How to programmatically unplug & replug an arbitrary USB device?

Question

I\'m trying to fix a non-responsive USB device that\'s masquerading as a virtual COM port. Manual replugging works, but there may be up to 12 of these units. Is there an API

Answer 1

The device itself may be able to do this (ie, perform a USB disconnect/reconnect sequence).

Have you contacted the device manufacturer, or if you are the manufacturer, the EE's that designed it?

I had to do this when I designed a USB embedded device - programming could be accomplished through USB, but the device had to be able to disconnect and reconnect at several points to complete the process.

Beyond that there's the brute force method of disabling the USB host device in device manager (I assume this can be done in software) and then re-enabling it.

If nothing else, Phidget has USB controlled relay boards which you can use to connect power or the USB lines themselves to hubs or individual devices.

-Adam