USB Product Support

Contents

KBR38A-USB2
  Display Interface Controller


Features

  • ° USB 2.0 compatible
  • ° Uses built in Windows drivers
  • ° serial COM port mode
  • ° IR keyboard interface mode
  • ° new Generic Printer emulation mode
  • ° parallel and serial output interfaces
    •      SPI, async, RS232, RS485
  • ° Power and data from USB port
  • ° ideal for development/testing
  • ° external 5V supply option


part number interfaces spec
KBR38A-USB2 Serial Click to view pictures and download options


This USB2.0 interface controller supports SPI and asynchronous serial interfaces at various baud rates in a small PCB footprint. An IR receiver compatible with the low cost KBC56A keyboard allows remote set up and control. It can be configured on the fly as one of 3 USB devices, a bi-directional COM port, a combined PC keyboard and mouse and a generic printer for use with existing software print routines. This product supports our Modmaster development system which provides rapid display demonstration capability for management presentation and firmware development.
Tests show that many displays requiring up to 450mA at 5VDC can be directly powered from the USB supply.

 

KBR38A-USB3
  Display Interface Controller


Features

  • ° USB 2.0 compatible
  • ° Uses built in Windows drivers
  • ° serial COM port mode
  • ° IR keyboard interface mode
  • ° new Generic Printer emulation mode
  • ° parallel and serial output interfaces
    •      i80, M68 bi-directional bus.
    •      SPI, async, RS232, RS485
  • ° Power and data from USB port
  • ° ideal for development/testing
  • ° external 5V supply option


part number interfaces spec
KBR38A-USB3 Parallel + Serial Click to view pictures and download options

This USB2.0 interface controller supports 8 bit parallel, SPI and asynchronous serial interfaces at various baud rates in a small PCB footprint. The KBR38A-USB3 on-board potentiometer enables the bias voltage to be set for most 5x7 character LCDs and an IR receiver compatible with the low cost KBC56A keyboard allows remote set up and control. It can be configured on the fly as one of 3 USB devices, a bi-directional COM port, a combined PC keyboard and mouse and a generic printer for use with existing software print routines. This product supports our Modmaster development system which provides rapid display demonstration capability for management presentation and firmware development.
Tests show that many displays requiring up to 450mA at 5VDC can be directly powered from the USB supply.

 

Downloads


KBR38A-USB2/3 Windows Inf File

Driver file for KBR38A-USB2, KBR38A-USB3, KBR38A-USB2P, KBR38A-USB3P.
The file is available for download as an '.inf' file or in a '.zip' file if you have problems downloading the '.inf'.

Latest Version V3.0.0.0

° Download ItronUsb.inf File. (Size 2.43KB)
° Download ItronUsb.zip File. (Size 1.06KB)

Previous Versions

There are no previous versions available for download.


Atmel FLIP Programmer

Used to reprogram the KBR38A-USB2/3 devices. The application is available for download with and without the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).

Latest Version V3.2.2

° Download Flip_Installer_3_3_2.exe File. (Size 4.97MB)
° Download JRE_Flip_Installer_3_3_2.exe (with JRE) File. (Size 20.1MB)

Previous Versions

There are no previous versions available for download.

Installation


KBR38A-USB2/3 COM Port

Before connecting the KBR38A-USB2/3 to your computer for the first time, download the driver '.inf' file from here. The operating system will request this later during installation.

1. Plug the KBR38A-USB2/3 into your PC. Then configure the device as follows:


2. Operating System recognises USB Device.


3. Operating System recognises USB Device.


4. The Hardware Wizard runs and requests to search for the driver. Click 'No, not at this time' and then 'Next >'.


5. Select 'Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)' and then 'Next >'.


6. Select 'Search for the best driver in these locations.' and then tick 'Include this location in the search:', then browse to where you downloaded the '.inf' file to (in this case 'C:\downloads'). Then click 'Next >'.


7. The driver supplied by Itron has not been digitally signed, click 'Continue Anyway', if you wish to continue.


8. The operating system will then install the driver and the wizard will finish. Click 'Finish' to exit.


9. The KBR38A-USB2/3 is now ready to use.


KBR38A-USB2/3 Changing COM Port Number

When the KBR38A-USB2/3 is installed on the computer, the operating system will enumerate the device and allocate the next free available COM port number. This value can be changed as follows:


1. The Windows device manager is used to change the configuration. The simplest way to run this is by pressing the 'Windows Logo Key' and 'R'. In the 'Open' box type 'devmgmt.msc' and then click on 'OK'.


