CP2101 - USB to UART Bridge, QFN-28, 5x5mm | Silicon Labs
Référence : CP2101 ⚠ Dernier achat| Qté | Prix unitaire | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5.95 | $5,95 |
| 10 | $5.36 | $53,60 |
| 100 | $4.76 | $476,00 |
| 500 | $4.05 | $2 025,00 |
| 1 000 | $3.55 | $3 550,00 |
CP2101 Présentation
A USB to UART bridge is a type of interface controller IC that allows legacy RS-232/UART peripherals and microcontrollers to communicate with a host PC over USB by transparently translating between the USB protocol and the traditional asynchronous serial data bus format. The CP2101 sits in the broader interface IC category and eliminates the need for external USB controllers, level shifters, or crystal oscillators, drastically reducing BOM count and PCB footprint when adding USB connectivity to embedded designs.
Key features include a USB 2.0 full-speed (12 Mbps) compliant transceiver, an integrated 5-to-3 V voltage regulator enabling USB bus-powered or self-powered configurations, an on-chip programmable EEPROM for vendor ID, product ID, serial number, and other descriptor customization, and full modem control signals (RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI). The device uses a standard COM port driver on Windows, macOS, and Linux, eliminating custom driver development.
The CP2101 is implemented in standard CMOS mixed-signal technology and supports data rates from 300 bps up to 921.6 kbps. The 5-to-3 V internal regulator provides up to 100 mA to external circuitry, simplifying bus-powered designs. An internal RC oscillator and an integrated one-time-programmable (OTP) EEPROM replace external components and reduce manufacturing costs.
Typical applications include adding USB connectivity to RS-232 legacy equipment, USB-to-UART cables and dongles, microcontroller-to-USB bridges, industrial control adapters, point-of-sale terminals, and embedded development boards. The integrated regulator and EEPROM make it ideal for compact, low-power designs requiring a single BOM-friendly solution.
When designing with the CP2101, engineers should follow the recommended decoupling capacitor placement on VBUS and VDD pins and ensure proper grounding of the analog and digital grounds. Note that the CP2101 is a mature product; Silicon Labs recommends CP2102N for all new designs - this is critical for long-term product lifecycle planning.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives (CP2102C-A01-GQFN28, CP2102N-A02-GQFN28), and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Alternatives de remplacement direct pour CP2101 — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.
Variantes de cette série
Modèles de la même série directement compatibles avec CP2101 (même facteur de forme et même empreinte) — différant par Package, Function, Operating Temperature, USB Standard, GPIO.
Outil de comparaison rapide — sélectionnez des références alternatives pour une comparaison côte à côte :
CP2102-GM
✅ Remplacement direct✓ En stock
$1.4766 / unité
Voir la fiche technique →CP2102N-A02-GQFN28
✅ Remplacement direct✓ En stock
$2.35 / unité
Voir la fiche technique →CP2102C-A01-GQFN28
✅ Remplacement direct📋 Alternative de référence (hors catalogue)
CP2104-F03-GMR
✅ Remplacement direct✓ En stock
$1.06 / unité
Voir la fiche technique →CP2102N-A01-GQFN28R
✅ Remplacement direct✓ En stock
$2.31 / unité
Voir la fiche technique →CP2101 Spécifications
| Fonction | USB to UART Bridge Controller |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) |
| Integrated Transceiver | Yes |
| Integrated Oscillator | Yes (internal) |
| Integrated EEPROM | Yes (programmable) |
| Integrated Voltage Regulator | 5 V to 3 V, up to 100 mA |
| UART Data Rate | 300 bps to 921.6 kbps |
| Modem Control Signals | RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI (full) |
| Operating Voltage (VBUS) | 4.0 V to 5.25 V |
| Regulated Output | 3.0 V to 3.6 V (3.3 V typical) |
| Boîtier | MLP/QFN-28 (5 x 5 mm) |
| Driver Support | Windows, macOS, Linux (virtual COM port) |
| Configuration | USB bus-powered or self-powered |
| Statut RoHS | Compliant |
| Bus-Powered Capable | Yes |
Configuration des broches de CP2101
| Broche 1 | VBUS — USB VBUS input (4.0 V to 5.25 V) |
| Broche 2 | D+ — USB D+ data line |
| Broche 3 | D- — USB D- data line |
| Broche 4 | GND — Ground |
| Broche 5 | REGIN — Regulator input (5 V from VBUS) |
| Broche 6 | VIO — I/O supply voltage (1.8 V to 3.6 V) |
| Broche 7 | VDD — Digital supply voltage (3.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Broche 8 | RESETn — Device reset (active low) |
| Broche 9 | TX — UART transmit output |
| Broche 10 | RX — UART receive input |
| Broche 11 | RTS — Request to send (modem control) |
| Broche 12 | CTS — Clear to send (modem control) |
| Broche 13 | DTR — Data terminal ready (modem control) |
| Broche 14 | DSR — Data set ready (modem control) |
| Broche 15 | DCD — Data carrier detect (modem control) |
| Broche 16 | RI — Ring indicator (modem control) |
| Broche 17 | SUSPEND — Suspend state output |
| Broche 18 | SUSPENDn — Suspend state output (active low) |
| Broche 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Broche 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Broche 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Broche 22 | GPIO1 — General purpose I/O |
| Broche 23 | GPIO2 — General purpose I/O |
| Broche 24 | GPIO3 — General purpose I/O |
| Broche 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Broche 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Broche 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Broche 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Applications typiques
CP2101 convient pour 6 applications: USB-to-RS232 Adapter Cables, Microcontroller-to-USB Bridge, Industrial Control Adapters, Point-of-Sale Terminals, Embedded Development Boards, USB Serial Dongles for Field Service.
