FT232RL Detailed explanation of pin function specifications and circuit principle instructions
The FT232RL is a USB to UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) interface chip designed and manufactured by FTDI (Future Technology Devices International Ltd.). It allows devices without USB support to communicate over a USB port by providing a bridge between the USB interface and UART signals, commonly used in microcontrollers, sensors, and other embedded systems.
Package Type
The FT232RL typically comes in a VQFN-32 package (Very Thin Quad Flat Package) with 32 pins. The exact package and pin configuration may vary, but the VQFN-32 package is common for this model.
Pin Function and Specifications
Here’s a detai LED breakdown of the 32 pins and their functions for the FT232RL. Each pin serves a specific purpose, ranging from USB communication to UART signaling, Power , and configuration:
Pin Number Pin Name Pin Function 1 VCC Power Supply: 5V or 3.3V power input (depending on device requirements) for the FT232RL module . 2 GND Ground: Connect to the ground of the system to complete the circuit. 3 TXD Transmit Data (UART): This pin transmits data from the FT232RL to a connected UART device. 4 RXD Receive Data (UART): This pin receives data from a connected UART device into the FT232RL. 5 RTS Request to Send (UART): This is a flow control signal that tells the UART device when it can send data. 6 CTS Clear to Send (UART): This is a flow control signal that indicates to the FT232RL that it is ready to receive data. 7 DTR Data Terminal Ready (UART): Signals readiness to communicate with the UART device. 8 DSR Data Set Ready (UART): This pin signals whether the connected UART device is ready to communicate. 9 DCD Data Carrier Detect (UART): Indicates whether there is a carrier signal from a UART device. 10 RI Ring Indicator (UART): Used for modem communications to signal an incoming call. 11 VCCIO Voltage Supply for I/O: Power for logic on the pins, typically 3.3V or 5V depending on configuration. 12 MPSSE Multi-Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine: Used for programming and debugging protocols, often used for JTAG and SPI operations. 13 TDI Test Data In (JTAG): Used for JTAG programming/debugging; data input. 14 TDO Test Data Out (JTAG): Used for JTAG programming/debugging; data output. 15 TMS Test Mode Select (JTAG): JTAG pin used to control the operation of the test logic. 16 TCK Test Clock (JTAG): Clock signal for JTAG operations. 17 NTRST Reset (JTAG): Pin used for controlling the reset state in JTAG mode. 18 VBUS USB Bus Voltage: This pin senses the presence of the USB bus voltage and helps the FT232RL determine whether it is connected to USB power. 19 USBDP USB Data Plus: USB differential data signal (positive). 20 USBDM USB Data Minus: USB differential data signal (negative). 21 RESET Reset Pin: This pin resets the FT232RL chip. 22 SUSPEND Suspend Pin: Indicates when the USB device is in suspend mode (low power state). 23 LED LED Indicator: Used for signaling the status of the FT232RL (e.g., data transfer or connection). 24 VCC3.3 3.3V Power Supply: This is an optional power input for systems operating at 3.3V logic levels. 25 VCC5 5V Power Supply: This pin is often used to supply power to devices operating at 5V logic levels. 26 TXDEN Transmitter Enable: Used to enable or disable the TXD pin. 27 DE Driver Enable: Pin used in RS-485 mode to control the transmission direction. 28 SCL Serial Clock Line (I2C): Used in I2C communication protocols to synchronize data transmission. 29 SDA Serial Data Line (I2C): Used to transmit data in I2C communication protocols. 30 VREG Voltage Regulator: Provides regulated voltage for internal operations. 31 VBUS_SENSE USB Voltage Sensing: Used to sense the USB bus power status (high or low). 32 GROUND Ground: Provides the common reference for all signals.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the FT232RL used for? A: The FT232RL is used to convert USB data into UART signals, allowing communication between USB devices and systems with UART interfaces.
Q: What is the package type of the FT232RL? A: The FT232RL typically comes in a VQFN-32 package, meaning it has 32 pins in a very thin quad-flat form factor.
Q: How can I interface the FT232RL with a microcontroller? A: You connect the TXD and RXD pins of the FT232RL to the microcontroller’s RX and TX pins, respectively, and connect power (VCC) and ground (GND).
Q: What voltage levels does the FT232RL support? A: The FT232RL supports both 5V and 3.3V logic levels, depending on the configuration of the VCCIO pin.
Q: How do I power the FT232RL? A: The FT232RL is powered by a 5V or 3.3V supply connected to the VCC and VCCIO pins.
Q: What is the function of the RTS and CTS pins? A: RTS and CTS are used for hardware flow control in UART communication. RTS indicates when data can be sent, and CTS signals when the FT232RL is ready to receive data.
Q: How do I reset the FT232RL? A: You can reset the FT232RL by toggling the RESET pin low and then high.
Q: Can the FT232RL be used for I2C communication? A: Yes, the FT232RL supports I2C communication via the SCL (clock) and SDA (data) pins.
Q: Does the FT232RL support USB 2.0? A: Yes, the FT232RL is fully compatible with USB 2.0 standards.
Q: What is the function of the LED pin? A: The LED pin can be used to indicate the status of the FT232RL, such as data transmission or device connection.
Q: How does the FT232RL handle USB power? A: The FT232RL detects USB power via the VBUS pin and switches to a low power suspend mode when the USB is not in use.
Q: What is the role of the MPSSE interface? A: The Multi-Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (MPSSE) is used for various serial protocols like JTAG, SPI, and I2C, enabling the FT232RL to handle high-speed communication.
Q: Can I use the FT232RL for debugging? A: Yes, the FT232RL can be used for debugging, particularly with JTAG protocols using pins like TDI, TDO, TMS, and TCK.
Q: Is the FT232RL suitable for RS-485 communication? A: Yes, the FT232RL can support RS-485 communication by controlling the DE pin for transmission direction.
Q: What are the maximum data rates for the FT232RL? A: The FT232RL can achieve data rates up to 3 Mbps, depending on the communication conditions.
Q: How do I connect the FT232RL to a USB device? A: The FT232RL interfaces with a USB device via the USBDP and USBDM pins for data transfer, while the VBUS pin detects power availability.
Q: What should I do if my FT232RL is not recognized by my computer? A: Ensure the device is properly powered, the USB drivers are installed, and the USB port is functional.
Q: How do I configure the FT232RL? A: Configuration is done by adjusting the control lines like RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, and other settings for specific protocols.
Q: Can the FT232RL be used with both 3.3V and 5V devices? A: Yes, the FT232RL supports both 3.3V and 5V logic levels depending on the VCCIO setting.
Q: What should I do if the FT232RL doesn’t output data? A: Check the data flow control signals, ensure proper wiring, and verify the FT232RL is powered and correctly configured.
This explanation includes all pin functions and provides the necessary details for working with the FT232RL in various applications.