2. Click on the '+' next to Ports (COM & LPT) to expand the listing. Click with the right mouse button on the 'Noritake-Itron KBR38A-USB...' item and select 'Properties'.


3. In the Properties box that is displayed, click on the 'Port Settings' tab and then click on 'Advanced'.


4. Using the 'COM Port Number' drop down menu, select the desired COM Port, then click 'OK', then 'OK' again. The new COM port has been selected. For the changes to be displayed, it is necessary to disconnect and reconnect the KBR38A-USB2/3 by unplugging and plugging back in again. The new COM port should then be displayed in the device manager.


KBR38A-USB2/3 HID Keyboard, Mouse and Generic Printer

When plugged into a PC for the first time, the operating system will automatically install the HID (Human Interface Device) and Generic Printer Drivers. The sequence below would normally be seen.


1. The Operating System recognises a composite device (ie a device with more than one function) has been attached.


2. The first device function is detected.


3. A Human Interface Device (HID) is found - the Keyboard.


4. The second device function is detected.


5. A second HID is found - the Mouse.


6. The final device function is detected.


7. Printing Support - the Generic Printer.


8. The device reports it is a generic printer.


9. The Generic Printer driver is installed.


10. The KBR38A-USB2/3 is now ready to use.

Connections


Powered by PSU

When more that 450mA is required or the USB Host restricts the current available then the KBR38A-USB2/3 needs to be powered by an external 5V supply. Link J1 should be unsoldered.

  

Direct Connection

The KBR38A-USB2/3 can be connected directly to the display.

     


Frequently Asked Questions


° Do I need Administrator privileges to use the KBR38A-USB2/3 on my computer?
° What does the LED on the KBR38A-USB2/3 indicate?
° What is the maximum current I can take from the KBR38A-USB2/3?
° How can I change the interface type without using a KBC56A Keyboard?
° Do I need a KBR38A-USB2 or KBR38A-USB3?
° How do I know what version of software is in my KBR38A-USB2/3?
° Which side do I solder the connector?
° Can I solder the KBR38A-USB2/3 directly to the display?
° I plug in the USB cable into KBR and do not get any pop up telling me the device is installed.
° How do I know if the device is installed?
° Can I plug more than one device in at a time and how do I know which is which?
° Can I use other USB peripherals at the same time?
° When does the LED come on?
° I have not got a keyboard, how do I configure the KBR for the right baud rate?
° Can I use the KBR to update the fonts in my module?
° How can I test if the KBR is working?


Do I need Administrator privileges to use the KBR38A-USB2/3 on my computer?

You will need an Administrator to install the drivers for the KBR38A-USB2/3 for the first time on each of the USB ports on your computer. Once the drivers have been installed, normal user permissions should be sufficient.

What does the LED on the KBR38A-USB2/3 indicate?

In normal operation, the LED will flash on briefly for every keypress that is sent to the computer.
The LED remains solidly on when the SHIFTLOCK is enabled and then flashes off briefly for every keypress sent to the computer.
When the mode change sequence CTRL, then ALT, then SHIFT is entered, the LED will flash rapidly indicating that the next keypress will result in a mode change. Press ESC if a mode change is not desired.

What is the maximum current I can take from the KBR38A-USB2/3?

The maximum current is determined by the computer you are connected to. The KBR38A-USB2/3 requests the USB maximum current of 500mA from your computer so you should be able to take up to 450mA via the KBR38A-USB2/3. However, this figure may be reduced when other devices are plugged into the same computer hub (this is especially noticeable when using a laptop). If you are experiencing problems, try unplugging other USB devices connected to your computer. Alternatively, unsolder link J1 and use an external 5V power supply.

How can I change the interface type without using a KBC56A Keyboard?

When the KBR38A-USB2/3 is operating in USB COM Port Mode, the text string 'CTRLALTSHIFT' followed by the character 'A'-'Z' can be sent to change the interface.
Note that caution must be observed when changing to a different USB mode other than USB COM Port Mode as you will require KBC56A Keyboard to subsequently change settings.

