CH340C USB to Serial Converter IC SOP-16

CH340C USB to Serial Converter IC SOP-16 is a highly integrated and cost-effective chip, specifically designed to implement USB communication for serial UART interfaces. This single chip easily converts the USB bus to a standard asynchronous serial port, consequently enabling computers to communicate with microcontrollers and legacy serial devices. The CH340C distinguishes itself from earlier versions like the CH340G because it integrates a crystal oscillator, which eliminates the need for an external 12 MHz crystal and oscillation capacitors. Therefore, engineers use the CH340C frequently in embedded systems and development boards because it simplifies the Bill of Materials (BOM) and reduces overall board space for surface-mount designs. Furthermore, its full-speed USB 2.0 compliance ensures reliable and fast data exchange across a wide range of baud rates.

Key Features:

• Integrated Crystal Oscillator: The CH340C includes a built-in 12 MHz clock circuit, eliminating the need for an external crystal and reducing component count.
• Full-Speed USB 2.0: This device ensures seamless data transfer, conforming to the USB Specification Version 2.0 for full-speed operation.
• Wide Baud Rate Support: It supports communication baud rates that vary from 50 bps up to a high-speed 2 Mbps.
• Voltage Compatibility: It operates reliably with both 3.3V and 5V power supplies, accommodating various logic level requirements in embedded systems.
• MODEM Signal Support: The chip supports common MODEM liaison signals like RTS, DTR, CTS, and DSR, which enables hardware flow control.

Technical Specifications:

• Interface Type: USB 2.0 Full-Speed to UART (Asynchronous Serial Interface)
• Supported Baud Rates: 50 bps to 2 Mbps
• Supply Voltage (V_CC): Supports 5V and 3.3V operation
• Logic Voltage: 3.3V or 5V (determined by VCC and V3 pin configuration)
• USB Protocol: USB Specification Version 2.0 compliant
• Internal Clock: Yes (12 MHz integrated oscillator)
• Operating Temperature Range: −20°C to +70°C (Commercial)

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: SOP-16 (Small Outline Package, 150 mil width)
• Mounting: Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
• Material: Epoxy Resin (Plastic), RoHS compliant
• Lead Finish: Tin-plated (Pb-free)

Dimensions:

• Body Length (Nominal): ≈ 10.0 mm
• Body Width (Plastic): 3.9 mm (150 mil)
• Total Height: ≈ 1.75 mm
• Pin Pitch: 1.27 mm (50 mil)
• Pin Count: 16 Pins

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 (VCC): Connect to the main power supply (typically 5V).
• Pin 2 (GND): Connect to the circuit ground (0 V).
• Pin 6 (UD+): Connect directly to the D+ data line of the USB bus.
• Pin 7 (UD−): Connect directly to the D− data line of the USB bus.
• Pin 3 (TXD): Transmit Data Output; connect to the target device’s RXD pin.
• Pin 4 (RXD): Receive Data Input; connect to the target device’s TXD pin.
• Pin 5 (V3): Connect an external decoupling capacitor (typically 0.1 μF) to GND when VCC is 5V, but connect directly to VCC when VCC is 3.3V.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download CH340 USB to Serial Converter Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Microcontroller Development Boards: It handles the USB communication and firmware upload for Arduino, ESP8266, and other compatible boards.
• USB to TTL Converters: It forms the core component of compact USB to TTL/UART adapter modules.
• Industrial and Commercial Devices: Engineers integrate it into equipment that requires a USB port for configuration, data logging, or control.

Applications:

• Device Upgrading: You can use it to upgrade older serial peripherals, which originally used RS-232, to the modern USB bus.
• Firmware Uploading: It provides the necessary serial interface for programming microcontrollers over a USB connection.
• PC Communication Interface: It allows computers to monitor and send commands to embedded systems through a virtual COM port (VCP).

Equivalent Models:

• CH340G: Functionally similar, however, it requires an external 12 MHz crystal and two load capacitors.
• FTDI FT232RL: A premium, widely recognized alternative known for robust driver support and advanced features.
• Silicon Labs CP2102: Another popular USB-to-UART bridge IC, which provides a reliable, low-cost serial solution.

Package Includes:

• 1 x CH340C USB to Serial Converter IC SOP-16