ADK USB Host Shield | MAX3421E Controller Expansion Board | For Arduino Uno & Mega Microcontrollers
Description
The SPIDER Automation ADK USB Host Shield is an advanced communication expansion module designed to give Arduino microcontrollers true USB Host functionality. Powered by the industry-standard MAX3421E controller chip, it provides all necessary digital logic and analog circuitry to support full-speed and low-speed USB operations compliant with USB Specification Revision 2.0.
Eliminating the need for messy SPI re-wiring or manual code modifications, this shield plugs directly into standard Arduino Uno and Mega layouts. By acting as the master host, it empowers your microcontroller to manage, poll, and exchange data with a vast ecosystem of external USB peripherals—including standard keyboards, mice, flash drives, game controllers, digital cameras, and Android mobile devices via the Google ADK protocol.
Key Features
- MAX3421E USB Host Controller: High-performance IC providing full-speed (12Mbps) and low-speed (1.5Mbps) host/peripheral operations.
- Native Plug-and-Play Architecture: Fully compatible with Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, Mega, and Mega 2560 boards without requiring custom SPI modifications.
- Google Android ADK Support: Enables direct USB communication with supported Android smartphones (such as G1, Nexus One, Nexus S, and Motorola Droid X).
- HID Peripheral Support: Seamlessly interfaces with human interface devices like USB keyboards, mice, and game controllers including Wii remotes.
- Mass Storage & Camera Control: Compatible with USB flash drives, memory card readers, external hard drives (FAT32 file system support on Mega boards), and DSLR cameras (Canon, Nikon).
- Extended Thermal Tolerance: Engineered using durable FR4 material rated for reliable operation across extended industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C).
Benefits
- Unlocks USB Peripheral Interfacing: Transforms your microcontroller from a subordinate device into a master host capable of controlling external USB hardware.
- Zero Configuration Overhead: Standardized stackable pin headers allow immediate mounting and rapid deployment on popular Arduino platforms.
- Versatile Protocol Expansion: Bridges embedded hardware projects with modern mobile platforms, digital cameras, and serial modules simultaneously.
-
Industrial-Grade Build Quality: High-durability FR4 substrate and robust power routing ensure stable signal integrity in rigorous testing environments.
Applications
- Android ADK Smart Accessories: Developing hardware accessories, sensor docks, and custom controllers interfaced directly with Android smartphones.
- Custom USB Peripheral Interfaces: Building specialized computer input systems, macro keypads, and custom mouse controllers using Arduino.
- DSLR Camera Automation & Tethering: Controlling camera shutter triggers, time-lapse sequences, and remote image capture setups for Canon and Nikon cameras.
- Data Logging & Mass Storage Rigs: Interfacing USB flash drives and external hard drives to log telemetry data directly using FAT32 file systems (Mega optimized).
-
Robotics & Game Console Integration: Connecting standard USB game controllers, joysticks, or Wii remotes to pilot robotic rovers and automated test rigs.
Package Includes
- 1 x SPIDER Automation Compatible USB Host Shield
Specifications
| Item Type | USB Host & Peripheral Expansion Shield |
| Brand / Series | SPIDER Automation |
| Model Type | ADK USB Host Shield (MAX3421E Architecture) |
| Controller IC | MAX3421E USB Peripheral / Host Controller |
| USB Specification | Complies with USB Rev. 2.0 (Full-Speed 12Mbps, Low-Speed 1.5Mbps) |
| Controller Compatibility | Arduino Uno, Duemilanove, Mega, Mega 2560, and 3.3V/5V Variant Boards |
| Supported Device Classes | HID Devices (Keyboards, Mice, Joysticks), Mass Storage (FAT32 on Mega), DSLR Cameras, Android ADK Devices |
| Operating Temperature | Extended Industrial Range: -40°C to +85°C |
| PCB Substrate Material | High-Durability FR4 Grade Material |
| Physical Interface | Standard USB Type-A Host Port & Stackable ICSP Header Pins |
| Board Dimensions | 53 × 50 mm (Standard Shield Form Factor) |
| Shipping Weight | 0.08 kg |
| Logistics Dimensions | 6 × 6 × 3 cm |
