USB Communication with Android/Arduino

Question

I am working on this Android application that needs to communicate over USB. I have an Archos 101 Tablet (specifications here: http://www.archos.com/products/ta/archos_101it/spe

Answer 1

USB is not easy to programm, and it would be much easier with ethernet or rs232. However, if you insist, then take a look at V-USB (SW USB), LUFA (HW USB) and Lufaduino (HW USB). If Android has USB CDC drivers already embedded then it could be the easiest path for you if you implement it in AVR too. Slow, cheap and software only AVR USB CDC implementation is here.

Answer 2

You can use an android adk or the android ioio connected to an xbee module as I did in this article. I have published the code on my github and another guy is going to implement the gui currently.

Answer 3

If you have root and can hack your kernel, FTDI offers its D2XX driver for Android OS. Check its website, please.

If your Android device is 3.1+, you should be able to use Android USB host to talk with Arduino. However, I met some issues on this.

If you have ADK/UHS at hand, your Arduino can act as USB host and talk to Android USB device. Even in same hardware, if your Android OS is quite old like 1.5/1.6, you have to use ADB interface rather than ADK (Accessory Developer Kit) protocol.

If you have Bluetooth, you can write your own Bluetooth SPP in your app.

If you can handle WiFi, you can write app to communication with socket, or via latest WiFi direct mode in Android.

Communication is various. However, it depends your hardware.

Answer 4

There is a solution by Inopiaaardbei using Arduino and a USB host shield with an Android Debug Bridge running on Arduino.
Using this solution you can use serial communication between the Android phone and the Arduino board.
See my post and the link inside for more info.