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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : USB-UART design
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MicroBlocks Guru  Joined: 12/05/2012 Location: ThailandPosts: 2209 |
I have made a new design of a USB-UART based on the MCP2200. This one is MSL-1, so no 'popcorn'. :) It has a selectable powersource, 3.3v or 5v operation, leds for RX and TX, plugs into a breadboard and also in my own MicroBlocks BUS for using other serial ports. The pcb is 30x30mm. I purposefully left out a reverse voltage protection because of the voltage drop and because it is a USB to UART and not a power supply board. With some 'tricks' using the jumpers the power can be routed wherever you want it, but in practice it will probably use USB power. It can directly feed a uMite with 3.3v as it has an onboard voltage regulator. What do you think? 
A pic32mx150f128 board that connects directly with this is in the making. Microblocks. Build with logic. |
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| plasma Guru Joined: 08/04/2012 Location: GermanyPosts: 437 |
hmm where a much really cheap devices out , but run this board without a driver ,when its really cool. |
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Grogster Admin Group  Joined: 31/12/2012 Location: New ZealandPosts: 9308 |
I kinda like this more then the $2 cables you can buy, because it is probably a better design, as I have had many issues with those Prolific "Clone" cables - I prefer a proven design over just what is the rock-bottom cheapest. 
I'd be interested in some of these, TZA, as I was going to design something like this myself, but now I probably don't need to, and it is nice and small, so I could just add it to my main PCB as an add-on module. I also like blinky lights on things, so the LED's work for me! 
Gimmie a PM about this with prices and availability please.(or post it here, if you are happy to make it public) Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops! |
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| paceman Guru Joined: 07/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1329 |
Most of the other 'cable' ones are configured for plugging straight into the computer's USB port. Another option of a small board to be placed on the breadboard or final project instead, is a good idea - everyone will have a standard cable to connect it with. One question though TZ, why not use the more powerful (bigger buffer etc.) and configurable FT234XD chip like Zonker is putting in his 'development' board. Greg Edit: Think I'm getting confused here TZ; you already answered that before in Zonker's thread. I'd missed that it was the same chip 
Greg |
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elproducts Senior Member  Joined: 19/06/2011 Location: United StatesPosts: 282 |
That is an interesting design. Microchip has one with a built in 3.3v regulator so there is more power for the MicroMite to be powered directly. The schematic and board layout are in the user manual. http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/52064A.pdf They have completed modules but looks like they are out of stock until March. http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=A DM00393 www.elproducts.com |
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| MicroBlocks Guru Joined: 12/05/2012 Location: ThailandPosts: 2209 |
The microchip version (in your link) has been used for inspiration. :) I need one for my "MicroBlocks" series and have chosen to add some mounting holes as that is requested the most. The other 'blocks' have that so i made sure everything lines up. I run Bangkok MakerSpace and the MMBasic based PICs are a great learning tool. Better then the Arduinos and picaxes. As such i design this to be used as development boards but in such a way that they can be in a final product as well. A VT-100 terminal software is 'under construction' to run on a Color Maximite. That will take some effort but seems to be possible. Here is the USB-UART: 
And here the pic32mx150f128b wired as a uMite: 
The bottom lines up with the top of the USB-UART. As the uMite has a specific pinout because of the configurable pins i will have to check if that falls under a copyright and under which copyright uMita basic will be i will have to check with Geoff as i have plans to sell these. And here is the LCD that is connected through I2C, code by MOBI! 
I have to go over these a few more times to catch any mistakes, then of to the pcb maker for some prototypes. Microblocks. Build with logic. |
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| elproducts Senior Member Joined: 19/06/2011 Location: United StatesPosts: 282 |
I've been under that same belief based on the people I've showed the Maximite to. They seem to like that its stand-alone and doesn't need a computer plus the code seems easier to them. Its great to hear you are experiencing the same thing at your MakerSpace. Everything I do (books, articles, etc.) is focused on making it easier for beginner's to learn programming micros. To me everyone should be learning this the same way they learn to use a nut and bolt or hammer and nail. Great idea. I like where you're going with this. I'm excited about this. Include me as a beta tester when ready. www.elproducts.com |
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| MOBI Guru Joined: 02/12/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 819 |
Hi TZA, Did you manage to get one of the LCD i2c modules to work yet? David M. |
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| isochronic Guru Joined: 21/01/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 689 |
Any pcbs or pdfs of these boards available ? (BTW TZ, PMB is full) |
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| MicroBlocks Guru Joined: 12/05/2012 Location: ThailandPosts: 2209 |
Hi chronic, I cleaned up my PMB, had to archive some messages. :) I am designing a few more pcb modules and the plan is to panelize them. I try to fit four of them (four different small designs) on a 10x10 pcb. I have one more to go. Microblocks. Build with logic. |
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