Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: EZ-USB

> DOS is not a reasonable avenue for USB work, but Linux and
> Macintosh both support USB.
>

There have been several mailing lists posts hinting at the existence
of USB for rtlinux, but nothing definite at either rtlinux.org or
rtlinux.com

As I understand it, it is not enough for the linux kernel to be able
to talk USB. Rather, the realtime code that runs above the kernel and
hence can't use the kernel's drivers, is what needs to talk to the I/O
device.

Another option would be to port the the reatlime portion of EMC to
actually run on the USB microcontroller and have the non-realtime
portions (which run under the linux kernel and can use its drivers)
feed data to the USB micro rather than to a local realtime task. The
micro may not be fast enough to do this... but there might be one that
is, especially if a seperate unit was used for each axis. Want to add
a rotary table to your mill? just buy it, plug its integrated driver
into the USB, and watch it enumerate!

In my opinion, one of the really good things about EMC is that it is
open to modification. A USB device that used code downloaded at
runtime and built with gnu development tools would preserve this,
although with a sharper learning curve given the need to know 8051
assembly.

Chris






--
Christopher C. Stratton, stratton@...
Instrument Maker, Horn Player & Engineer
22 Adrian Street, Somerville, MA 02143
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