The SparkFun USB-C Host Shield provides all the digital logic and analogue circuitry needed to add USB peripheral/host control to your Arduino. Interface with and control any USB 2.0 compatible device — thumb drives, digital cameras, Bluetooth dongles, game controllers, and more.

This version updates the connector to USB-C and lets you choose between 5 V or VIN power input via an onboard switch. The MAX3421E communicates over SPI (pins D10–D13), with all signals level-shifted to 3.3 V through a hex converter.

Key Features

• MAX3421E USB Controller – USB host and peripheral functionality, USB 2.0 at 12 Mbps (full-speed)
• USB-C Female Connector – Configured for host applications, supplies 5 V with CC1/CC2 56 kΩ pull-ups
• Arduino R3 Footprint – Standard shield form factor, stackable headers
• Power Selection Switch – Choose between VIN or 5 V input
• On/Off Switch – Dedicated power control for the shield
• Reset Button – Resets the connected Arduino board

Specifications

• USB Controller: MAX3421E
• Operating Voltage: 3.0–3.6 V (controller); 5 V or VIN (shield power)
• Supply Current: 45 mA max / 8.7 mA idle / 30–60 µA suspend
• SPI Clock Speed: 0–26 MHz
• Operating Temperature: −40 to +85 °C
• SPI Pins: SCK (D13), POCI (D12), PICO (D11), CS (D10)
• Control Pins: INT (D9), GPX (D8), RST (D7)

Resources

• Hookup Guide
• Arduino Library – USB Host Rev. 2.0
• Schematic (PDF)
• Board Dimensions (PDF)
• Eagle Files (ZIP)
• MAX3421E Datasheet (PDF)
• MAX3421E Errata (PDF)
• MAX3421E Programming Guide (PDF)
• GitHub Hardware Repo