USB-to-RS232 Adapter Cables
The CP2101's integrated USB 2.0 full-speed transceiver, on-chip oscillator, and 5-to-3.3 V LDO (up to 100 mA) make it ideal for USB-to-RS232 adapter cables and dongles that require a single-chip bridge without external crystals or regulators. Placed between a USB-A plug and an RS-232 DB-9 connector, the device enumerates as a virtual COM port on Windows, macOS, and Linux, eliminating the need for custom driver development. The full modem control signal set (RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, RI) supports hardware flow control applications, and the 921.6 kbps maximum baud rate covers most legacy serial peripherals. EEPROM-programmable VID/PID descriptors enable branded cable SKUs without external storage.
Recommandé
Microcontroller-to-USB Bridge
The CP2101 converts a microcontroller's UART to USB with a minimum of external components - no external crystal, EEPROM, or 3.3 V regulator required. Placed between a 3.3 V MCU and a USB-B or micro-B connector, the CP2101 enumerates as a virtual COM port and exposes the MCU's UART through standard read/write COM port APIs, simplifying firmware development and field-upgrade scenarios. The internal 5-to-3 V regulator can power small MCUs and sensors in bus-powered designs, while self-powered mode lets the CP2101 source power from a regulated rail. The 5 x 5 mm QFN-28 footprint fits compact embedded designs where PCB real estate is at a premium.
Recommandé
Industrial Control Adapters
The CP2101's full modem control signals and bus-powered capability suit industrial control adapters that monitor or control legacy RS-232 equipment from modern PCs. The integrated EEPROM stores custom vendor and product IDs, allowing OEMs to rebrand the USB descriptor stack without external storage. With USB 2.0 full-speed support (12 Mbps) and UART rates up to 921.6 kbps, the device bridges sensor arrays, motor controllers, and serial instrumentation to USB hosts. For industrial deployments requiring long-term supply, Silicon Labs recommends migrating to the CP2102N-A02-GQFN28, which shares the same QFN-28 footprint and adds modern driver support. Industrial-grade temperature screening should be confirmed with the manufacturer datasheet before deployment in harsh environments.
Recommandé
Point-of-Sale Terminals
The CP2101 enables USB connectivity in point-of-sale (POS) terminals where compact form factor, single-IC BOM, and reliable driver support are critical. Its integrated 5-to-3 V regulator supplies up to 100 mA for low-power printers, scanners, or display controllers, while the QFN-28 5 x 5 mm package keeps the board footprint minimal. Bus-powered or self-powered configurations match standard retail terminal power budgets. The 921.6 kbps UART rate supports cash-drawer, receipt-printer, and barcode-scanner interfaces that previously required RS-232 ports. For new POS designs, evaluate the CP2102N successor to extend product lifecycle availability.
Recommandé
Embedded Development Boards
The CP2101 has been widely used on AVR, MSP430, and ARM Cortex-M development boards as a USB-to-UART debug bridge, exposing the target MCU's UART over USB without requiring a separate debugger. The 5-to-3 V regulator can power smaller target boards directly from USB, and the integrated oscillator eliminates crystal tuning during board bring-up. On-board reset and suspend signaling are accessible via modem control pins. Although the CP2101 is now mature, the same QFN-28 footprint is retained across the CP2102N family for legacy board designs. Modern development boards increasingly migrate to the CP2102N-A02-GQFN28 for long-term supply and improved driver support.
