Product Details
The MAX3421E makes the vast collection of USB peripherals available to any microprocessor, ASIC, or DSP when it operates as a USB host. For point-to-point solutions, for example, a USB keyboard or mouse interfaced to an embedded system, the firmware that operates the MAX3421E can be simple since only a targeted device is supported.
Internal level translators allow the SPI interface to run at a system voltage between 1.4V and 3.6V. USB-timed operations are done inside the MAX3421E with interrupts provided at completion so an SPI master does not need timers to meet USB timing requirements. The MAX3421E includes eight general-purpose inputs and outputs so any microprocessor that uses I/O pins to implement the SPI interface can reclaim the I/O pins and gain additional ones.
The MAX3421E operates over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range and is available in a 32-pin TQFP package (5mm x 5mm) and a 32-pin TQFN package (5mm x 5mm).

Key Features
- Microprocessor-Independent USB Solution
- Software Compatible with the MAX3420E USB Peripheral Controller with SPI Interface
- Complies with USB Specification Revision 2.0 (Full-Speed 12Mbps Peripheral, Full-/Low-Speed 12Mbps/1.5Mbps Host)
- Integrated USB Transceiver
- Firmware/Hardware Control of an Internal D+ Pullup Resistor (Peripheral Mode) and D+/D- Pulldown Resistors (Host Mode)
- Programmable 3- or 4-Wire, 26MHz SPI Interface
- Level Translators and VL Input Allow Independent System Interface Voltage
- Internal Comparator Detects VBUS for Self-Powered Peripheral Applications
- ESD Protection on D+, D-, and VBCOMP
- Interrupt Output Pin (Level- or Programmable-Edge) Allows Polled or Interrupt-Driven SPI Interface
- Eight General-Purpose Inputs and Eight General-Purpose Outputs
- Interrupt Signal for General-Purpose Input Pins, Programmable Edge Polarity
- Intelligent USB SIE
- Automatically Handles USB Flow Control and Double Buffering
- Handles Low-Level USB Signaling Details
- Contains Timers for USB Time-Sensitive Operations so SPI Master Does Not Need to Time Events
- Space-Saving Lead-Free TQFP and TQFN Packages (5mm x 5mm)
Applications/Uses
- Cameras
- Custom USB Devices
- Desktop Routers
- Embedded Systems
- Instrumentation
- Medical Devices
- Microprocessors and DSPs
- MP3 Players
- PDAs
- PLCs
- Set-Top Boxes
Technical Docs
Data Sheet | USB Peripheral/Host Controller with SPI Interface | Jul 19, 2013 | |
Tutorial | Turn Any Video Game Controller into a USB Mouse | ||
App Note | MAX3421E-Revisions 1 and 2 Host OUT Transfers | ||
App Note | Setting Up the Maxim USB Laboratory | ||
App Note | The Maxim USB Laboratory | ||
App Note | Isolating USB | ||
App Note | Practical USB Terminology | ||
App Note | MAX3421E Programming Guide | ||
App Note | Frequently Asked Questions about the MAX3421E |
Click any title below to view the detail page where available.
Description
The MAX3421 evaluation kit-1 (EV kit-1) provides a proven design to evaluate the MAX3421E USB peripheral controller with SPI interface. The EV kit contains both a MAX3421E USB host & peripheral controller and a MAX3420E USB peripheral controller for user evaluation and development. Connector J4 is wired to plug into a Keil MCB2130 development board, which contains a Philips ARM controller (LPC2318). The design uses two separate SPI ports to provide independent operation of the two USB controllers (MAX3421E and MAX3420E).
The MAX3421 EV kit-1 adds USB functionality to any microcontroller, microprocessor, DSP, CPLD, FPGA, or ASIC with an SPI master interface, or five GPIO lines.
The EV kit-1 board comes with the MAX3421EEHJ+ and MAX3420EECJ+ installed.
