USB on the Go and Embedded Host

Virtually every portable device now uses USB for PC connectivity. As these products increase in popularity, there is a growing need for them to communicate both with USB peripherals and directly with each other when a PC is not available. There is also an increase in the number of other, non-PC hosts (Embedded Hosts) which support USB in order to connect to USB peripherals.

The USB On-The-Go and Embedded Host Supplements addresses these scenarios by allowing portable devices and non-PC hosts to have the following enhancements:

  • Targeted host capability to communicate with selected other USB peripherals
  • Support for direct connections between OTG devices
  • Power saving features to preserve battery life

Revision 2.0 of the USB On-The-Go and Embedded Host Supplement to the USB 2.0 Specification applies to products operating at low-speed, full-speed and high-speed and is released, including applicable ECNs and errata, as part of the USB 2.0 Specification package. The corresponding OTG Adopters Agreement is also available.

Revision 1.0 of the USB On-The-Go and Embedded Host Supplement to the USB 3.0 Specification enhances these scenarios by adding SuperSpeed capability to USB On-The-Go and is released as part of the USB 3.0 Specification package. The corresponding Adopters Agreement for USB OTG 3.0 is the USB 3.0 Adopters Agreement.

Implementers should note that if they include battery charging capability in their devices or support for host adapters such as docks or ACAs they should also reference the Battery Charging Specification.

Compliance testing for products conforming to Revision 2.0 of the USB On-The-Go and Embedded Host Supplement to the USB 2.0 Specification is available now. Compliance testing for SuperSpeed USB OTG products is currently under development. Manufacturers wishing to test their products for compliance should complete the compliance checklist and pass the tests as defined in the USB OTG and Embedded Host compliance plan. An automated tester, the Protocol and Electrical Tester (PET) is required in order to complete this testing.

The Compliance Checklist for USB On-The-Go and Embedded Host Supplement Revision 2.0 is available at http://www.usb.org/developers/compliance/check_list/.

In addition to passing USB-IF compliance testing and inclusion of its USB On-The-Go products on the Integrators List, companies wishing to use the certified USB logos must have a current USB-IF Trademark License Agreement on file.