How to Use CP2102 UART Module to Program Arduino Pro Mini?

CP2102 Pinout

Silicon Labs introduced the CP2102 UART module, which is an updated version of the RS-232 Communicator. It's a USB to UART Bridge with a single CP2102 chip that runs at a full USB speed of 12Mbps. The CP2102 has an inbuilt high-performance serial data transmitter, as well as suspend/resume signals for chip energy control and external circuitry. The module enables handshaking and handles command requests from the USB host to control the asynchronous serial UART port's activity.

It also includes a 1024-byte PROM and a 48-MHz internal oscillator. Two voltage regulators and matching pull-up resistors are built within the device. The CP2102 is compatible with existing COM ports and Windows/Linux/Mac OS-X/OS-9. It does, however, necessitate the use of drivers to initiate serial connections.

• CP2102 UART module is integrated with a high-speed transceiver.

• CP2102 has a 12Mbps full-speed USB Specification 2.0 compliant.

• The module is embedded with two voltage regulator circuits i.e. 3.3V and 3.45V and a reset circuit.

• For the power control, the module is integrated with Suspend pins.

• It supports the  XOn/XOff handshake mechanism.

• CP2102 is compatible with existing drivers and COM ports.

• The module requires no external pull-up resistors.

• Data Communication

• Debug Purposes

• Microcontroller programming

• Prototypes

The following figure shows the block diagram of CP2102:

CP2102 Block Diagram

How does data transmission happen?

The USB port is used to connect the tiny chipset to the computer. The microcontroller unit's RX and TX signals are connected to the module's RX and TX signals. The modules connect to the host PC through a serial port. The information is sent from the host PC to the module, which converts it to  UART  signals that are sent to the microcontroller through the  UART protocol.

Interfacing Arduino Pro Mini

This USB to serial converter chip can be used to program  Arduino pro mini and other  Arduino modules that do not include an integrated USB programmer.

Install CP2102 UART Module Drivers

You must first install drivers before using this module. When you connect this USB module to a computer's USB port, the necessary drivers are automatically installed. However, if drivers aren't installed automatically, you'll have to do it manually. The first step is to install drivers in order to get things up and running. To install the drivers, follow the procedures below.

• Software and Tools > CP210x Windows Drivers > Download and Install

• Open Device Manager and check the COM port.

If it is detected, it is ready to be used. Open Arduino IDE > Tools > Board > Select Arduino Mini Pro. Then go to Tools > Serial Port > Select COM port.

The CP2102 Connecting figure is shown below:

CP2102 Connecting Diagram

Silicon Labs CP2102N-EK technical specifications, attributes, parameters and parts with similar specifications to Silicon Labs CP2102N-EK.

Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is a leading provider of silicon, software and system solutions for the Internet of Things, Internet infrastructure, industrial control, consumer and automotive markets. Resolving the electronics industry's toughest problems, providing customers with significant advantages in performance, energy savings, connectivity, and design simplicity. Backed by world-class engineering teams with unsurpassed software and mixed-signal design expertise, Silicon Labs empowers developers with the tools and technologies they need to advance quickly and easily from initial idea to final product.