Extensible Host Controller Interface Draft Specification
Intel Corporation recently unveiled the Extensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) draft specification revision 0.9 in support of the USB 3.0 architecture, also known as SuperSpeed USB. The xHCI draft specification provides a standardized method for USB 3.0 host controllers to communicate with the USB 3.0 software stack. Interoperability among devices from multiple manufacturers is important for consumer adoption of SuperSpeed USB products. The Intel xHCI draft specification revision 0.9 supports compatibility among various implementations of USB devices and will make it easier to develop software support for the industry.
The xHCI specification describes the registers and data structures used to interface between system software and the hardware, and are developed to be compatible with the USB 3.0 specification being developed by the USB 3.0 Promoter Group. The Intel xHCI draft specification revision 0.9 is being made available under RAND-Z (royalty free) licensing terms to all USB 3.0 Promoter Group and contributor companies that sign an xHCI contributor agreement; information is available online from Intel Corporation.
The Extensible Host Controller Interface specification is intended for hardware component designers, system builders and device driver (software) developers. The reader is expected to be familiar with the current Universal Serial Bus Specification revisions. Note: In case of conflicts between the xHCI and the USB specifications, the USB specifications take precedence and must be followed.
The specification is primarily targeted to host controller developers and system OEMs, but provides valuable information for platform operating system and BIOS device driver developers, adapter IHVs/ISVs, and platform/adapter controller vendors. This specification can be used for developing new products and associated software.
More info: Intel
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