Recommandé
USB Serial Dongles for Field Service
The CP2101 simplifies USB serial dongles for field service applications, connecting service laptops to legacy industrial PLCs, analyzers, and motor drives via RS-232. Its integrated 5-to-3 V regulator eliminates an external LDO in compact dongle enclosures, while the internal oscillator removes the need for crystal selection across temperature grades. The full modem control signal set supports hardware-flow-controlled protocols used in SCADA systems, and the programmable EEPROM allows OEM-specific VID/PID branding. For new field service tool designs, the CP2102N-A02-GQFN28 is the preferred successor in the same QFN-28 package footprint, providing continued driver support and supply continuity.
Recommandé
Récapitulatif des produits recommandés
Données de référence d'ingénierie pour CP2101 — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.
Guide de sélection
Comparaison avec les alternatives
| Paramètre | Ce produit | CP2102-GM | CP2102N-A02-GQFN28 | CP2102C-A01-GQFN28 | CP2104 | CP2102N-A01-GQFN28R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | QFN-28 (5x5 mm) | QFN-28 (5x5 mm) - same | QFN-28 (5x5 mm) - same | QFN-28 (5x5 mm) - same | QFN-28 (5x5 mm) - same | QFN-28 (5x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs | Silicon Labs |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) | USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) |
| Maximum UART Baud Rate | 921.6 kbps | 921.6 kbps | 1 Mbps | 921.6 kbps | 921.6 kbps | 1 Mbps |
| Integrated 5V-to-3.3V Regulator | Yes (100 mA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Modem Control Signals | Full (RTS/CTS/DTR/DSR/DCD/RI) | Full | Full | Full | Reduced (subset) | Full |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Reference | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (with VBUS divider) | Yes (drop-in) | Yes (drop-in) |
| Lifecycle Status | Last Time Buy | Mature | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Principaux différenciateurs
- Integrated 5-to-3V regulator (100 mA) eliminates external LDO (vs FTDI FT232RL)
- Internal oscillator - no external crystal required (vs FTDI FT232RL)
- Programmable EEPROM integrated for VID/PID storage (vs External EEPROM design (older USB-UART bridges))
- Direct pin- and software-compatible upgrade path to CP2102N (vs Discontinued legacy USB-UART ICs)
Notes de conception
The CP2101 includes an internal 5-to-3.3 V LDO that derives its input from the USB VBUS rail (REGIN pin). For bus-powered designs, place a 4.7 uF decoupling capacitor on VBUS and a 1 uF decoupling capacitor on VDD as close to the IC pins as possible. For self-powered designs where the host supplies a regulated 3.3 V rail, the internal regulator can be bypassed by tying REGIN to VDD. Output current limit is approximately 100 mA; external loads drawing more current must be powered from a separate rail.
The QFN-28 (MLP-28) package has an exposed thermal pad on the underside that MUST be soldered to the PCB ground plane for both thermal dissipation and electrical reference. Use a via-grid array (typically 5 to 9 thermal vias) connecting the central pad to inner and bottom ground planes. Keep high-speed USB D+/D- traces length-matched within 2 mm, with a characteristic impedance of 90 ohms differential. Place the CP2101 as close as practical to the USB connector to minimize stub lengths and signal reflections.
The CP2101 is in last-time-buy status and is not recommended for new designs; plan a migration path to CP2102N-A02-GQFN28, which shares the same QFN-28 footprint and is a drop-in replacement. Do not omit the voltage divider network referenced in Silicon Labs application note AN1505 when migrating to CP2102C-A01-GQFN28 in CP2101 layouts. Always validate the EEPROM-programmed VID/PID against Windows/macOS driver signing requirements before mass production. Avoid pulling the SUSPEND pin high during normal operation, as this disables USB enumeration.
USB 2.0 full-speed signaling requires controlled-impedance routing for the D+ and D- differential pair. Maintain 90 ohm differential impedance with traces no longer than 50 mm and keep them on the top layer over a continuous ground plane. Avoid routing D+/D- near switching regulator inductors or clock signals; route them on the opposite side of the ground plane. The internal oscillator's reference clock is sensitive to VDD noise - add a 0.1 uF bypass capacitor adjacent to pin 7 (VDD) to suppress switching ripple injection.
Informations de conformité
RoHS compliance confirmed via Silicon Labs product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive USB-UART bridges, consider automotive-grade parts separately. Last-time-buy status per manufacturer datasheet.
