I/O controller modules provide easy control via USB

Saelig has announced an improved USB I/O controller - the IO-Warrior56 - now with 50 I/O pins as well as integrated complex functionality. In addition to I2C, SPI, 8x8 key matrix, 64x8 LED matrix, and support for most alphanumeric and graphic LCD modules, the new version also offers an eight-channel 14-bit A/D converter and a 16-bit PWM generator. The device handles the control of more complex signals internally in order to reduce USB traffic and CPU programming burden. With the addition of an A/D converter the device is now capable of handling analog signals. Each of the eight analog channels can be sampled every 385us. When running in single channel mode the sample rate is 7800Hz. A new 16-bit PWM generator uses an internal 1kHz, 250kHz, 2MHz, or 48MHz clock and can generate output signals at up to 12MHz. The device is available as a plug-in PCB module or as a 56-pin IC for installing on a custom board. Also available is a new IOW56 Starter Kit with a large breadboard area, designed specifically for the controller.