The Microchip MCP2200T-I/SO: A Robust USB-to-UART Protocol Converter Bridge

In the realm of embedded systems and IoT device development, establishing a reliable and straightforward communication link between a microcontroller and a host computer is a fundamental requirement. The Microchip MCP2200T-I/SO stands out as a dedicated and highly integrated solution designed to bridge the universal serial bus (USB) and the ubiquitous asynchronous serial (UART) protocol. This powerful little IC effectively translates USB data packets into a simple serial stream, eliminating the complexity of USB protocol implementation on a simple microcontroller and drastically reducing development time.

The MCP2200T-I/SO is more than just a simple protocol converter; it is a comprehensive bridge device with integrated functionalities. At its core, it contains a USB 2.0 full-speed controller that requires minimal external components—only a crystal and bypass capacitors are needed for operation. A key feature is its integrated USB transceiver, which simplifies the design-in process by removing the need for an external physical layer component. Furthermore, it boasts 256 bytes of integrated user EEPROM, useful for storing vendor IDs, product IDs, serial numbers, or other application-specific configuration data.

Beyond data conversion, the MCP2200T-I/SO enhances system control by offering general-purpose input/output (GPIO) capabilities. It provides up to eight configurable GPIO pins, which can be used to control LEDs, read buttons, or manage the status of other peripherals directly from the USB host. Crucially, it also handles the control signal translation for hardware handshaking, emulating the Request to Send (RTS) and Clear to Send (CTS) signals essential for robust serial communication flow control. This makes it an ideal replacement for legacy serial ports (RS-232) in modern computers, providing a seamless and driver-assisted upgrade path to USB connectivity.

Housed in a compact SOIC-20 package, the MCP2200T-I/SO is designed for space-constrained applications. Its industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) ensures reliable performance in demanding environments. Typical applications are vast and include USB-based dongles, industrial control and monitoring systems, consumer electronics, and any project where a microcontroller needs a quick and dependable USB interface without the burden of complex programming.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip MCP2200T-I/SO is an exceptional choice for engineers seeking a low-component-count, highly reliable USB-to-UART bridge. Its integrated features, including EEPROM, GPIO, and hardware flow control support, provide a complete and cost-effective solution for modernizing designs with USB connectivity.

Keywords: USB-to-UART Bridge, Protocol Converter, Hardware Flow Control, GPIO, SOIC Package.