CP2104-F03-GM USB-to-UART Bridge Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CP2104-F03-GM is a single-channel USB-to-UART bridge IC manufactured by Silicon Labs, designed for applications requiring USB 2.0 protocol conversion to UART serial communication. The device operates across a supply voltage range of 1.8V to 3.6V with a maximum supply current of 17mA and supports operating temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. The part is packaged in a 24-QFN (4x4) form factor with exposed pad.

The CP2104-F03-GM carries a "Not For New Designs" product status, indicating that Silicon Labs has discontinued active development for this model. This status necessitates identification of equivalent substitute parts for new applications or when inventory becomes unavailable. Equivalent substitutes must maintain functional compatibility through matching electrical specifications, protocol support, and mechanical packaging.

Substiute Parts

CP2104-F03-GM

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 1531CP2104-F03-GM Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

CP2105-F01-GM

Silicon LabsIn Stock: 1637CP2105-F01-GM Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

XR21B1421IL24-F

MaxLinear, Inc.In Stock: 18099XR21B1421IL24-F Datasheet

SimilarRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the CP2104-F03-GM is determined by the following critical parameters:

Functional Requirements:

• USB-to-UART bridge functionality
• USB 2.0 protocol compliance
• Single-channel UART interface

Electrical Compatibility:

• Supply voltage range overlap (minimum 3V ~ 3.6V required)
• Supply current within acceptable limits for the application
• Operating temperature range of -40°C ~ 85°C

Mechanical Compatibility:

• 24-QFN (4x4) package form factor
• Pin-compatible footprint (24-pin QFN with exposed pad)

Regulatory Compliance:

• RoHS compliance status
• REACH compliance status

Two substitute parts meet these criteria: the CP2105-F01-GM (parametric equivalent from Silicon Labs) and the XR21B1421IL24-F (similar equivalent from MaxLinear, Inc.).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

CP2105-F01-GM (Parametric Equivalent): The CP2105-F01-GM is the primary substitute for the CP2104-F03-GM. Both parts are manufactured by Silicon Labs and share identical electrical specifications, including supply voltage range (1.8V, 3V ~ 3.6V), supply current (17mA), and operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C). The CP2105-F01-GM maintains the same 24-QFN (4x4) package footprint and carries an Active product status, ensuring long-term availability and continued manufacturer support. Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL rating of 1 (Unlimited), providing equivalent environmental and regulatory compliance.

XR21B1421IL24-F (Similar Equivalent): The XR21B1421IL24-F from MaxLinear, Inc. provides functional equivalence as a USB-to-UART bridge with USB 2.0 compliance and identical operating temperature range. The part operates within the 3V ~ 3.6V supply voltage range (note: does not support the 1.8V minimum of the original part) with lower supply current consumption of 13mA. The 24-QFN (4x4) package footprint is mechanically compatible. The XR21B1421IL24-F carries an Active product status and RoHS compliance. The MSL rating of 2 (1 Year) requires stricter moisture control during storage and handling compared to the original part's MSL 1 rating.

Selection between these substitutes depends on specific application requirements: the CP2105-F01-GM is recommended for direct replacement where electrical specifications must match exactly, while the XR21B1421IL24-F is suitable for applications where the 3V ~ 3.6V supply voltage range is acceptable and lower power consumption is beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the CP2105-F01-GM be used as a direct replacement for the CP2104-F03-GM?

A: Yes. The CP2105-F01-GM is a parametric equivalent with identical electrical specifications (supply voltage, current, temperature range) and package form factor (24-QFN 4x4). Both parts are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating. The primary difference is product status: CP2105-F01-GM is Active, while CP2104-F03-GM is Not For New Designs.

Q: What is the key limitation of the XR21B1421IL24-F as a substitute?

A: The XR21B1421IL24-F does not support the 1.8V minimum supply voltage of the original CP2104-F03-GM. It operates only within the 3V ~ 3.6V range. Applications requiring 1.8V operation must use the CP2105-F01-GM. Additionally, the XR21B1421IL24-F has an MSL rating of 2 (1 Year), requiring more stringent moisture control during storage compared to the original part's MSL 1 (Unlimited).

Q: Are the package footprints identical between all three parts?

A: All three parts use 24-QFN (4x4) package form factor. The CP2104-F03-GM and CP2105-F01-GM both specify 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad, while the XR21B1421IL24-F specifies 24-VFQFN Exposed Pad. Both WFQFN and VFQFN variants are mechanically compatible 24-QFN implementations suitable for the same PCB footprint.

Q: What are the regulatory compliance differences?

A: The CP2104-F03-GM and CP2105-F01-GM are both ROHS3 compliant and REACH Unaffected. The XR21B1421IL24-F is RoHS compliant (standard RoHS, not ROHS3 specific). All three parts meet standard regulatory requirements for electronic components in most applications.

Q: Which substitute offers the lowest power consumption?

A: The XR21B1421IL24-F has the lowest supply current at 13mA, compared to 17mA for both the CP2104-F03-GM and CP2105-F01-GM. This 4mA reduction may be significant in battery-powered or power-constrained applications.