CP2102 USB to TTL UART Serial Converter Module – USB Type-A, 3.3V/5V

The CP2102 USB to TTL UART Serial Converter Module provides a convenient way to connect UART-based microcontrollers, development boards and serial devices directly to a computer through USB.

Based on the Silicon Labs CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge, the module converts USB communication into TTL-level serial TX and RX signals and appears on the computer as a virtual COM port.

Its integrated USB Type-A male connector allows it to plug directly into a computer without requiring a separate USB cable, making it ideal for programming, serial debugging and embedded-system development.

Technical Specifications

• USB-UART IC: CP2102
• Interface: USB to TTL UART
• USB Connector: USB Type-A Male
• USB Standard: USB 2.0 Full Speed
• USB Bus Speed: 12Mbps
• UART Baud Rate: 300bps to 1Mbps
• UART Data Bits: 5, 6, 7 or 8
• Stop Bits: 1, 1.5 or 2
• Parity: None, Odd, Even, Mark or Space
• UART Signals: TXD & RXD
• 3.3V Output: Available
• 5V Output: Available from USB
• Virtual COM Port: Yes
• Connection: 6-Pin Header
• Mounting: Direct USB Plug-In

Direct USB Connection

Unlike CP2102 modules that use a Micro-USB connector, this version includes a built-in USB Type-A male plug.

Simply connect the module directly to a USB port on your computer.

No separate USB cable is required.

UART Connection

For standard serial communication:

CP2102 TXD → Target RX

CP2102 RXD → Target TX

CP2102 GND → Target GND

TX and RX must be cross-connected between the converter and the target device.

A common ground is required for reliable UART communication.

3.3V & 5V Connections

The module provides access to both 3.3V and 5V power rails.

The 5V connection comes from the USB supply, while the CP2102 itself includes an internal 3.3V regulator.

These power connections should only be used for suitable low-power circuits.

Do not use the module to power motors, servos, relays or other high-current devices.

Virtual COM Port

When connected to a computer with the appropriate CP210x driver, the module operates as a serial COM port.

It can be used with software such as:

• Arduino IDE
• PlatformIO
• PuTTY
• Tera Term
• Serial Monitor
• Firmware Programming Tools
• Other UART Terminal Software

Microcontroller Programming & Debugging

The CP2102 module is suitable for serial communication and programming applications involving:

• Arduino Pro Mini
• ESP8266
• ESP32
• STM32
• AVR
• PIC
• GPS Modules
• GSM / GPRS Modules
• Bluetooth Serial Modules
• UART Sensors
• Embedded Controllers

Whether automatic reset or bootloader programming is available depends on the target board and which control signals are exposed by this particular CP2102 module.

USB 2.0 Full-Speed

The CP2102 incorporates a USB 2.0 Full-Speed controller and USB transceiver, supporting a USB bus rate of 12Mbps.

The UART side of the classic CP2102 supports communication rates from 300bps up to 1Mbps.

Applications

Ideal for:

• USB to UART Communication
• Microcontroller Programming
• Serial Debugging
• Arduino Development
• ESP8266 / ESP32 Development
• STM32 Development
• GPS Module Configuration
• GSM Module Communication
• Bluetooth Module Configuration
• UART Sensor Testing
• Firmware Development
• Electronics Repair
• Embedded System Development
• Breadboard Prototyping

Important Note

This module provides TTL-level UART communication.

It is not an RS-232 converter and should not be connected directly to the ±RS-232 signals of a traditional DB9 serial port.

A MAX232 or similar level converter is required when interfacing with true RS-232 equipment.

Also note that having both 3.3V and 5V power pins does not automatically mean the UART TX/RX logic levels are switchable between 3.3V and 5V. The classic CP2102 itself operates with a 3.3V supply and TTL/UART interface.

Always verify the voltage requirements of the target device before connecting it.

Package Includes

• 1 × CP2102 USB to TTL UART Serial Converter Module
• 1 × 6-Pin Female-to-Female Jumper Cable