Difference between revisions of "The USB to Serial Converter:"
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== Working with the Board == | == Working with the Board == | ||
| − | === Drivers == | + | === Drivers === |
First, connect the board by itself to the PC/MAC via the micro USB connector. The driver will probably install automatically, but if there's a problem the driver can be downloaded [http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm | HERE] Note that the Virtual Com Port (VCP) driver should be installed. | First, connect the board by itself to the PC/MAC via the micro USB connector. The driver will probably install automatically, but if there's a problem the driver can be downloaded [http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm | HERE] Note that the Virtual Com Port (VCP) driver should be installed. | ||
To test the USB to Serial Connection, the TX and RX pins can be jumpered together, then a Serial Terminal Program can be used to test that data sent is 'echoed' back. If using the Arduino IDE, the Serial Monitor Window can be used for this test, otherwise, Hyper Terminal, Putty, Coolterm, etc... will work as well. | To test the USB to Serial Connection, the TX and RX pins can be jumpered together, then a Serial Terminal Program can be used to test that data sent is 'echoed' back. If using the Arduino IDE, the Serial Monitor Window can be used for this test, otherwise, Hyper Terminal, Putty, Coolterm, etc... will work as well. | ||
=== PinOut === | === PinOut === | ||
| − | [[File:UsbSerialpinout.png| | + | [[File:UsbSerialpinout.png|100px]] |
Note that TX and RX are with respect to the board, so RX is INPUT to the board and should be connected to the TX signal of the project. | Note that TX and RX are with respect to the board, so RX is INPUT to the board and should be connected to the TX signal of the project. | ||
=== Jumpers === | === Jumpers === | ||
| − | [[File:UsbSerialjumper.png| | + | [[File:UsbSerialjumper.png|100px]] |
There are two jumpers on the board, and they're pretty much self explanatory. One jumper selects the logic level - 5V or 3.3V, so make sure this jumper is set for the same voltage that the project is running at. The other jumper is for power - meaning that the board can disconnect the VCC pin from the project. Or, the board can supply power to the project. The Silkscreen on the board clearly shows which jumper is which and what the positions are. WARNING: make sure these jumpers are set before connecting the board to the project - accidentally applying 5V to a 3.3V project can cause damage, so make sure the jumpers are correct!! | There are two jumpers on the board, and they're pretty much self explanatory. One jumper selects the logic level - 5V or 3.3V, so make sure this jumper is set for the same voltage that the project is running at. The other jumper is for power - meaning that the board can disconnect the VCC pin from the project. Or, the board can supply power to the project. The Silkscreen on the board clearly shows which jumper is which and what the positions are. WARNING: make sure these jumpers are set before connecting the board to the project - accidentally applying 5V to a 3.3V project can cause damage, so make sure the jumpers are correct!! | ||
Revision as of 22:47, 16 April 2016
Introduction
This board's core function is to covert a USB connection from a PC/MAC into a Serial (UART) interface to a microcontroller. It also supports Arduino Compatible programming, so Microcontrollers burned with the Arduino Bootloader can be programmed with this board.
Features of the board:
- Genuine FTDI USB-Serial Converter ([http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/ICs/DS_FT230X.pdf | FT230X) - reliable connection, drivers often already installed on Windows/Mac.
- Simple 6 pin interface to projects - standard consistent pinout (see below)
- Power Supply Options - Board can source either 5V (USB 500mA) or 3.3V (50mA Regulator)
- Jumpers to select if Power is applied from this board to project, or if the interface is for communication only.
- Jumper to select if logic level is 5V or 3.3V - real level translators on board (M74VHC1GT50DTT1G)
- 4 post micro USB port offering a solid and robust design, so "flex" micro USB cables can be used, but also reduce the risk of the USB connector breaking off the board.
- Bright LEDs for Power, RX, and TX.
Purchase
The board is available through MKLEC
Working with the Board
Drivers
First, connect the board by itself to the PC/MAC via the micro USB connector. The driver will probably install automatically, but if there's a problem the driver can be downloaded | HERE Note that the Virtual Com Port (VCP) driver should be installed. To test the USB to Serial Connection, the TX and RX pins can be jumpered together, then a Serial Terminal Program can be used to test that data sent is 'echoed' back. If using the Arduino IDE, the Serial Monitor Window can be used for this test, otherwise, Hyper Terminal, Putty, Coolterm, etc... will work as well.
PinOut
Note that TX and RX are with respect to the board, so RX is INPUT to the board and should be connected to the TX signal of the project.
Jumpers
There are two jumpers on the board, and they're pretty much self explanatory. One jumper selects the logic level - 5V or 3.3V, so make sure this jumper is set for the same voltage that the project is running at. The other jumper is for power - meaning that the board can disconnect the VCC pin from the project. Or, the board can supply power to the project. The Silkscreen on the board clearly shows which jumper is which and what the positions are. WARNING: make sure these jumpers are set before connecting the board to the project - accidentally applying 5V to a 3.3V project can cause damage, so make sure the jumpers are correct!!
