Silicon Labs' new USBXpress controller simplifies USB connectivity for embedded designs

     Silicon Labs announced the launch of the CP2102N USB Bridge, the latest member of the USBXpress bridging device family, with a smaller size and lower power consumption that makes it easier and faster to add universal Serial bus (USB) connectivity to new or original embedded designs. Silicon Labs' new CP2102N USB controller eliminates complex, time-consuming firmware development and delivers more advanced functionality in a tiny 3mm x 3mm QFN package. The CP2102N bridge simplifies USB-to-UART connectivity and accelerates time-to-market for portable, power-sensitive and space-constrained applications such as USB adapters, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, data loggers, game controllers and personal medical devices.

     With the rapid adoption of USB in embedded design, developers are looking for a faster and more cost-effective way to add USB connectivity to their applications. Silicon Labs' highly integrated CP2102N USB-to-UART bridge provides a simple, straightforward replacement solution for adding USB to new designs, and also enables upgrading existing RS-232 designs to USB with minimal device number and PCB area. Silicon Labs' proven architecture eliminates expensive off-chip crystals and reduces resistors and other devices, and Silicon Labs' fixed function Bridges integrate a USB 2.0 full speed controller and UART interface into a single chip solution, greatly reducing bill of Materials (BOM) costs in space-constrained applications.

     The CP2102N bridge is one of Silicon Labs' lowest power USB connectivity solutions, providing the technology. Low operating current of 10mA, which extends battery life for power-sensitive applications. Advanced features such as integrated remote wake-up and USB battery charge detection allow the device itself to wake up a suspended host and detect the type of charger connected to the system, further reducing BOM costs.

     The CP2102N bridge eliminates the need for USB protocol expertise or time-consuming firmware and driver development, allowing developers to focus more time and resources on the design of their end applications. CP2102N is compatible with Silicon Labs' existing CP210x USB device pins and software, so customers can easily migrate to the latest USB-to-UART bridging technology. These fixed function devices are ideal for applications where USB connectivity is required for embedded designs with minimal development effort, or where upgrading to USB is required from traditional serial interfaces such as UART.

     Tom Pannell, Director of MCU product Marketing at Silicon Labs, said: "USB has become the interface of choice for countless embedded applications, yet from a developer's perspective, USB is a complex protocol that requires considerable firmware expertise and development effort. "Silicon Labs' latest USBXpress bridge provides a highly integrated, turnkey solution for adding USB to new embedded designs or upgrading existing designs to USB, especially for portable applications where space, power and battery life are limited."

     Silicon Labs is a leading provider of USB connectivity solutions, offering a broad and flexible USB offering, including fixed-function devices and general-purpose 8-bit and 32-bit MCUS that include on-chip USB controllers.