PuTTY

PuTTY running under Windows

PuTTY as a Serial Terminal

PuTTY is a free and open-source terminal emulator developed by Simon Tatham. While widely known for SSH and Telnet capabilities, it also functions effectively as a serial console, making it invaluable for interfacing with embedded systems, routers, and microcontrollers via UART.

Establishing a Serial Connection

To connect to a device via serial using PuTTY:

1. Identify the Serial Port:
   • On Windows: Check the assigned COM port via Device Manager under "Ports (COM & LPT)".
   • On Linux/macOS: Use ls /dev/tty* to identify the appropriate device (e.g., /dev/ttyUSB0).
2. Launch PuTTY:
   • Open the PuTTY application.
3. Configure Connection Settings:
   • Under the "Session" category:
     • Connection type: Select Serial.
     • Serial line: Enter the appropriate port (e.g., COM3 or /dev/ttyUSB0).
     • Speed: Set the baud rate (e.g., 115200).
4. Set Serial Parameters:
   • Navigate to "Connection" → "Serial":
     • Data bits: Typically 8.
     • Stop bits: Typically 1.
     • Parity: Usually None.
     • Flow control: Often set to None.
5. Initiate Connection:
   • Click Open to start the session.

Session Logging

To record session output:

1. During an active session, right-click on the PuTTY window title bar and select Change Settings.
2. Navigate to "Session" → "Logging".
3. Choose All session output.
4. Specify a log file location and name.
5. Click Apply to start logging.

Best Practices

• Connect Ground First: Always establish a common ground between devices before connecting TX/RX lines.
• Cross TX/RX Lines: Connect the adapter's TX to the device's RX, and vice versa.
• Verify Voltage Levels: Ensure compatibility between the adapter's logic level and the target device to prevent damage.
• Avoid Backfeeding Power: If the target device is self-powered, do not connect the adapter's VCC line.

Features

• 🖥️ Cross-platform: Available mainly for Windows, can also be used under Linux, and macOS.
• 🔌 Serial Communication: Supports direct connections to serial ports.
• 🛠️ Customizable Settings: Configurable baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits, and flow control.
• 📄 Session Logging: Ability to log session output for debugging purposes.
• 💾 Session Management: Save and load session profiles for repeated use.

External Resources

• Official PuTTY Website
• PuTTY User Manual
• Video Tutorial: Using PuTTY for Serial Communication