PicoUART6

The PicoUART6 from 8086 provides the hardware side of a 6-port UART to USB (CDC) and I2C bridge to access multiple Raspberry Pi 5 console UART.

It can also be used with other 3.3V boards either following the UART Raspberry Pi 3-pin Debug Connector Specification or using a cable with a 3-pin JST SH compatible connector to 0.1" header for example. The mounting holes and cutouts in the PicoUART6 PCB allow it to be mounted onto a Raspberry Pi using M2.5 standoffs.

An SWD debug port (for debugging the onboard Pico) and STEMMA QT/Qwiic compatible connector for I2C (uses i2c-tiny-usb driver available on Linux) are also provided.

Using the PicoUART6

To use the PicoUART6 you'll first need to solder a Raspberry Pi Pico (not included) onto the PicoUART6 or solder two 20-way 0.1" header sockets to the PicoUART6 and then use a Raspberry Pi Pico H with pre-populated headers.

USB and UART Cables are NOT included

Firmware

To upload the pico-sexa-uart-bridge firmware to the Raspberry Pi Pico.

1. Press and hold the BOOT button whilst plugging a USB cable from the Pico into your computer, then release the BOOT button.
2. After a few seconds an RPI-RP2 drive should appear.
3. Save the latest release .uf2 file onto the RPI-RP2 drive.
4. The RPI-RP2 drive will then disappear and when it connects back to the computer you should see 6 USB Serial ports.

Resources

• Source Code