Pololu 1317 CP2102N USB-to-Serial Adapter Carrier
Pololu 1317 CP2102N USB-to-Serial Adapter Carrier
Pololu 1317 CP2102N USB-to-Serial Adapter Carrier
The Pololu 1317 is a compact USB-to-Serial adapter carrier built around the Silicon Labs CP2102N chip, enabling seamless communication between USB-equipped computers and serial devices operating at 3.3V logic levels. Embedded systems engineers, firmware developers, and IoT professionals rely on this adapter to program microcontrollers, configure industrial equipment, and debug embedded applications without requiring dedicated serial ports. This product solves the critical problem of connecting legacy serial devices and development boards to modern computers that lack native RS-232 or UART interfaces.
Product Overview
The Pololu 1317 CP2102N USB-to-Serial Adapter Carrier features the industry-standard Silicon Labs CP2102N USB-to-UART bridge IC, which handles all protocol conversion and handshaking automatically. The adapter operates on the USB bus power supply, requiring no external power source, and provides a 6-pin 0.1-inch header for direct connection to target devices. The CP2102N chip supports baud rates from 300 to 1,000,000 bits per second, making it suitable for high-speed serial communication in real-time embedded applications. The carrier board includes all necessary decoupling capacitors, pull-up resistors, and signal conditioning components to ensure reliable operation across diverse industrial and laboratory environments.
This adapter board is particularly valued for its plug-and-play compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems through Silicon Labs' virtual COM port drivers. The 3.3V logic level output makes it ideal for modern microcontroller platforms including Arduino, STM32, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi projects without requiring additional level-shifting circuitry. The compact form factor and minimal component count reduce development time while maintaining robust signal integrity for debugging and programming operations. Engineers appreciate the Pololu 1317's reliability in production environments where consistent serial communication is critical for device configuration and telemetry data collection.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | USB-to-Serial Adapter Carrier Board |
| Brand | Pololu Robotics and Electronics |
| Origin | Original and Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 Full-Speed, Type-B Connector |
| Serial Interface | 6-pin 0.1-inch Header (TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR) |
| Logic Level | 3.3V CMOS |
| Baud Rate Range | 300 to 1,000,000 bits per second |
| Power Supply | USB Bus Power (5V, 100mA typical) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 60 degrees Celsius |
Key Features
- Silicon Labs CP2102N chipset with automatic USB enumeration and virtual COM port driver support for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms
- 3.3V logic level output compatible with modern microcontroller platforms including STM32, ESP32, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi without additional level shifters
- Wide baud rate support from 300 to 1,000,000 bits per second enabling both low-speed legacy device communication and high-speed real-time data transfer
- USB bus-powered design eliminating external power supply requirements and simplifying integration into portable development and field service applications
- Full hardware flow control support with RTS, CTS, DTR, and DSR signals for reliable communication with industrial equipment and legacy serial devices
- Minimal component footprint with integrated decoupling and signal conditioning for robust operation in noisy industrial environments
Applications and Use Cases
- Microcontroller Programming and Debugging: Flash firmware to STM32, Arduino, ESP32, and ARM Cortex-M boards using serial bootloaders and JTAG interfaces with reliable baud rate stability
- Industrial Equipment Configuration: Configure legacy industrial controllers, PLCs, and SCADA systems that communicate via RS-232 or TTL serial protocols without native USB interfaces
- IoT Device Telemetry: Collect real-time sensor data and diagnostic information from IoT edge devices, environmental monitoring systems, and remote data acquisition units
- Field Service and Maintenance: Troubleshoot embedded systems, access device configuration menus, and perform firmware updates in manufacturing plants and field service environments
- Laboratory Testing and Measurement: Interface laboratory instruments, oscilloscopes, and data loggers with computer-based test automation and data analysis software
- GPS and GNSS Module Integration: Connect GPS receivers, GNSS modules, and navigation systems to development platforms for location-based application development
How to Use
Begin by installing the Silicon Labs CP2102N virtual COM port driver from the manufacturer's website on your development computer. Connect the Pololu 1317 to an available USB port on your computer, and the operating system will automatically enumerate the device as a new serial COM port. Identify the assigned COM port number through Device Manager on Windows, System Information on macOS, or dmesg on Linux. In your development environment or terminal application, configure the serial connection parameters including the correct COM port, baud rate matching your target device's configuration, and appropriate data bits, stop bits, and parity settings.
Connect the adapter's serial header pins to your target device using a 6-pin jumper cable or soldered connections: TX from the adapter connects to RX on your target device, RX connects to TX, and GND connects to the target's ground reference. For devices requiring hardware flow control, connect RTS and CTS pins appropriately. Verify communication by sending test data through your terminal application or development IDE. The adapter supports baud rates from 300 to 1,000,000 bits per second, so ensure your target device is configured for the same baud rate. For programming operations, follow your microcontroller's specific bootloader protocol documentation to ensure proper timing and signal sequencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pololu 1317 compatible with my Arduino and STM32 boards?
Yes, the Pololu 1317 is fully compatible with Arduino, STM32, ESP32, and other 3.3V microcontroller platforms. The adapter outputs 3.3V logic levels, matching the input requirements of modern microcontrollers. Simply connect TX to RX, RX to TX, and GND to GND on your target board. No additional level shifting circuitry is required. The adapter supports all standard baud rates from 300 to 1,000,000 bits per second used in embedded development.
What operating systems are supported by the CP2102N driver?
The Silicon Labs CP2102N chip is supported on Windows XP through Windows 11, macOS 10.6 and later, and Linux kernels 2.6.31 and above. Drivers are available as free downloads from Silicon Labs' official website. The adapter appears as a standard virtual COM port on all platforms, making it compatible with any serial communication software including Arduino IDE, STM32CubeIDE, PuTTY, Minicom, and custom applications using standard serial libraries.
Can I use the Pololu 1317 with 5V logic level devices?
The Pololu 1317 outputs 3.3V logic levels and is not directly compatible with 5V-only devices without a level shifter. However, most 5V microcontrollers have 3.3V-tolerant input pins that can safely accept 3.3V signals. If your device requires true 5V output levels, you will need an external level shifting circuit. For safety, always verify your target device's input voltage specifications before connecting the adapter.
Does the adapter require external power or batteries?
No, the Pololu 1317 is entirely USB bus-powered. It draws approximately 100mA at 5V from the USB port and requires no external power supply or batteries. This makes it ideal for portable development, field service applications, and situations where external power is unavailable. The USB connection provides both power and data communication through a single cable.
What baud rates does the CP2102N support?
The CP2102N supports baud rates from 300 bits per second to 1,000,000 bits per second. This range covers legacy slow devices operating at 300 or 9600 baud as well as high-speed modern applications requiring 115200, 230400, 460800, or 921600 baud. Ensure your target device and software are configured for the same baud rate to avoid communication errors.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India. You will receive tracking information via email and SMS once your order ships. Express delivery options may be available for urgent orders.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and component failures. It does not apply to user damage, misuse, or modifications to the adapter board.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units is available. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote. We serve educational institutions, manufacturing facilities, and systems integrators with volume discounts and dedicated technical support.
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