#736 CH340 on Apple Silicon
Programming over CH340-based serial interfaces (such as with some versions of the Arduino Nano) from macOS on Apple Silicon
Notes
Apple’s macOS does not come with drivers for the CH340 series of USB-Serial interface chips.
The CH340 is commonly used instead of FTDI chips and drivers. They are produced by 南京沁恒微电子股份有限公司 (Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics Co., Ltd.).
Circuit Design
I am testing with a version of the Arduino Nano that uses the CH340G chip.
Obtaining Drivers
Current drivers are available for Mac, Windows and Linux. Mac download here.
The download includes:
- CH34xVCPDriver.pkg - I think for use with OS X 10.9 to OS X 10.15
- CH34xVCPDriver.dmg - for use in later macOS version (this is the driver I am using)
- CH34X_DRV_INSTAL_INSTRUCTIONS.pdf - installation instructions
Driver Installation
Running CH34xVCPDriver.dmg - drag to Applications to install as usual
run the app from the Applications folder. Grant first-time access
System Extension is initially blocked - go to System Settings
From System Settings, allow the CH34xVCPDriver.app application:
Install is a success!
Programming a CH340G Nano
Plugging in my Nano with hte CH340G interface driver, I see it correctly recognised in the System Report USB tree. The Vendor ID 0x1a86 is the expected value.
Programming the Nano with the AppleSilicon.ino sketch works perfectly:
