Quick Start
This breakout adds a serial port to your computer. You connect it to the UART pins of another board, then use that port to upload code or read serial messages.
You program the board on the other end. The breakout itself is not flashed.
1. Connect the breakout board
Set the VCC voltage select switch to the voltage your board needs, before you connect it. The switch changes only the VCC pin. The TX and RX lines stay at 3.3 V logic.
Use the 6-pin FTDI header. It has the pin order most USB serial adapters use, so it plugs straight into boards such as the Arduino Pro Mini.
| Your board | Soldered CP2102 USB to UART Breakout |
|---|---|
| RX | TXD |
| TX | RXD |
| VCC | VCC |
| GND | GND |
| Reset (boards with auto-reset, such as the Arduino Pro Mini) | DTR |
Note. Connect TXD of the adapter to the RX pin of your board, and RXD to TX. Crossing the two lines this way is what lets the two sides talk.
2. Plug in the USB-C cable
Connect the breakout to your computer with a USB-C cable. The PWR LED turns on.
Your computer adds a new COM port.
3. Check the result
Open a serial terminal on the new COM port and send data from your board. The RX LED on the breakout shows data arriving, and the TX LED shows data leaving.
4. If it does not work
Continue with Troubleshooting and retry after each change.