Do I need a KBR38A-USB2 or KBR38A-USB3?

If you are connecting to a display requiring a parallel interface then the KBR38A-USB3 is required. Other than this, the two modules provide the same functionality.

How do I know what version of software is in my KBR38A-USB2/3?

With the KBR38A-USB2/3 setup as a serial COM port, and a terminal program connected, press the sequence 'CTRL' then 'ALT' then 'SHIFT' then '?' to see on the terminal the current software version. For example:
  KBR38A-USB2 IUK02
  Noritake-Itron (UK) Ltd.

Which side do I solder the connector?

The pinout of the connectors provides a one-to-one mapping to your display module. Pin 1 is denoted by a square pad on the KBR38A-USB2/3. If a ribbon cable is to be used, then provided the connector is soldered on the same side of the board on the KBR38A-USB2/3 and the display, then it will work. i.e. if the connector is soldered to the underside of the display, then the connector should be soldered to the underside of the KBR38A-USB2/3.

Can I solder the KBR38A-USB2/3 directly to the display?

The pin out is mapped one-to-one so the KBR38A-USB2/3 can be soldered directly to the display providing the display uses the standard pin outs.

I plug in the USB cable into KBR and do not get any pop up telling me the device is installed.

The pop-ups will only occur when the KBR38A-USB2/3 is installed for the first time. Subsequent connections will be 'invisible'.
If the KBR38A-USB2/3 has not been previously installed then it is likely that you do not have permission to connect devices on the USB port. You should contact your system administrator to resolve this.

How do I know if the device is installed?

The device installation can be checked using the device manager.
Click 'start' then 'run' and type 'devmgmt.msc' and then ok. The KBR38A-USB2/3 will appear under Ports (COM & LPT) if set up as a COM port, otherwise it will appear as additional devices in the Human Interface Devices.

Can I plug more than one device in at a time and how do I know which is which?

More than one device can be connected at once, however there may be limitations on current when connecting more than one device to the same USB hub in the PC. When the KBR38A-USB2/3 devices are configured as COM ports, each device is allocated a different COM number. When the devices are configured as HID devices, they will all work in parallel - this can cause strange results when used with the KBC56A keyboard as each KBR38A-USB2/3 will process the key press and then send to the PC.

Can I use other USB peripherals at the same time?

Other USB peripherals can be used at the same time, however there may be limitations on current when connecting more than one device to the same USB hub in the PC

When does the LED come on?

In normal operation, the LED will flash on briefly for every keypress that is sent to the computer.
The LED remains solidly on when the SHIFTLOCK is enabled and then flashes off briefly for every keypress sent to the computer.
When the mode change sequence CTRL, then ALT, then SHIFT is entered, the LED will flash rapidly indicating that the next keypress will result in a mode change. Press ESC if a mode change is not desired.

I have not got a keyboard, how do I configure the KBR for the right baud rate?

When the KBR38A-USB2/3 is operating in USB COM Port Mode, the text string 'CTRLALTSHIFT' followed by the character 'A'-'Z' can be sent to change the interface.
Note that caution must be observed when changing to a different USB mode other than USB COM Port Mode as you will require KBC56A Keyboard to subsequently change settings.

Can I use the KBR to update the fonts in my module?

This feature will be available in the future. Please contact us for further details.

How can I test if the KBR is working?

The LED will flash every time a key is pressed on the KBC56A.

