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RS232 To TTL Serial Converter

Authors:
Geoffrey Hunter
Geoffrey Hunter
Published On:
Sep 6, 2011
Last Updated:
Sep 6, 2011
  • Start Date: Jan 2011
  • End Date: Feb 2011
  • Status: Completed

These are indispensable when it comes to debugging serial communications (unless you are lucky enough to own an oscilloscope that can decode serial data for you). They are really simple to make as essentially voltage converters that convert RS232 logic levels that computers use (±15V) to ttl logic levels (0 and Vcc) which micro-controllers use. The easiest way to do this is by using a chip such as the MAX232.

Components

  • MAX232 IC
  • 4x 1µF capacitors
  • 1x 10µF capacitor

Hardware

  • Proto-board
  • 1x 3-pin header strip
  • 1x 4-pin header strip
  • Solder
  • Wire

Total Time

About 2 hours…

Images