Overview
The FT232RL, produced by FTDI (Future Technology Devices International Ltd), is a versatile USB to serial UART interface Integrated Circuit (IC). This device simplifies USB to serial designs by integrating essential components such as the external EEPROM, clock circuit, and USB resistors onto the chip. The FT232RL features a unique FTDIChip-ID™ security dongle and an internally generated clock output, making it a robust solution for various application areas.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Package Type | 28-SSOP (0.209, 5.30mm Width), QFN-32 |
| Number of Pins | 28 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3V to 5.25V |
| Data Transfer Rates | 300 baud to 3 Megabaud (RS422 / RS485 and at TTL levels), 300 baud to 1 Megabaud (RS232) |
| USB Compatibility | USB 2.0 Full Speed, UHCI / OHCI / EHCI host controller compatible |
| Buffer Size | 256 Byte receive buffer, 128 Byte transmit buffer |
| Clock Output | 6MHz, 12MHz, 24MHz, and 48MHz |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes |
Key Features
- Single chip USB to asynchronous serial data transfer interface
- Entire USB protocol handled on the chip – No USB-specific firmware programming required
- UART interface support for 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits and odd / even / mark / space / no parity
- Fully assisted hardware or X-On / X-Off software handshaking
- In-built support for event characters and line break condition
- New USB FTDIChip-ID™ feature for security dongle applications
- Configurable CBUS I/O pins and CBUS bit bang mode option
- Auto transmit buffer control for RS485 applications
- Transmit and receive LED drive signals
- FIFO receive and transmit buffers for high data throughput
- Integrated 1024 bit internal EEPROM for I/O configuration and storing USB VID, PID, serial number, and product description strings
- Support for USB suspend / resume and various power configurations (bus powered, self powered, high-power bus powered)
- Integrated 3.3V level converter for USB I/O and level converter on UART and CBUS for interfacing to 5V – 1.8V Logic
Applications
- USB to RS232 / RS422 / RS485 Converters
- Upgrading Legacy Peripherals to USB
- Cellular and Cordless Phone USB data transfer cables and interfaces
- Interfacing MCU / PLD / FPGA based designs to USB
- USB Audio and Low Bandwidth Video data transfer
- PDA to USB data transfer
- USB Smart Card Readers
- USB Instrumentation
- USB Industrial Control
- USB MP3 Player Interface
- USB FLASH Card Reader / Writers
- Set Top Box PC – USB interface
- USB Digital Camera Interface
- USB Hardware Modems
- USB Wireless Modems
- USB Bar Code Readers
- USB Software / Hardware Encryption Dongles
Q & A
- What is the primary function of the FT232RL IC?
The FT232RL is a single chip USB to asynchronous serial data transfer interface IC.
- What are the supported data transfer rates for the FT232RL?
The FT232RL supports data transfer rates from 300 baud to 3 Megabaud (RS422 / RS485 and at TTL levels) and 300 baud to 1 Megabaud (RS232).
- Does the FT232RL require USB-specific firmware programming?
No, the entire USB protocol is handled on the chip, eliminating the need for USB-specific firmware programming.
- What is the FTDIChip-ID™ feature?
The FTDIChip-ID™ is a unique number burnt into the device during manufacture, forming the basis of a security dongle to protect customer application software from being copied.
- What are the available package types for the FT232RL?
The FT232RL is available in 28-Lead SSOP and QFN-32 packages.
- Is the FT232RL RoHS compliant?
Yes, the FT232RL is RoHS compliant.
- What are the operating temperature ranges for the FT232RL?
The operating temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.
- Does the FT232RL support USB suspend and resume?
Yes, the FT232RL supports USB suspend and resume.
- What types of power configurations does the FT232RL support?
The FT232RL supports bus powered, self powered, and high-power bus powered USB configurations.
- What is the purpose of the integrated 1024 bit internal EEPROM in the FT232RL?
The integrated 1024 bit internal EEPROM is used for I/O configuration and storing USB VID, PID, serial number, and product description strings.
