as the USBTMC device. Applications/Improvements: This protocol is very new. It can be used in various applications such as instruments used in medical, industries, security system, and home appliances.

Keywords: Beagle Bone Black Board, Linux based PC, USB Cable, USBTMC Driver and Firmware