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Question:

Can I connect an Arduino's USB port to the USB port of another embedded device that is expecting a USB thumb/flash device?

Or, can I connect a USB module to this embedded device, with the other end connected to GPIO's of the Arduino?

This embedded USB thumb device requires a thumb drive to transfer a file. I need to emulate the connection, disconnection, and thumb drive with the folder and file with a Arduino.

Is it possible to emulate an USB thumb drive between an Arduino and an embedded device's USB port?

Research:

I saw a couple other questions that talk about USB being a master/slave configuration and that certain IC are required. Additionally, that there were some cables that can be used for two-way data transfer (mostly for PC to PC data transfers). If that is the case, could one of those cables be used for this configuration? Which cable would work?

Possible Solution:

The embedded device I need to emulate a thumb drive on will automatically search for the file in a specific folder of the thumb drive. Would I be able to partition a section of an SD card with the SD card module to appear as a thumb drive, and then connect that partition to the embedded device via USB-A to USB-A cable?

Diagram:

Arduino USB Port -> USB Cable -> Embedded Device USB Port Arduino GPIO -> USB Module -> USB Cable -> Embedded Device USB Port

Requirements:

Connection via USB cable between Arduino and an embedded device's USB port. Ability to emulate the connection and disconnection of a USB thumb drive on the embedded device.

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  • Not with an UNO. Could you expand on what it is you want to achieve? What is the end goal here?
    – Gerben
    Feb 20, 2017 at 19:35
  • Sure. I want to be able to emulate a USB thumb drive for an embedded system that has a USB port. You usually plug in the USB thumb drive into the embedded system, and then it reboots when it reads a file from the USB thumb drive. I'd like to develop something where I can emulate the plugging in/unplugging the USB thumb drive with that file in it's folder.
    – SaundersB
    Feb 20, 2017 at 19:45
  • Couldn't you just use a regular flash-drive, but have the Arduino disconnect and reconnect it. Using something like a MUX (multiplexer), or maybe even a few relays. Just get a usb extension cable, and cut it in the middle. Then connect the 4 wires inside via the MUX/relays.
    – Gerben
    Feb 20, 2017 at 19:54
  • On a side-note. The newer raspberry pis can act as a Mass Storage Device.
    – Gerben
    Feb 20, 2017 at 19:54
  • The Raspberry Pi sounds promising. I want to develop a program to upload/download the binary file on the mass storage device. Maybe the Pi is a better option?
    – SaundersB
    Feb 20, 2017 at 19:57

1 Answer 1

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The description of this device from Sparkfun appears to match the OP's requirement for integrating an Arduino with other USB devices by enabling the Arduino to acts as a USB host. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9947

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  • 6
    This (Arduino is USB host so e.g. memory stick could be read by Arduino) is the opposite of what is being asked (Arduino acts as memory stick).
    – handle
    Apr 24, 2017 at 8:30

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