Background
A leading manufacturer of commercial coffee machines, our customer, sought to enhance the reliability and security of their machines by replacing the existing wireless connection between the central Linux compute unit and the Apple iPad user interface with a robust wired USB connection. However, establishing this wired communication presented a key challenge: Apple’s stringent MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod) certification requirements.
Solution
To achieve this, we developed a specialized solution involving several key steps:
- MFi Certification: We ensured the Linux device acting as the USB host met Apple’s MFi certification standards.
- Apple Authentication Coprocessor Interface: Our solution interfaces with the Apple Authentication Coprocessor
- Apple Device Configuration: We implemented configuration procedures to ensure the Apple device is correctly recognized and integrated when connected via USB.
- iAP2 Protocol Implementation: We developed support for the iAP2 link and session protocol layers, enabling reliable and efficient data exchange between the Linux device and the Apple device.
The implementation was developed with cross Windows/Linux platform support.
For robustness testing an iOS test application was developed to exercise handling of heavy load scenarios, handling of arbitrary packet sizes, and USB cable attach/detach at random times.
This approach resulted in a secure and reliable wired communication solution, meeting the customer’s needs for enhanced performance and stability.
For MFi certification assistance with Linux or Windows USB hosts, or to discuss collaboration opportunities, contact us