Suggest good USB host to UART converter to work with ESP WROOM 32

[Guna Shekar G]

Hello, I am working on a project in which I am supposed to convert USB host to UART to communicate the data to NodeMCU. I have tried to use ch376s but unfortunately it's not working as required. So if you know any other USB Host to UART converter module, please do suggest. Thanks in advance.

 

[Pommie]

I guess you need something like, **broken link removed**

Mike.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I always use the FTDI232 (Red) ones, they have been pefectly reliable.

 

[Visitor]

Doesn't a NodeMCU module already have a USB–serial chip on the board? A quick survey suggests that the CP2102 is commonly used, but I think I have some ESP32 modules with a CH340G.

Do you just need the proper driver? Or have I missed the point of the question entirely?

 

[Ian Rogers]

I think he needs to host USB on the micro and talk to a esp via the usb socket.... I dont think the CH376s is supposed to do this... CDC isn't on the list.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

I think he needs to host USB on the micro and talk to a esp via the usb socket.... I dont think the CH376s is supposed to do this... CDC isn't on the list.

I really think he needs to tell us EXACTLY what he's wanting to do, I suspect he's probably going about it in completely the wrong way?.

 

[gophert]

I really think he needs to tell us EXACTLY what he's wanting to do, I suspect he's probably going about it in completely the wrong way?.

No, he doesn't, he already told those of us experienced enough to have an intelligent conversation with him enough to give him a clear answer. If all of the ESP32 modules you've ever worked with have USB converters on-board, you've never enjoyed doing ultra low power applications. The more onboard components on the board, them more power it draws in deep sleep and the less control the designer has.

here is an example. Of USB-free ESP32 WROOM module.

ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4 Espressif Systems | RF/IF and RFID | DigiKey

Order today, ships today. ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4 – Bluetooth, WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth v4.2 +EDR, Class 1, 2 and 3 Transceiver Module 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz Integrated, Trace Surface Mount from Espressif Systems. Pricing and Availability on millions of electronic components from Digi-Key Electronics.

www.digikey.com

To the OP,
I've found anything made by FTDI and sold by a reputable distributor work well. Get the drivers right from ftdi.

TTL-232R-3V3-PCB FTDI, Future Technology Devices International Ltd | Computer Equipment | DigiKey

Order FTDI, Future Technology Devices International Ltd TTL-232R-3V3-PCB (768-1018-ND) at DigiKey. Check stock and pricing, view product specifications, and order online.

www.digikey.com

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

No, he doesn't, he already told those of us experienced enough to have an intelligent conversation with him enough to give him a clear answer. If all of the ESP32 modules you've ever worked with have USB converters on-board, you've never enjoyed doing ultra low power applications. The more onboard components on the board, them more power it draws in deep sleep and the less control the designer has.

I've no idea why you attacking me without reason yet again?, perhaps you'd care to explain what YOU think he's trying to do?, rather than making your usual unwarranted attacks.

I've also never made the slightest suggestion that he's using a board with, or without, onboard USB converters.

I also spend much of my professional life designing and programming low power projects, and as such wouldn't use any permanently powered USB converter.

But as we've no idea if he's wanting low power, you're just making it up as usual.

 

[gophert]

humm...

 

[Guna Shekar G]

I really think he needs to tell us EXACTLY what he's wanting to do, I suspect he's probably going about it in completely the wrong way?.

Hi, I have a sensor which unfortunately doesn't communicate directly via UART, but via USB. That USB of sensor is supposed send data to ESP32 and I need to have a bridge of USB Host-UART to recieve data to ESP WROOM 32 via TX and RX line. For that I need a USB Host to UART converter. I am not able to find one.

 

[Guna Shekar G]

Doesn't a NodeMCU module already have a USB–serial chip on the board? A quick survey suggests that the CP2102 is commonly used, but I think I have some ESP32 modules with a CH340G.

Do you just need the proper driver? Or have I missed the point of the question entirely?

Does CH340G act as USB Host and can act as USB Host to UART bridge? If yes then you have answered my query. Thanks.

 

[Visitor]

No. The CH340G and other UART/USB converters connect to a host device like a computer so the computer can send and receive data from a UART port. Your NodeMCU board (probably) already such a device to download code from a computer.

I don't know if a ESP32 can even act as a USB host. I doubt there are any external devices to do this because it will take a fair bit of processing power to properly interact with any type of USB device that can be plugged in.

You might be better off to look for a different sensor with an interface the ESP can easily handle.

 

[Guna Shekar G]

No. The CH340G and other UART/USB converters connect to a host device like a computer so the computer can send and receive data from a UART port. Your NodeMCU board (probably) already such a device to download code from a computer.

I don't know if a ESP32 can even act as a USB host. I doubt there are any external devices to do this because it will take a fair bit of processing power to properly interact with any type of USB device that can be plugged in.

You might be better off to look for a different sensor with an interface the ESP can easily handle.

Thank you

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

You might have a look here:

Plug Any USB Device on an ESP8266

Did you know you could plug USB devices on an Arduino or ESP? Keyboard, mouse, game controller, Midi controller, you name it! By µsini (Rémi Sarrailh) and labsud.

www.hackster.io

See if it helps at all. Although if the sensor relies greatly on a driver running on a PC, you still might be stuffed.

The 'better' solution of course would be to use a more micro friendly sensor.