Arduino Ch340 Driver Linux

Manfrys

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Jun 14, 2024

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Arduino CH340 Driver for Linux

The CH340 is a USB to serial converter chip commonly found on various Arduino boards like the Uno, Nano, and Pro Mini. While these boards are generally plug-and-play on Windows, they require a driver to be installed on Linux systems.

Installing the CH340 Driver on Linux

Here's a comprehensive guide for installing the CH340 driver on different Linux distributions:

1. Identifying the Driver Version:

• Check your Arduino board model: Different models might use different versions of the CH340 chip.
• Research the specific driver for your board: You can find the driver name and download link on the Arduino website, vendor's website, or through community forums.

2. Downloading the Driver:

• Locate the driver package: It will usually be a .tar.gz file or a .zip file.
• Download the driver: Ensure the downloaded file is from a reliable source.

3. Extracting the Driver:

• Open a terminal: In most Linux distributions, you can access the terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
• Navigate to the download directory: Use the cd command to move to the directory where you saved the driver file.
• Extract the driver: Use the tar command for .tar.gz files or unzip for .zip files. For example:

tar -xvf ch340g_linux.tar.gz

4. Installing the Driver:

• Go to the extracted directory: Use the cd command to move to the extracted driver directory.
• Run the installation script: This script usually is named install.sh or make. Run it with the sudo command to gain root access:

sudo ./install.sh 

• Follow any on-screen instructions: The installation process might require you to answer some questions or provide your password.

5. Verifying Installation:

• Plug in your Arduino board: Once the driver is installed, connect your board to your computer.
• Check for new devices: The system should automatically recognize the board and create a new device file under /dev/.
• List available devices: Run the command ls /dev/tty* to see the list of available devices. The new device file will typically have a name like /dev/ttyACM0 or /dev/ttyUSB0.

6. Using the Device:

• Use the device file: You can now use the newly created device file with applications like the Arduino IDE or other serial communication tools.

Note: The installation process and driver names might vary depending on the Linux distribution and the specific CH340 driver version. If you encounter any issues, consult the driver documentation or search for help on community forums.

Additional Information:

• Kernel Support: Newer Linux kernels might have built-in support for the CH340 chip, eliminating the need for manual installation.
• Alternatives: If you're unable to find a driver for your specific board or version, you can explore alternative USB to serial converters or try using the cp210x driver, which often works with CH340 chips as well.

By following these steps, you can successfully install the CH340 driver on your Linux system and connect your Arduino board for programming and communication.