Install driver

We need to install the serial port driver as the board is connected to the computer through the USB to serial converter. Install the driver according to the board's USB to serial port chip model.

In you are using Linux or Mac and you don't want to use sudo every time, add yourself to the dialout users group with the following command: sudo usermod -a -G dialout $(whoami)

1.1. For Dan Dock or Maix Bit

The CH340 chip is being used, Linux does not need to install the driver as the system already comes with it. Execute ls /dev/ttyUSB* to check if the device is found. If using Windows, search and download the drivers on the Internet, then open Device manager and look if the serial port is listed.

1.2. For Maix Go

An STM32 is being used to implement the serial port and the JTAG functionality.

By default, this STM32 chip is running a build of the open-ec firmware. If everything is right, one or two serial ports will appear. In linux the following two serial ports will appear: /dev/ttyUSB0 and /dev/ttyUSB1. Please use /dev/ttyUSB1 when downloading and accessing the serial port. Windows is similar.

If you need to re-burn this firmware, you can download it from GitHub or open-ec firmware, then use the STM32's SW pins (GND, SWDIO, SWCLK) from the ST-LINK connection board for programming. (The STM32 on the current version of the Go board does not support serial port burning. It can only be burned using ST-LINK. Please purchase it if you need it, or use a board with IO simulation such as the Raspberry Pi))

Currently, open-ec cannot simulate JTAG to debug the board. Use CMSIS-DAP to do so. You can download it from the official website and then burn it using an ST-LINK. Afterwards, /dev/ttyACM0 will appear under linux.

ST-LINK has a very complete description of the burning method of STM32, please search for yourself.

Please note that updating the firmware of STM32 is not the same as updating the MaixPy firmware. Generally, you do not need to update the firmware of STM32. The default is enough. STM32 is just a USB to serial port tool! Do not be confused.

1.3. For the new Maixduino and Maix Bit versions that come with a microphone (using a CH552 chip)

For the boards with a CH552 chip, to get the USB serial port, FT2232 drivers need to be installed. Search yourself for FT2232 drivers. In those boards, the JTAG function is not available.