A Versatile Module
There are many USB to TTL converter modules on the market, however, my personal preference is for FTDI units. I use these modules in many of my own projects so having an FTDI module on hand when prototyping is always convenient.
This particular module is especially convenient as it is breadboard friendly. It may be inserted into a breadboard directly or connected using Dupont jumper wires. Unlike some other modules this Mini USB to TTL FTDI232RL Serial Adapter Module provides more than simply TX/RX pins. The DTR pin makes it particularly convenient for working with bootloaders such as in the Arduino. Accessing the additional pins along the sides of the PCB is easy thanks to the silk screen which clearly identifies each pin and jumper position. The 0.1" (2.45mm) pin spacing makes it easy to solder the module to a PCB or stripboard should a more permanent solution be required.
The FTDI232RL device will typically appear as a COM port under Windows 7,8, and 10. If writing your own host software no special API or SDK is required. You may use any programming language which provides access to the serial ports. If writing your own firmware the microcontroller will communicate with the host via the USB bridge using its own UART. No USB stack is required.
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