Re: Adding USB Interface to Low-Cost 8-Bit Microcontroller

On 10 Jun, 02:13, "David T. Ashley" <d...@xxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi,

I work for a company that produces low-cost consumer electronics that use
8-bit microcontrollers.  These have the standard 8-bit whistles, like SPI,
SCI, etc.

We've kicked around the idea of allowing customers to re-FLASH our products.
The re-FLASHing would be facilitated by code we write that runs in the
microcontroller and reprograms a portion of the FLASH.

We have a handle on digital signatures and what would be required to prevent
a customer from "forging" a software load.

However, what is required to implement a USB interface in the product (for
an 8-bit microcontroller), and what is required as far as a driver on the PC
side?  The goal would be that we distribute a re-FLASHing application to the
customer that runs on the PC.  They would run this application with a USB
cable connected from the PC to our product.

What all is required (hardware, driver development kits, etc.)?

Thanks for all.

The Microchip USB PICs are quite easy to use. It should be possible to
reflash the application via the USB connection.

Leon
.

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