MCP2221A-I/ST

Product Overview

Category

The MCP2221A-I/ST belongs to the category of USB-to-UART/I2C serial converter.

Use

This product is primarily used for bridging communication between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) or UART interface. It enables easy integration of USB connectivity into various electronic devices.

Characteristics

• USB 2.0 compliant
• Supports full-speed USB communication (12 Mbps)
• Provides I2C master/slave functionality
• Offers UART communication at various baud rates
• Supports GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins
• Programmable device address for I2C communication
• Small form factor package for space-constrained applications

Package and Quantity

The MCP2221A-I/ST is available in a small surface-mount package (ST) and is typically sold in reels or tubes containing multiple units.

Specifications

• USB Compliance: USB 2.0
• Communication Speed: Full-Speed (12 Mbps)
• I2C Master/Slave: Yes
• UART Baud Rates: Various options available
• GPIO Pins: Yes
• Programmable Device Address: Yes
• Package Type: Surface Mount (ST)

Pin Configuration

The MCP2221A-I/ST has a total of 20 pins, which are configured as follows:

1. VDD - Power supply voltage
2. GND - Ground reference
3. SCL - Serial Clock line for I2C communication
4. SDA - Serial Data line for I2C communication
5. TXD - Transmit Data line for UART communication
6. RXD - Receive Data line for UART communication
7. GP0 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 0
8. GP1 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 1
9. GP2 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 2
10. GP3 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 3
11. GP4 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 4
12. GP5 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 5
13. GP6 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 6
14. GP7 - General Purpose Input/Output pin 7
15. RESET - Reset pin for the device
16. VSS - Ground reference
17. NC - No connection
18. NC - No connection
19. NC - No connection
20. NC - No connection

Functional Features

The MCP2221A-I/ST offers several functional features, including:

• USB-to-UART/I2C bridging: Enables seamless communication between USB and UART/I2C interfaces.
• I2C Master/Slave functionality: Allows the device to act as an I2C master or slave, facilitating easy integration into I2C-based systems.
• UART Communication: Supports UART communication at various baud rates, enabling serial data transfer between devices.
• GPIO Pins: Provides general-purpose input/output pins for additional functionality and customization.
• Programmable Device Address: Allows the user to set a specific address for the device when operating in I2C mode.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Easy integration of USB connectivity into electronic devices
• Small form factor package suitable for space-constrained applications
• Supports both I2C and UART communication protocols
• Programmable device address enhances flexibility in I2C applications

Disadvantages

• Limited number of GPIO pins available
• Requires additional components for complete system integration

Working Principles

The MCP2221A-I/ST operates by converting USB signals to either UART or I2C protocols. It acts as a bridge between the USB host and the target device, enabling seamless communication between the two interfaces. The device can be configured to operate as an I2C master or slave, allowing for easy integration into existing I2C systems. Similarly, it supports UART communication at various baud rates, facilitating serial data transfer between devices.

Application Field Plans

The MCP2221A-I/ST finds applications in various fields, including but not limited to:

1. Industrial Automation: Enables USB connectivity in industrial control systems, allowing for easy monitoring and control.
2. Consumer Electronics: Facilitates USB-to-UART/I2C communication in consumer electronic devices such as smart home systems, IoT devices, etc.
3. Embedded Systems: Provides a convenient interface for USB communication in embedded systems, enhancing their functionality and connectivity.
4. Test and Measurement Equipment: Allows for USB-based communication with test and measurement devices, simplifying data acquisition and analysis.

Alternative Models

For users seeking alternatives to the MCP2221A-I/ST, the following models provide similar functionality:

1. FT232R - USB-to-UART converter with GPIO pins
2. CP2110 - USB-to-I2C bridge controller