USB Dual Framework

The USBA framework, found in the Solaris 9 12/03 release, was originally developed for USB 1.1 devices. A new framework, called USBA 1.0, was created to meet more demanding requirements of USB 2.0 devices. The framework operates USB 1.1 devices as well. This Solaris release provides both frameworks, hence the name dual framework. The purpose of the dual framework is to facilitate a smoother transition from the original framework to the newer framework. The original USBA framework operates devices connected to a system's USB 1.1 ports, while the new USBA 1.0 framework operates devices connected to a system's USB 2.0 ports. All Sun motherboard ports are USB 1.1 ports, while most PCI card ports support USB 2.0.

For specific details on the how the USB dual framework works, go to http://www.sun.com/desktop/whitepapers.html.

USB Framework Compatibility Issues

A driver written for one USB framework will not work on the other USB framework. Most Sun-supplied USB drivers provide versions for both frameworks.

Compatibility problems might occur if you attempt to plug a USB device into a port, directed by a framework that does not recognize a proper driver for that device because the driver is incompatible. When a framework tries to attach a framework-incompatible driver for a device, you will see console messages similar to the following:

The driver for device binding name is not for USBA1.0

This message will appear, for example, when a device operated by a non-Sun driver, which is compatible with USBA 1.0 framework, is plugged into a port supported by the original USBA framework. The USBA 1.0 framework recognizes the device and tries to map the correct driver, but the driver is rejected because it is incompatible with the framework operating the port.

For information on identifying your USB framework configuration, see How to Display USB Device Information (prtconf).