This guide explains how to use your Linux or macOS computer as the host controller and an ESP32-S3-based robot driver board as the device, communicating through USB CDC (Communications Device Class).
Once connected, you can send JSON commands, run Python automation scripts, and create your own robot control logic.
📦 GitHub Repository:
https://github.com/EffectsMachine/robot_driver_with_esp32s3_lite
USB CDC (Communications Device Class) allows a microcontroller to appear as a virtual serial port when connected to your computer.
It’s a simple, high-speed, and driver-free way to send data between your PC and the board.
| Advantage | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 🔗 No Converter Needed | Uses native USB—no CH340 or CP210x chips. | Cleaner wiring, lower cost. |
| ⚡ Faster Communication | Direct USB connection (up to 60–65 packets/sec). | Smooth real-time control. |
| 🛡️ Stable & Reliable | Fewer conversion layers = less interference. | Lower failure rate. |
| 🔌 Plug & Play | Automatically recognized on Linux/macOS. | No driver setup required. |
| 💻 Cross-Platform | Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. | Develop anywhere. |
💡 No extra software needed — Linux and macOS include everything required for USB CDC testing.
Connect your robot driver board to your computer using a USB-C cable.
Once powered, your system will detect it as a serial device.
Find the device name using:
ls /dev/ttyACM* /dev/ttyUSB* /dev/tty.usbmodem* /dev/cu.usbmodem*
Example outputs:
/dev/ttyUSB0
or on macOS: