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Ethernet connectivity to a *SLAVE* processor via USB

Thomas Powdrill
Prodigy 30 points


I am looking for an USB-Ethernet Bridge.  But instead of connecting the microprocessor to a "HOST" device (traditional method), I want to connect to a "SLAVE" device. 

For example I want to connect a "Flash Drive" to the microprocessor on one side, and ethernet on the other side.  And use Ethernet to read data on my flash drive. 

 

Typical ethernet bridges setups:   A microprocessor connected to ethernet, but on the USB it is connected to a "Host/Master".  I am looking for a solution where I'd like to connect a microprocessor to a USB device that is a "Slave" (for example a 2 GByte flash drive).  And using ethernet, going through the USB-to-Ethernet bridge controller, read and write to a flash drive.

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 19250 points

    Hi Thomas,

    You might need to use one of TI's processors along with Ethernet PHY to realize this use-case.

    I'll get you in touch with TI's processors team who can help you with this.

    --
    Regards,
    Gokul.

  • 0
    Guru 317480 points

    There is no single standard protocol to access a storage device over ethernet. For block devices, there are iSCSI, NVMe-oF, NBD, DRBD, USB/IP, and network file systems like NFS, SMB/CIFS. Support depends on the OS.

    The most likely solution is a microprocessor large enough to run Linux, and then configuring some peer-to-peer network, or integrating it into your company's network.

    What OS and software are you using on the other end of the ethernet?

  • 0 in reply to Clemens Ladisch
    Prodigy 30 points

    Ideally I would like to use 1 embedded controller that would be "plug in play" with ethernet and flash drive.  For example a USB-Ethernet bridge that can be configured for Master mode.  

    Is there 1 embedded controller that can do this?

    The OS we would use is Windows on the PC.

    If a Linux system is the only method to achieve this, can you recommend a microprocessor that can run Linux that I could load the USB/IP.  No other functionality would be needed.  

  • 0 in reply to Thomas Powdrill
    TI__Guru**** 170011 points

    Hi Thomas,

    As the folks commented above, TI probably does not have such dedicated USB-Ethernet controller. You would have to search on ti.com to know the answer.

    On option is to consider Sitara processors, which provide both USB and Ethernet interfaces, then you can implement the application to read data from thumb drives via USB interface then send the data out through the Ethernet interface.

    If your application requires USB3.x, you can check AM64x. Or if you only need USB2.0, you can check AM62x, or AM437x.