STMicroelectronics STEVAL-PCC018V1

Overview

STEVAL-PCC018V1 from STMicroelectronics is a compact (17 mm × 42 mm), RoHS-compliant USB-to-UART bridge evaluation board based on the Silicon Labs CP2102 IC, providing bidirectional serial communication between USB hosts and UART-enabled microcontrollers or peripherals, powered solely via USB bus, with integrated 3.3 V voltage regulation and power LED indication.

For engineers reviewing the STEVAL-PCC018V1 datasheet, STEVAL-PCC018V1 pinout, STEVAL-PCC018V1 application, or STEVAL-PCC018V1 equivalent, this board supports rapid integration of USB connectivity into embedded prototyping, firmware debugging, and legacy serial device modernization-especially where space-constrained, self-powered UART bridging is required without external regulators or level shifters.

Technical Context

The board implements a complete USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps) to UART interface using the CP2102's built-in USB transceiver, UART controller, and EEPROM-configurable parameters (baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits). It includes an LD29080DT33R low-dropout regulator delivering stable 3.3 V from USB 5 V input.

Signal integrity is enhanced by USB line filtering (USBUF01W6 ESD protection diodes), dedicated RTS/CTS hardware flow control headers (JP2, JP3), and clearly labeled TX/RX strip headers compatible with 2.54 mm pitch connectors-enabling direct connection to target boards without wiring ambiguity.

Key Specifications

Availability

STEVAL-PCC018V1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for embedded prototyping, firmware development, and industrial serial gateway validation requiring stable component supply, quick-turn evaluation, and USB host interoperability testing.

Supply support for STEVAL-PCC018V1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog/mixed-signal devices for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

This board belongs to ST's STEVAL (ST Evaluation) series-engineered specifically to accelerate customer evaluation of interface solutions, reduce time-to-test for third-party bridge ICs like the CP2102, and provide reference schematics and layout practices for USB-to-serial integration.

FAQ

Does STEVAL-PCC018V1 require external power or drivers?

No. The board draws all operating power from the USB port (5 V), and the CP2102 uses standard CDC ACM class drivers included in Windows, Linux, and macOS-no proprietary driver installation is needed. The LD29080 regulator ensures clean 3.3 V for UART logic levels.

Can STEVAL-PCC018V1 support custom baud rates or UART configurations?

Yes. The CP2102's internal EEPROM allows configuration of baud rate, data bits (5–8), parity (none, odd, even, mark, space), and stop bits (1, 1.5, 2) via Silicon Labs' CP210x Programming Utility-settings persist across USB replug events.

What is the role of the USBUF01W6 and LD29080DT33R on this board?

The USBUF01W6 provides bidirectional ESD protection on USB D+ and D− lines per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. The LD29080DT33R is a 3.3 V, 800 mA LDO regulator converting USB 5 V to stable 3.3 V for the CP2102 and connected UART peripherals-ensuring noise-immune logic signaling.

Is hardware flow control (RTS/CTS) implemented and accessible?

Yes. RTS and CTS signals are routed to separate 2-pin headers (JP2 and JP3) with clear silkscreen labeling. These pins connect directly to target UART peripherals supporting hardware handshaking-enabling reliable high-speed or burst-mode serial transfers without data loss.