2.3.1 Description

UART is a serial communication protocol supported by SAM-BA® for programming and communicating with a target device. It is typically used when USB is unavailable.

Programming: transfer firmware to the MPU via a serial (UART) connection using SAM-BA.

Device Detection: When a character is received, the ROM code selects the UART interface to enable communication between the SAM-BA Monitor and the host application.
Warning: The USB cable must NOT be connected to the board for UART/RS232 use, as the USB interface will be chosen by default. This is a common issue on boards such as the SAMA5D2-Xplained.

To establish a UART connection with SAM-BA on the host computer, you need an FTDI FT232RL or USB-to-UART adapter, along with a connector or flying wires, to connect the TX, RX and GND pins of the target device with the computer USB port. Follow these steps:

  1. Connect the adapter to your PC and wire its TX, RX and GND lines to the corresponding UART pins on the target device.
  2. If required, install the appropriate USB-to-UART drivers, such as the FTDI or Silicon Labs CP210x drivers.
  3. Once the hardware is connected and the drivers are installed, ensure the target device enters the SAM-BA Monitor to enable communication with the host SAM-BA application via the UART interface.