USB to UART Bridge
Many different variety of USB to UART converters are available in the market
- PL2303
- CP2102
- CH340G
Typical Applications
- Microcontroller Programming: Connect Arduino, ESP8266, or other MCU boards to a PC.
- Embedded Systems Debugging: Monitor serial output from sensors or microcontrollers.
- Industrial Equipment: Interface legacy RS232 devices with modern computers via USB.
- Data Logging: Transfer data from serial devices to computers for analysis.
CP2102 is from Silicon Labs
The CP210x USB to UART Bridge Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers are required for device operation as a Virtual COM Port to facilitate host communication with CP210x products. These devices can also interface (Embedded) to a host using the direct access driver.
These drivers are static examples detailed in Application Note 197: The Serial Communications Guide for the CP210x.
The CP210x Manufacturing DLL and Runtime DLL have been updated and must be used with v 6.0 and later of the CP210x Windows VCP Driver. Application Note Software downloads affected are AN144SW.zip, AN205SW.zip and AN223SW.zip. If you are using a 5.x driver and need support you can download Legacy OS Software. USB to UART Bridge
Driver: Download
PL2303 (USB to UART Bridge)
- PL2303 is a USB-to-Serial bridge controller manufactured by Prolific Technology Inc.
- It allows a USB port on a computer to communicate with devices that use RS232 serial communication.
- Widely used in embedded systems, microcontrollers, Arduino, and IoT devices for programming and debugging.
Key Features
- Interface: USB 2.0 Full-Speed
- Supported Baud Rates: 75 bps to 12 Mbps
- Flow Control: Supports RTS/CTS and DTR/DSR
- Power Supply: 3.3V or 5V compatible
- Driver Support: Windows, Linux, macOS (may require specific drivers)
CH340G?
- CH340G is a USB-to-Serial (UART) bridge chip manufactured by WCH (Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics).
- It allows a USB port on a computer to communicate with devices that use serial communication (RS232 / TTL).
- Commonly used in Arduino boards, ESP8266, ESP32, and other microcontroller projects for programming and debugging.
