USB and PCI are two different technologies used for connecting devices to a computer. USB, which stands for Universal Serial Bus, is a standard for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, and external storage devices to a computer. On the other hand, PCI, which stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a local bus standard used for connecting internal devices to the motherboard of a computer.
While USB and PCI serve similar purposes of connecting devices to a computer, they are not the same thing. USB is a type of interface that allows for the connection of various devices, while PCI is a bus architecture that allows for the connection of internal devices within a computer system.
To understand the relationship between USB and PCI, it’s important to know that USB devices are typically connected to a computer through a USB controller, which is often integrated into the motherboard or added as a separate PCI card. The USB controller acts as a bridge between the USB bus and the computer’s main system bus, which is usually PCI.
The USB controller, often referred to as a root hub, is the first USB device on the USB bus. It acts as a central hub or point of connection for other USB devices. The USB controller is responsible for managing the communication between the USB devices and the computer, handling tasks such as data transfer, power management, and device enumeration.
So, while USB devices are not directly considered PCI devices, the USB controller that facilitates their connection to the computer is typically a PCI device. The USB controller is connected to the computer’s PCI bus, allowing for communication between the USB devices and the rest of the computer system.
USB and PCI are separate technologies, but they work together to enable the connection and communication of USB devices with a computer. USB devices are not considered PCI devices, but the USB controller, which acts as the bridge between the USB bus and the computer’s main system bus, is typically a PCI device.