This cable makes connecting to your microcontroller, Raspberry Pi, or WiFi router serial console port a breeze. Housed within the USB plug is a USB-to-Serial conversion chip, and at the other end of the 36" cable, you'll find four wires: red for power, black for ground, white for RX (receiving data into the USB), and green for TX (transmitting data from the USB). The red power pin supplies 5V @ 500mA directly from the USB port, while the RX/TX pins operate at 3.3V levels, making it compatible with most 3.3V logic chipsets.
Thanks to the separated pin plugs, this cable is perfect for powering and accessing the debug or login console on devices like the Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone Black. Simply match the pins as instructed to power your device and establish a seamless RX/TX connection.
- If you are running Windows 7/8/10 etc, check this tutorial page with links to drivers for both PL2303 and CP2102
- If you are running Mac OS X, check this tutorial page with links to drivers for both PL2303 and CP2012
- If you are running Linux, drivers are already included in the kernel, no need to install anything!
It's also a go-to choice for hacking WiFi routers to install alternative operating systems or interfacing with nearly any 3.3V logic serial port. Compared to FTDI cables, this option is often more convenient since the individual wires provide flexibility during setup. While commonly referred to as a "TTL cable," it technically works with CMOS logic.
However, keep in mind that this cable isn’t suitable for Arduino reprogramming tasks like those involving the Boarduino, MENTA, or Monochron, as it lacks the DTR/RTS wire needed to trigger the bootloader reboot. For such cases, consider using an FTDI cable or the FTDI Friend instead
Technical Details
There are four wires: red power, black ground, white RX into USB port, and green TX out of the USB port.
The power pin provides the 5V @ 500mA direct from the USB port and the RX/TX pins are 3.3V level for interfacing with the most common 3.3V logic level chipsets.
- If you are running Windows 7/8/10 etc, check this tutorial page with links to drivers for both PL2303 and CP2102
- If you are running Mac OS X, check this tutorial page with links to drivers for both PL2303 and CP2012
- If you are running Linux, drivers are already included in the kernel, no need to install anything!
- PL2303HX.D datasheet
- PL2303TA datasheet
- CP210X Serial Communication Guide
- SiLabs CP210X product pages
Revision History
- Prior to July 1 2014 this cable would come with a PL2303HX chipset and a black USB body. After July 1, 2014 we changed to a violet body and the PL2303TA chipset. The new 'TA cables are Win8 compatible, and are more reliable especially when dealing with random USB-disconnects.
- As of Dec. 21, 2016 we will be shipping cables with SiLabs CP2012 chipset instead of Prolific. SiLabs chips seem to have better driver stability, and can handle very high speeds and 'unusual' non-standard baud rates. Other than the driver installation, the cables perform identically.
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AustraliaCable does not work properly
I am having issues with the cable. i cant type anything. it does not let me type
Pakronics®
Can you please contact us at order@pakronics.com.au
AustraliaUSB to TTL Serial cable
Works a treat. And powers a Raspberry Pi 2 no problem. Pity there's no RTS, then I could also drive the Reset line from my PC.
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