Bridge controllers add USB applications to eliminate firmware complexity and reduce development time

These highly integrated USB-to-UART bridge controllers from Silicon Labs and available from Digi-Key, provide a simple solution for updating RS-232 designs to USB using a minimum amount of components and PCB space. The CP2102N includes a USB 2.0 full-speed function controller, USB transceiver, oscillator, and universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) in packages as small as 3mm x 3mm². No other external USB components are required for development. All customisation and configuration options can be selected using a simple GUI-based configurator. By eliminating the need for complex firmware and driver development, the devices enable quick USB connectivity with minimal development effort. While USB needs to be very simple from the consumer perspective, the design can be very challenging. Developers are looking for faster, painless ways to add USB connectivity to their designs without the need to gain expertise on the complex USB protocol. This USB-UART bridge provides an easy way to add USB to new and legacy systems without the need for firmware development. Developers need no USB expertise and can focus their time and resources on end applications. The devices come in packages as small as QFN20 (3mm x 3mm²). The devices are also built on a proven architecture that eliminates the need for expensive external crystals for USB functionality, external EEPROM, or other discrete components. This significantly reduces the PCB size and BOM costs, making these devices ideal for portable and space-constrained applications. USB is a complex protocol and requires time-consuming firmware development, but the device makes the overall solution simple to use by eliminating the firmware and by providing an easy-to-use configurator to configure the USB parameters. The Xpress configurator also provides options for customising the USB applications, increasing flexibility, and saving time.