USB Device Interfacing with ARM Cortex-M3 LPC1768 Microcontroller

embedded USB

The LPC1768 USB device, built on the ARM Cortex-M3 processor, is a widely used microcontroller in embedded USB applications that require real-time performance and rich connectivity. One of its strongest features is the integrated USB controller supporting USB 2.0 full-speed device, host, and OTG modes. This makes the LPC1768 USB interface suitable for applications such as data logging, firmware updates, HID devices, mass storage devices, and USB-based communication systems.

In modern embedded systems USB designs, USB connectivity has become a primary requirement for device configuration, communication with PCs, and plug-and-play operation. With the LPC1768 USB device, developers can implement reliable USB functionality without using external USB controllers, thereby reducing system cost and improving design efficiency.

USB device interfacing with ARM Cortex-M3 LPC1768 enables reliable USB communication in embedded systems using its built-in USB 2.0 full-speed controller. This guide covers hardware setup, USB modes, clock configuration, descriptors, endpoints, and class-specific implementation, helping engineers build stable and production-ready USB-enabled embedded applications.

should understand before building professional embedded applications.

1. Overview of USB Support in LPC1768


The LPC1768 ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller includes an integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed controller designed for reliable embedded USB communication in device, host, and OTG applications.

  • USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) support
  • USB Device, Host, and OTG modes
  • On-chip USB transceiver
  • Dedicated 16 KB USB RAM
  • Endpoint control logic
  • DMA support for fast data transfer


The LPC1768 USB device supports several standard USB classes commonly used in embedded systems:

  • Human Interface Device (HID)
  • Communication Device Class (CDC)
  • Mass Storage Class (MSC)
  • Custom embedded USB classes using control, bulk, or interrupt transfers


Since the USB transceiver is integrated, only minimal external hardware is required to enable the USB interface.


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2. Hardware Requirements for USB Interface


To implement USB device interfacing using LPC1768, the following hardware components are required:

Required Components

  • LPC1768 ARM Cortex-M3 development board
  • USB Type-B or Micro-USB connector
  • 27-ohm series resistors for USB D+ and D− lines
  • 1.5K pull-up resistor (internally controlled)
  • ESD protection diodes
  • Shielded USB cable
  • 5V USB VBUS supply
  • 3.3V power supply

Important USB Pins on LPC1768

USB SignalLPC1768 Pin
D+ (DP)P0.29
D− (DM)P0.30
VBUSP1.30
USB_UP_LEDP1.18
USB_CONNECTP2.9

Key Design Notes

  • D+ and D− lines must be routed with equal length and 90Ω differential impedance
  • VBUS pin detects the 5V supply from the USB host
  • Proper ESD protection is mandatory for USB reliability
  • USB operation requires a precise 48 MHz clock generated using PLL


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3. USB Modes in LPC1768


The LPC1768 USB controller supports three operational modes:

1. USB Device Mode

  • USB mouse or keyboard (HID)
  • USB virtual COM port (CDC)
  • USB mass storage device
  • Firmware upgrade interface

2. USB Host Mode

  • USB flash drives
  • USB keyboard or mouse
  • USB accessories

3. USB OTG Mode


Allows automatic switching between USB host and device roles.


Most embedded USB projects using LPC1768 focus on USB Device Mode.

4. Steps to Interface USB with LPC1768 (Firmware)

Step 1: Configure USB Pins Using PINSEL

PINSEL1 |= (2 << 18) | (2 << 20);   // P0.29, P0.30 = USB DP/DM
PINSEL3 |= (1 << 4);               // P1.30 = VBUS
PINSEL4 |= (1 << 18);              // P2.9 = USB_CONNECT

Step 2: Enable USB Power and Clock

PCONP |= (1 << 31);     // Enable USB PCLK
USBClkCtrl = 0x12;      // Enable device and AHB clocks

Step 3: Configure PLL for 48 MHz USB Clock

PLL1CFG = (1 << 0) | (3 << 5);
PLL1FEED = 0xAA;
PLL1FEED = 0x55;

PLL1CON = 1;
PLL1FEED = 0xAA;
PLL1FEED = 0x55;

Step 4: Initialize USB Controller Registers

USBDevIntClr = 0xFFFFFFFF;
USBDevIntEn  = (1 << 2) | (1 << 3); // Enable EP0 interrupts

Step 5: Define USB Descriptors

  • Device Descriptor
  • Configuration Descriptor
  • Interface Descriptor
  • Endpoint Descriptor
  • String Descriptor

Step 6: Configure USB Endpoints

Endpoint TypeUsage
Control (EP0)Mandatory for enumeration
BulkCDC, Mass Storage
InterruptHID devices
IsochronousAudio and streaming

Step 7: Handle USB Events and Setup Packets

  • Get Device Descriptor
  • Set Address
  • Set Configuration

Step 8: Implement Class-Specific Code

  • HID – Send reports using interrupt endpoints
  • CDC – Implement virtual COM port communication
  • MSC – Handle SCSI commands and FAT file operations

USB stacks such as Keil USB Stack, LPCOpen, and TinyUSB simplify USB programming for LPC1768.

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Frequently Asked Questions

USB device interfacing in ARM Cortex-M3 LPC1768 allows the microcontroller to communicate with a PC as a USB device for data transfer and control.

Yes, LPC1768 has an inbuilt USB 2.0 full-speed USB controller supporting device, host, and OTG modes.

LPC1768 supports USB device mode, USB host mode, and USB OTG mode.

A 48 MHz clock is required to meet USB full-speed timing requirements for reliable USB communication.

Yes, LPC1768 is beginner-friendly due to its built-in USB controller and good library support.

You can learn USB device interfacing with ARM Cortex-M3 LPC1768 through hands-on embedded systems training programs that cover USB programming, firmware development, and real-time project implementation.