View DetailsFeatures
- Ideal USB Training and Debugging System
- Mates to Keil MCB2130 Development Board
- Can Be Wired into User Systems
- MAX3421E Can Be Used as USB Host or Peripheral
- MAX3420E Provided On-Board as a Test Peripheral
- MAX3420E Can be Used to Develop USB Peripheral Code
Support & Training
Search our knowledge base for answers to your technical questions.
Filtered SearchOur dedicated team of Applications Engineers are also available to answer your technical questions. Visit our support portal
Parameters
VSUPPLY (V) | 3.3 |
ISUPPLY (mA) (max) | 45 |
Host Speed (Mbps) | 12/1.5 |
Peripheral Speed (Mbps) | 12 |
SPI Clock (MHz) | 0 to 26 |
VL (V) | 1.4 to 3.6 |
Package/Pins | TQFN/32 TQFP/32 |
Oper. Temp. (°C) | -40 to +85 |
Budgetary Price (See Notes) | $4.33 @1k |
Key Features
- Microprocessor-Independent USB Solution
- Software Compatible with the MAX3420E USB Peripheral Controller with SPI Interface
- Complies with USB Specification Revision 2.0 (Full-Speed 12Mbps Peripheral, Full-/Low-Speed 12Mbps/1.5Mbps Host)
- Integrated USB Transceiver
- Firmware/Hardware Control of an Internal D+ Pullup Resistor (Peripheral Mode) and D+/D- Pulldown Resistors (Host Mode)
- Programmable 3- or 4-Wire, 26MHz SPI Interface
- Level Translators and VL Input Allow Independent System Interface Voltage
- Internal Comparator Detects VBUS for Self-Powered Peripheral Applications
- ESD Protection on D+, D-, and VBCOMP
- Interrupt Output Pin (Level- or Programmable-Edge) Allows Polled or Interrupt-Driven SPI Interface
- Eight General-Purpose Inputs and Eight General-Purpose Outputs
- Interrupt Signal for General-Purpose Input Pins, Programmable Edge Polarity
- Intelligent USB SIE
- Automatically Handles USB Flow Control and Double Buffering
- Handles Low-Level USB Signaling Details
- Contains Timers for USB Time-Sensitive Operations so SPI Master Does Not Need to Time Events
- Space-Saving Lead-Free TQFP and TQFN Packages (5mm x 5mm)
Applications/Uses
- Cameras
- Custom USB Devices
- Desktop Routers
- Embedded Systems
- Instrumentation
- Medical Devices
- Microprocessors and DSPs
- MP3 Players
- PDAs
- PLCs
- Set-Top Boxes
Description
The MAX3421E makes the vast collection of USB peripherals available to any microprocessor, ASIC, or DSP when it operates as a USB host. For point-to-point solutions, for example, a USB keyboard or mouse interfaced to an embedded system, the firmware that operates the MAX3421E can be simple since only a targeted device is supported.
Internal level translators allow the SPI interface to run at a system voltage between 1.4V and 3.6V. USB-timed operations are done inside the MAX3421E with interrupts provided at completion so an SPI master does not need timers to meet USB timing requirements. The MAX3421E includes eight general-purpose inputs and outputs so any microprocessor that uses I/O pins to implement the SPI interface can reclaim the I/O pins and gain additional ones.
The MAX3421E operates over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range and is available in a 32-pin TQFP package (5mm x 5mm) and a 32-pin TQFN package (5mm x 5mm).

Technical Docs
Data Sheet | USB Peripheral/Host Controller with SPI Interface | Jul 19, 2013 | |
Tutorial | Turn Any Video Game Controller into a USB Mouse | ||
App Note | MAX3421E-Revisions 1 and 2 Host OUT Transfers | ||
App Note | Setting Up the Maxim USB Laboratory | ||
App Note | The Maxim USB Laboratory | ||
App Note | Isolating USB | ||
App Note | Practical USB Terminology | ||
App Note | MAX3421E Programming Guide | ||
App Note | Frequently Asked Questions about the MAX3421E |
Support & Training
Search our knowledge base for answers to your technical questions.
Filtered SearchOur dedicated team of Applications Engineers are also available to answer your technical questions. Visit our support portal