USB is here to stay, and it’s overtaking RS-232 on the commercial level. But do you suffer from chronic USB pain stemming from USB-to-microcontroller integration? If you do, there are many over-the-counter IC remedies you can try to temporarily relieve your suffering. But beware: these USB IC medications aren’t for everyone. In fact, if used improperly or taken with alcohol, some USB IC medications offer little relief and can induce more severe pain.

USB pain sufferers who require a more potent USB pain medication can choose from a number of prefabricated ready-to-run USB modules that include a USB IC and companion USB driver firmware. If your USB symptoms persist after throwing USB ICs and canned USB firmware at the pain, you may have a serious USB condition. I recommend that you discontinue the use of the over-the-counter USB medications and consult a USB doctor.

As you probably know, I have a love-hate relationship with USB. I’ve been on a quest for the holy grail of USB for a long time. I’ve written about numerous USB prototype boards, modules, and specialized ICs. I’ve read Jan Axelson’s USB Complete three times. I’ve even gone as far as to actually become a student of the official USB specification.

I must admit that every USB column I’ve written has eased the pain just a bit and has placed me one more step in the direction of the grail. But every now and then, I feel a twinge of USB pain that leaves me begging for some kind of relief and wondering why I’m on this infernal quest. In fact, the pain got so bad recently that I sought the help of Dr. Bob Miller, the resident USB physician at Trace Systems. Fortunately for me, he concocted a unique USB pain remedy. If you need some relief from the nagging pain of USB-to-microcontroller integration, read on for a good dose of USB medicine.