Summary of CH340E, A NEW SMALL SERIAL TO USB CHIP
WCH's new CH340E is a compact serial-to-USB chip that eliminates the need for an external crystal, reducing PCB space and BOM costs despite a slightly higher unit price. It operates up to 2Mbps, supports multiple voltage levels, and uses standard drivers compatible with existing CH340 family software.
Parts used in the CH340E Project:
- CH340E Chip
- External Level Conversion Device
- ESP8266 Chip (for testing)
WCH, a Chinese integrated circuits manufacturer, has just released a new serial to USB chip called CH340E. Unlike other CH340 chips, it doesn’t require an external crystal and also needs less PCB space and BOM.
CH340 is a 3x3mm tiny chip comes in MSOP10 package and has 10 pins. Although it is smaller than other alternatives, it is a little more expensive than them. But considering other components and PCB size needed, the total cost of the BOM may be lower.
According to Electrodragon, it needs only two external parts to build a full function circuit. They also tested it with up to 150,000 baud rate to flash an ESP8266 chip. Most features and technical specifications are the some for CH340 family including CH340E, so the same drivers will work with it.
CH340E features
- Full-speed USB device interface, compatible with USB V2.0.
- Emulation standard serial port used to upgrade the original serial peripherals or add additional serial port via USB.
- Computer applications under the Windows operating system serial port are fully compatible, without modification.
- Hardware full duplex serial port, built-in send and receive buffer, support communication baud rate 50bps ~ 2Mbps.
- Support common MODEM contact signal RTS, DTR, DCD, RI, DSR, CTS.
- Through the additional level conversion device, providing RS232, RS485, RS422 and other interfaces.
- Software compatible CH341, CH341 driver can be used directly.
- Support 5V supply voltage and 3.3V supply voltage or even 3V supply voltage.
- Built-in clock, no external crystal.
- Available in SOP-16 and SSOP-20 and MSOP-10 lead – free packages, RoHS compliant.
Read More: CH340E, A NEW SMALL SERIAL TO USB CHIP
- Does the CH340E require an external crystal?
No, it has a built-in clock and does not require an external crystal. - What is the maximum baud rate supported by the CH340E?
The chip supports communication baud rates from 50bps up to 2Mbps. - How many external parts are needed to build a full function circuit?
Only two external parts are required to build a full function circuit. - Can I use the same drivers as the CH340 or CH341?
Yes, the same drivers work because it is software compatible with the CH341 family. - What supply voltages does the CH340E support?
It supports 5V, 3.3V, and even 3V supply voltages. - Is the CH340E compatible with Windows operating systems?
Yes, computer applications under Windows are fully compatible without modification. - What package types are available for the CH340E?
It is available in SOP-16, SSOP-20, and MSOP-10 lead-free packages. - Can the CH340E provide RS232 or RS485 interfaces?
Yes, through an additional level conversion device, it provides RS232, RS485, and RS422 interfaces.
