You can download the CP2102 USB to UART Bridge driver for your computer for free. This driver is useful for people working with various devices, such as those involved in mobile repair, embedded systems, and Arduino projects. The main function of this USB driver is to connect the device and the computer.
| File | FT232R USB UART |
| Supports | Windows (32bit/64bit) |
| Version | FT232R 2.12.36.20 X86 |
What is the CP2102 USB to UART Bridge?
The CP2102 is actually a USB-to-UART bridge chip manufactured by Silicon Labs. Its main function is to facilitate data transfer between the USB port and the UART (Serial) interface. This means it helps your device and computer communicate with each other.
In simple terms:
- Computer: Understands USB
- Microcontroller: Understands UART (TX/RX)
- CP2102: Acts as a bridge between the two
When you connect an Arduino Clone, NodeMCU, ESP board, GSM module, or any serial device via USB, the computer doesn’t understand it directly. Therefore, the CP2102 driver tells the computer, “This is a serial device; use it as a COM port.”
Why is the CP2102 driver needed?
Many people think that simply plugging in a USB cable connects the device. However, without a USB driver, Windows cannot recognize the device. Therefore, you need to install the appropriate USB driver for your device.
The CP2102 USB to UART driver is needed for the following tasks:
- Flashing ESP8266 / ESP32 boards
- Programming Arduino clone boards
- Reading data from GSM / GPS modules
- For UART communication in mobile flashing tools
- Accessing the Raspberry Pi Serial Console