System Overview

The CP2101 is a highly-integrated USB-to-UART BridgeController providing a simple solution for updating RS-232 designs to USB using a minimum of components and PCB space. The CP2101 includes a USB 2.0 full-speed function controller, USB transceiver, oscillator, EEPROM and asynchronous serial data bus (UART) with full modem control signals in a compact 5 x 5 mm QFN-28 package. No other external USB components are required.

The on-chip EEPROM may be used to customize the USB Vendor ID, ProductID, Product Description String, Power Descriptor, Device Release Number and Device Serial Number as desired for OEM applications. The EEPROM is programmed on-board via the USB allowing the programming step to be easily integrated into the product manufacturing and testing process.

Royalty-free Virtual COM Port (VCP) device drivers provided by Silicon Laboratories allow a CP2101-based product to appear as a COM port to PC applications. The CP2101 UART interface implements all RS-232 signals, including control and handshaking signals, so existingsystem firmware does not need to be modified. In many existing RS-232 designs, all that is required to update the design from RS-232 to USB is to replace the RS-232 level-translator with the CP2101. Direct access driver support is available through the Silicon Laboratories USBXpress driver set.

The CP2101 is a mature product and is not recommended for new designs. The CP2102 is a pin and soft ware compatible alternative for the CP2101. The CP2102 is recommended for all new designs. Contact Silicon Laboratories customer support at www.silabs.comfor any questions about replacing the CP2101.