USB Host Controller Hardware Considerations for a Thin Client (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)

1/5/2010

This topic discusses considerations for USB host controller hardware on a Windows Embedded CE powered thin client.

USB Host Controller Capabilities

A USB host controller provides more usage scenarios and expansion capabilities for a Windows Embedded CE powered thin client. The USB host controller can improve the user experience and can differentiate the product. You can use a USB 1.1 host controller or a USB 2.0 host controller.

The following list shows examples of additional capabilities that a USB host controller can add to a thin client:

  • Accessing external storage for audio, picture, and video files
  • Attaching user input devices such as keyboards and controllers
  • Capturing pictures or video by using an external camera
  • Receiving audio, pictures, and video files from cameras and camcorders
  • Transferring device settings and configuration information from one device to another
  • Printing files to an external printer

Note

You cannot redirect a USB host controller during a Terminal Services session. Only serial ports and parallel ports can be redirected by using local port redirection.

For information about how to develop device drivers for a specific type of device, see Windows Embedded CE Drivers.

See Also

Concepts

Performance Considerations for the Hardware Components of a Thin Client
Hardware Architecture Diagram for a Thin Client

Other Resources

CETK Tests
Core OS Services
Developing a Board Support Package
Developing a Device Driver
Developing an OEM Adaptation Layer