UART to USB converter

Spartan 3 Lite
1

I recommend this UART to USB converter, 3,3 V 5,5 V FT232RL FT232 FTDI USB Zu TTL Serielle Adapter Modul Mini USB Port Pro Mini USB ZU 232 USB Zu TTL Diymore Für Arduino - AliExpress 502

20240928_012143 1
20240928_012143 11000×556 160 KB

UART-USB-TXD —> Spartan 3 Lite UART RX (Yellow)
UART-USB-RXI —>Spartan 3 Lite UART TX (Orange)
UART-USB-GND —>Ground to where Spartan 3 Lite Electronics Ground (Black) is grounded

You can use any UART to USB converter you wish, ideally you want one based on the FTDI chipset as they are the most common and most operating systems like Windows and Android already have the driver built in so no additional driver install is required

For instructions on how to send serial commands using the UART to USB converter, read section 7 of The Spartan 3 v2 User Manual, Software and Documentation | 14Point7. That manual is for Spartan 3 and not Spartan 3 Lite but the sections regarding USB communications applies.

3

Question: I am making a USB loom to communicate with the sensor on the bench (off-vehicle). This requires an external power supply. Should the electronics ground to the UART-USB be attached to the power supply ground? Thank you!

4

Yes, both the Spartan 3 lite electronics ground (black wire) and the UART-USB converter ground should be grounded to the same supply ground.

1 Like
5

Thanks. That worked well.

For reference, I used this cable with no issues, if anyone is looking for a cable form factor…

DTECH 3ft USB to TTL Serial Cable…

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D97VR3CY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

6

When installing USB in the car is it possible to use same ground as Heater ground (white wire)? Does this work or should somehow only work when USB use same ground as Electronics ground? I have issue UART-USB led is turned on but communication to Spartan 3 Lite is no go.