USB-to-UART Bridge Devices

The highly integrated USB-to-UART bridge controllers from Silicon Labs offer a simple, efficient solution for upgrading UART designs to USB with minimal components and reduced PCB space. The CP210x family, which includes the CP2102N, CP2102C, CP2105, and CP2108, integrates a USB 2.0 full-speed function controller, USB transceiver, oscillator, and UART in compact packages as small as 3 x 3 mm². With no need for external USB components, these high-performance devices streamline development, accelerate time-to-market, and provide cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications.

The CP210x family has a comprehensive design ecosystem featuring royalty-free driver suites, crystal-less operation, in-system programming memory, and small package sizes. These features help reduce design complexity, minimize costs, and shorten development timelines for developers.

The newest addition to this family, the CP2102C, supports standard CDC (Communication Device Class) drivers compatible with major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. This eliminates the need for custom driver installations and simplifies integration. The CP210x family of devices support data transfer rates of up to 3 Mbaud while maintaining a low current consumption (as low as 9.5 mA), making them perfect for power-sensitive and portable applications.

USB has become the go-to standard for connectivity in a wide range of applications. While USB needs to be straightforward from a consumer perspective, the design complexity can be daunting for developers. The CP210x USB-to-UART bridge makes it easy to add USB connectivity to both new and legacy systems without requiring expertise in the intricate USB protocol. This allows developers to focus on their end application rather than the complexities of USB implementation.

The CP210x family, including the CP2102N, CP2105, and CP2108, has set the standard for performance and reliability in USB-to-UART bridge solutions. These products are widely used in server applications to efficiently convert USB signals to UART signals, enabling servers to communicate with various peripherals such as sensors and modems that rely on UART for data transmission.

In data center environments, these controllers replace traditional RS-232 interfaces with USB, offering a modern and efficient way to monitor and manage server hardware. This is particularly advantageous in GPU trays, where multiple servers and peripherals need to be managed simultaneously.

The CP2105 and CP2108 controllers also facilitate debugging and configuration processes. Serving as a bridge between processor UART debug ports and USB ports, these devices allow technicians and IT personnel to easily access logs and configuration settings for seamless troubleshooting and management.

While USB design often requires complex firmware development, the CP210x family simplifies the process by eliminating the need for custom firmware and offering an intuitive configurator for USB parameter setup. The Xpress configurator and CDC drivers further enhance flexibility and save time, enabling the customization of USB applications to meet specific project needs.