Can Leonardo be used as a USB host?

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

Can the new USB functionality on Leonardo get rid of the need to use a USB host shield (http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9947) to interface with arbitrary USB devices? Previously, I was using the USB host shield to use a USB gps unit that I have, but it would be compacter/cheaper/easier to not have the extra shield.

Thanks,

-Jordan

2

I don't believe so. Host has to negotiate with slave, control power, etc.
Take a look at www.ftdichip.com to see the kind of chip a host needs to do all that.

3

Not the answer I was hoping for, but thanks!

4

Yeah its onboard USB chipset is a slave-only device, not a host controller. The Max3421e IC that comes with the USB host shield is a true host controller (for small devices like microcontrollers, accessed/configured over SPI).

5

Try the AT90USB1287 , which is an AVR that does have USB host