SparkFun Serial Basic CH340C Hookup Guide

Introduction

The latest iteration of the SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout takes advantage of USB-C and is an easy-to-use USB-to-Serial adapter based on the CH340C IC from WCH. With USB-C you can get up to three times the power delivery over the previous USB generation and has the convenient feature of being reversible. The product works with 5V and 3.3V systems and should auto install on most operating systems without the need for additional drivers. The Serial Basic uses the CH340C IC to quickly and easily convert serial signals to USB. It’s a great lower-cost alternative to the extremely popular FTDI Basic.

added to your cart!

SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout - CH340C and USB-C

In stock DEV-15096

This SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout is an easy-to-use USB-to-Serial adapter based on the CH340G and takes advantage of the ha…

$9.95 9 Favorited Favorite 44 Wish List

Required Materials

At a minimum, you will need the following materials to follow along with the tutorial. You may not need everything though depending on what you have and your setup. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.

added to your cart!

Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/M, 20 pack)

In stock PRT-12795

These are 6" long jumper wires with male connectors on both ends. Use these to jumper from any female header on any board, to…

$2.10 2 Favorited Favorite 35 Wish List

added to your cart!

USB 3.1 Cable A to C - 3 Foot

In stock CAB-14743

USB C is fantastic. But until we have converted all our hubs, chargers, and ports over to USB C this is the cable you're goin…

$5.50 4 Favorited Favorite 10 Wish List

Suggested Reading

Before you begin it may be worth looking at the basics of Serial Communication. Do you have a favorite terminal program yet? No? Take a look at the Serial Terminal Basics tutorial which will give you a brief introduction to popular Terminal programs.

Serial Communication

Asynchronous serial communication concepts: packets, signal levels, baud rates, UARTs and more! Favorited Favorite 109

Serial Terminal Basics

This tutorial will show you how to communicate with your serial devices using a variety of terminal emulator applications. Favorited Favorite 49

How to Work with Jumper Pads and PCB Traces

Handling PCB jumper pads and traces is an essential skill. Learn how to cut a PCB trace, add a solder jumper between pads to reroute connections, and repair a trace with the green wire method if a trace is damaged. Favorited Favorite 11