KBC56A Decoding


Normal
ESC
ESC
TAB
TAB
INS
INS
DEL
DEL
UP
UP
LEFT
LEFT
RIGHT
RIGHT
DOWN
DOWN
?
?
*
*
(
(
)
)
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
0
0
A
a
B
b
C
c
D
d
E
e
F
f
G
g
H
h
I
i
J
j
K
k
L
l
M
m
N
n
O
o
P
p
Q
q
R
r
S
s
T
t
U
u
V
v
W
w
X
x
Y
y
Z
z
'
'
,
,
.
.
SPACE
SPACE
CTRL
CTRL
ALT
ALT
SHIFT
SHIFT
ENTER
ENTER
Shift
ESC
ESC
TAB
Back
TAB
INS
Insert
DEL
Back
Space
UP
Page
Up
LEFT
Home
RIGHT
End
DOWN
Page
Down
?
Y
*
€
(
£
)
$
1
@
2
&
3
<
4
>
5
%
6
+
7
-
8
=
9
~
0
#
A
A
B
B
C
C
D
D
E
E
F
F
G
G
H
H
I
I
J
J
K
K
L
L
M
M
N
N
O
O
P
P
Q
Q
R
R
S
S
T
T
U
U
V
V
W
W
X
X
Y
Y
Z
Z
'
!
,
;
.
:
SPACE
_
CTRL
CTRL
ALT
ALT
SHIFT
SHIFT
ENTER
ENTER
Control
ESC
ESC
TAB
ALT+ TAB
Switch Progs
INS
ALT+ INS
DEL
CTRL+ ALT+ DEL
UP
ALT+ UP
LEFT
ALT+ LEFT
RIGHT
ALT+ RIGHT
DOWN
ALT+ DOWN
?
/
*
\
(
[
)
]
1
F1
2
F2
3
F3
4
F4
5
F5
6
F6
7
F7
8
F8
9
F9
0
F10
A
F11
B
F12
C
Caps
Lock
D
WIN+D
Desk-
top
E
WIN+E
Explore
F
WIN+F
Find
G
Mouse
Up Left
H
Mouse
Up
I
Mouse
Up Right
J
Mouse
Scroll Up
K
Mouse
Left
L
Mouse
Left Btn
M
Mouse
Right
N
Mouse
Right Btn
O
Mouse
Down Left
P
Mouse
Down
Q
Mouse
Down Right
R
Mouse
Scroll Down
S
ALT+ F6
Switch
T
Print
Screen
U
WIN+U
Util Mgr
V
WIN+M
Mini-
mise
W
WIN+R
Run
X
ALT+ F4
Close
Y
WIN+L
Lock PC
Z
SHIFT+ WIN+M
Unmin-
imise
'
"
,
|
.
.
SPACE
ALT+ SPACE
Sys Menu
CTRL
CTRL
ALT
ALT
SHIFT
SHIFT
ENTER
ALT+ ENTER
Proper-ties
Alt
ESC
CTRL+ ESC
Start Menu
TAB
CTRL+ TAB
INS
CTRL+ INS
DEL
CTRL+ DEL
UP
CTRL+ UP
LEFT
CTRL+ LEFT
RIGHT
CTRL+ RIGHT
DOWN
CTRL+ DOWN
?
?
*
*
(
(
)
)
1
CTRL+ 1
 
2
CTRL+ 2
 
3
CTRL+ 3
 
4
CTRL+ 4
 
5
CTRL+ 5
 
6
CTRL+ 6
 
7
CTRL+ 7
 
8
CTRL+ 8
 
9
CTRL+ 9
 
0
CTRL+ 0
 
A
CTRL+ A
Select All
B
CTRL+ B
Bold
C
CTRL+ C
Copy
D
CTRL+ D
 
E
CTRL+ E
 
F
CTRL+ F
Find
G
CTRL+ G
 
H
CTRL+ H
Replace
I
CTRL+ I
Italic
J
CTRL+ J
 
K
CTRL+ K
 
L
CTRL+ L
 
M
CTRL+ M
Mini-
mise
N
CTRL+ N
New
O
CTRL+ O
Open
P
CTRL+ P
Print
Q
CTRL+ Q
 
R
CTRL+ R
 
S
CTRL+ S
Save
T
CTRL+ T
 
U
CTRL+ U
Under-
line
V
CTRL+ V
Paste
W
CTRL+ W
 
X
CTRL+ X
Cut
Y
CTRL+ Y
 
Z
CTRL+ Z
Undo
'
'
,
,
.
.
SPACE
CTRL+ SPACE
CTRL
CTRL
ALT
ALT
SHIFT
SHIFT-LOCK
ENTER
CTRL+ ENTER

Contact Us

If you were unable to find the help you were looking for in the FAQ section, then please contact us using one of the following methods.

E-mail

E-mail us at sales@noritake-itron.com.

Telephone

Contact our sales and support team on +44 (0)1493 601144.

In Person

Visit us at:

Itron (UK) Limited
Vantage House
Harfreys Road
Harfreys Industrial Estate
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR31 0LS


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All product functionality is copyright © 2009  
Noritake Co. Limited