wiring uart logic

UART: TX, RX and a shared reference

Connect a logic-level serial adapter to a compatible board console.

Applies to: Non-isolated, compatible logic-level UART. TX/RX labels are from each device's own perspective; no universal header order is implied.

When to use it

Reading development-board logs or sending simple commands over a short local connection.

Why it works this way

UART needs no separate clock wire, but both ends must agree on baud rate and framing.

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Connection reference

Adapter	Target	Purpose
TX	RX	Send data
RX	TX	Receive data
GND	GND	Common reference

Make the connection

1. Confirm the target's I/O voltage and the adapter's actual TX level; a supply-voltage jumper may not change TX voltage.
2. Wire with power off, then select the documented baud, data bits, parity and stop bits.
3. Start by reading logs; garbled text often indicates framing, voltage or grounding trouble.

Check before powering

• Do not connect two TX outputs together.
• RS-232 voltage levels require a transceiver; a USB connector alone does not identify an adapter's electrical interface.

Matching module references

This is a general interface guide; match your own hardware documentation.

Sources & review

Source documents inspected; independent electrical and bench review pending. Reviewed 2026-09-27.

• Analog Devices: UART communication — Hardware interface, baud rate and data framing; checked 2026-09-27
• Analog Devices: RS-232 fundamentals — DTE / DCE and RS-232 electrical interface; checked 2026-09-27

Original writing and diagram by Kal / Valleytech Solutions, CC BY 4.0. Manufacturer artwork and documentation retain their own rights.

CC BY 4.0 · SHA-256: e0b314edb092a27b6f3aaf22efd15f30637cd7c8c2cd2e28d1fbd62b09670ab9

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