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Basically all USB 3 host controllers run firmware of some description. Some can be updated in the field, some can't. You pretty much can't get away from proprie
by mjg59 7y ago
Basically all USB 3 host controllers run firmware of some description. Some can be updated in the field, some can't. You pretty much can't get away from proprietary code if you want USB 3, but in most cases it's hidden from you.
- ambicapter 7y agoWhy is that? Is USB 3 a proprietary spec?
- opencl 7y agoThe spec isn't proprietary, you can download all 482 pages of it right here[1]. It's just that a USB controller needs firmware and none of the vendors making USB3 controller chips have open sourced their firmware. Most chip vendors are not exactly huge fans of open source and likely consider portions of the firmware to be trade secrets. [1] https://www.usb3.com/whitepapers/USB%203%200%20(11132008)-final.pdf https://www.usb3.com/whitepapers/USB%203%200%20(11132008)-fi...
- mjg59 7y agoNo, it's just complicated - easier to implement it on a reasonably general purpose core with firmware than to bet on getting it right first time in dedicated hardware.
- LeonM 7y agoYep, the same goes for any BT, WiFi or storage controller chip. You can download the specs for most protocols, you might even be able to the get datasheet for the controllers, but writing a new (FOSS) firmware for the chip would be a huge undertaking.