FTDI USB bridge selection
FTDI makes USB interfaces for asynchronous serial, synchronous engines and parallel FIFOs. Match the chip, electrical interface and host API to the intended use.
Choose the interface
| Use case | What to check |
|---|---|
| USB to logic-level UART | FT230X provides TX, RX and basic RTS/CTS. FT232RL also exposes classic modem-control signals. Check VCCIO before wiring. |
| Synchronous serial | FT232H includes the MPSSE engine. Select the appropriate mode through the host API before allowing the peripheral to drive shared lines. |
| Host driver | A Virtual COM Port presents a standard serial API. D2XX exposes device configuration and other modes where supported. |
Before bring-up
- Read the full chip marking and match the published package map.
- For a finished adapter, confirm that the connector exposes logic UART or includes an RS-232 or RS-485 transceiver. Match the signal levels at the connector.
Part and package guides
- FT230X package pinouts· SSOP-16 and QFN-16 maps.
- FT232RL pinout· SSOP-28 and a 3.3 V UART example.
- FT232H pinout· Hi-Speed bridge pinout and mode assignments.
Manufacturer documents
- FTDI USB IC datasheets· Manufacturer part and package documentation.
- FTDI driver documentation· Virtual COM Port and D2XX driver capabilities.