This project contains Mini-HAT with USB-to-UART converter connected to pin header of Raspberry Pi and USB connector. You can use it for connecting to the UART serial console from your computer. HAT is based on Silicon Labs CP2102 USB-to-UART converter.

For enabling serial console using UART on GPIO pins you need to add following line to the /boot/config.txt file on Raspberry Pi.

enable_uart=1

Then reboot your Raspberry Pi and plug shield to the Raspberry Pi. Next step is connecting to the shield using USB cable to the HAT. HAT is designed with USB mini B connector.

After connecting you need to find number of COM port. Open device manager by pressing Win + Paus break, then click Device Manager in right pane and in device manager expand COM Ports section. In the list you can see number of COM device. It is COM13 in my case:

Now you can use your favourite serial terminal program. In putty select Serial connection type, set serial line to COMx where x is number from Device Manager, change baudrate to 115200 which is defailt and press Open.

After oepning terminal, press enter and you can login now:

BOM

For making this project, you need one Silicon Labs CP2102 chip in QFN28 package, two 100 nF capacitors in 0603 package, one 1uF capacitor in 0603 package, one 4.7k resistor in 0603 package, one LED in 0603 package (optional), one resistor for LED with value about 4.7k in 0603 package (optional), one 2x5 pinheader socket witch standard 2.54mm pitch and one USB mini B connector.

PCB you can order directly at PCBWay. I recommend ordering stencil for easier soldering of CP2102 chip with hot air.