Hello everyone, I want to add the functionallity to my projects to comunicate with a computer through usb port. After a big search(and being completelly new to USB to Serial comunication) i ended up to use the CH340G iCs as they are cheap compared to FT232RL. First of all if anyone knows any better alternative to CH340 please let me know. Furthermore, I could not find any tutorial on how to use them with an ATmega328 so if anyone can post a link or a brief description it would be nice. Thank you all for your time, looking forward for your replies.
My recommendations: Buy an inexpensive Uno or Nano that has CH340G, and use and study it to become familiar. Compare it to an Arduino brand board. See the differences. Study the schematics and component data sheets. Study the history of Arduino regarding the use of the DTR signal from a serial interface going through a 0.1uF capacitor to reset pin of the MCU, to start the bootloader.
Question is: Why are you not using Nano "clones" - which essentially all use CH340s - as a complete ready-built tested and functional assembly?
I’m also interested in alternatives to the CH340. What are the options out there. Let’s stay on topic
Well, OK, my favorite alternative is no USB and no cable at all. I don't like to connect my projects to my computer with a wire. I had a few episodes where connecting my Mac to a CH340G Nano made my Mac screen go black and reboot, and I was horrified because it isn't a cheap computer. I blame the driver, there is something wonky.
If I were selecting something new, my top pick would be: Sparkfun Bluetooth Mate Silver, which is can plug directly onto a Pro Mini. SparkFun Bluetooth Mate Silver - WRL-12576 - SparkFun Electronics
Another choice would be Adafruit Bluefruit EZ-Link - Bluetooth Serial Link & Arduino Programmer, but for some reason they discontinued it.
My ultimate choice that I went with was the ultra-cheap way, HC-05 Bluetooth adapter that I configured myself to plug directly onto a Pro Mini.
I've completely gotten over FTDI gate, so FTDI is the best choice for when I just have to connect with a wire.
http://www.tinyosshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=600
I believe the OP is building his own board or using just a 328 but wants to add usb functionality for programming and serial interface with the PC.
Yes, it is applicable. I build an HC-05 (or a connector for one) into my projects. The MCU is either a bare ATmega328P or a Pro Mini. If I'm just building a programming connector into the project, I follow the pinout of the Pro Mini programming header.
I will add, for those who are interested in making their own boards from scratch: Starting out by buying, using, prototyping with, and studying what others have perfected is good. They offer open-source designs (like Sparkfun's Pro Mini and FTDI Basic and Adafruit's Bluefruit Link) and people often don't realize this is the fastest and easiest way to get going. The schematics are freely available. Just study what designers are using as alternative serial connection or computer interface methods. Adafruit Metro Mini uses the CP2104 for USB-to-serial to program and communicate with the ATmega328P. So, there's another alternative and the schematic is freely available.