The raphnet advXarch technology

What is it?

The raphnet advXarch technology is the combination of hardware platform and software infrastructure we use on our best adapters.

By choosing an adapter with advXarch technology,YOU always get:

• An updateable adapter. When we add features, simply perform an update and you're good to go.
• Configurability. You can tune the adapter to fit your needs. (For instance, changing the controller polling frequency, modifying button behaviour or changing the scale of the values returned by axes.)
• Low latency. All adapters have documented latency information. (see below for more information)

You may also get, depending on the model and what makes sense for the type of supported controllers, advanced features such as:

• Direct controller access. (as used by the raphnetraw mupen64plus and Project64 plugins, visit page for more information)
• Support for accessories beyond controllers. A good example: The adapter manager is able to read/write N64 controller Paks, read/write Gameboy cartridge save memory through a N64 Transfer Pak.

All the advXarch adapters are supported by the raphnet adapter manager which can display adapter information (name, firmware version, number of ports, currently connected controller type) and perform configuration and update operations.

About latency

There are two variables:

• USB Latency: raphnet advXarch adapters are USB Full Speed devices configured to be polled at 1ms intervals (the maximum frequency) by the host PC. The latency introduced by USB is therefore fixed at 1ms.
• Controller poll interval: That is, how often the adapter reads the controller status. This parameter is configurable using the Adapter manager. The default for most adapters is 5ms, but it can be lowered down to 2ms or lower depending on the adapter model.

The total latency is therefore 1ms + [configured poll interval]. This results in a minimum total latency of 3ms, and of 6ms by default. (For an adapter with a minimum poll interval of 2ms)

Some 3rd party N64 and Gamecube controllers are known to misbehave when the poll interval is set too low (because consoles typically polls at 16ms intervals). This is why the default is higher at 5ms rather than the minimum value.

Adapters with advXarch technology

Simply search for the advXarch logo in the product pages: , or click on the advXarch category in the products section for a list of compliant products.

History

The raphnet advXarch technology is also known as "raphnet V3" due to its first use in version 3 of our N64/Gamecube to USB adapter. The 3rd version of this adapter is much better than its predecessors since it has lower latency, upgradeable firmware and advanced features such as raw controller access.

This was made possible by a new hardware platform (where the micro-controller has native USB support) and a USB software stack mostly rewritten from scratch. As this new architecture is suitable for many kind of adapters besides N64/Gamecube, we decided to give it a name (advXarch) since not all adapters where this technology is used are 3rd versions...)