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Component Documentation

How to Use FT232RQ: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

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Design with FT232RQ in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The FT232RQ is a USB to serial converter chip designed to facilitate communication between USB devices and serial devices. It is widely used in microcontroller projects for programming, debugging, and data transfer. This versatile chip simplifies the process of interfacing modern USB ports with legacy serial communication protocols, such as UART.

Explore Projects Built with FT232RQ

FTDI to UART Adapter with J26 Connector

Image of J26 CLOSEUP: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

This circuit connects an FTDI USB-to-serial converter to a standard serial interface via a J26 connector. It facilitates serial communication by linking the ground, transmit, receive, data terminal ready, and request to send signals between the FTDI chip and the J26 connector.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

STM32F103C8T6-Based Water Level Monitoring and Communication System with SIM900A and LoRa Connectivity

Image of water level: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

This circuit features a microcontroller (STM32F103C8T6) interfaced with a SIM900A GSM module, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, a water level sensor, and a LoRa Ra-02 SX1278 module for long-range communication. The STM32F103C8T6 is configured to communicate with the GSM module and LoRa module via serial connections, and it reads data from the ultrasonic and water level sensors. An FTDI Programmer is connected for programming and serial communication with the microcontroller.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

ESP32-Based RF Communication System with 433 MHz Modules

Image of 433 mhz: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

This circuit comprises an ESP32 microcontroller connected to a 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver pair. The ESP32 is programmed to receive and decode RF signals through the receiver module, as well as send RF signals via the transmitter module. Additionally, the ESP32 can communicate with a Bluetooth device to exchange commands and data, and it uses an LED for status indication.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino UNO and MAX 3232 Module Controlled NE-1000 Pump System

Image of NE-1000 RS232: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

This circuit features an Arduino UNO microcontroller interfaced with a MAX 3232 module for serial communication. The Arduino provides power and ground to the MAX 3232, and the two devices communicate via the TxD and RxD pins. The setup is likely intended for serial data transmission between the Arduino and another device.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with FT232RQ

Image of J26 CLOSEUP: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

FTDI to UART Adapter with J26 Connector

This circuit connects an FTDI USB-to-serial converter to a standard serial interface via a J26 connector. It facilitates serial communication by linking the ground, transmit, receive, data terminal ready, and request to send signals between the FTDI chip and the J26 connector.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of water level: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

STM32F103C8T6-Based Water Level Monitoring and Communication System with SIM900A and LoRa Connectivity

This circuit features a microcontroller (STM32F103C8T6) interfaced with a SIM900A GSM module, an HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, a water level sensor, and a LoRa Ra-02 SX1278 module for long-range communication. The STM32F103C8T6 is configured to communicate with the GSM module and LoRa module via serial connections, and it reads data from the ultrasonic and water level sensors. An FTDI Programmer is connected for programming and serial communication with the microcontroller.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of 433 mhz: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

ESP32-Based RF Communication System with 433 MHz Modules

This circuit comprises an ESP32 microcontroller connected to a 433 MHz RF transmitter and receiver pair. The ESP32 is programmed to receive and decode RF signals through the receiver module, as well as send RF signals via the transmitter module. Additionally, the ESP32 can communicate with a Bluetooth device to exchange commands and data, and it uses an LED for status indication.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Image of NE-1000 RS232: A project utilizing FT232RQ in a practical application

Arduino UNO and MAX 3232 Module Controlled NE-1000 Pump System

This circuit features an Arduino UNO microcontroller interfaced with a MAX 3232 module for serial communication. The Arduino provides power and ground to the MAX 3232, and the two devices communicate via the TxD and RxD pins. The setup is likely intended for serial data transmission between the Arduino and another device.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

Programming microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, PIC, AVR)
USB-to-serial adapters for legacy devices
Debugging and monitoring serial communication
Data logging and transfer between USB and serial devices
Embedded systems requiring USB connectivity

Technical Specifications

The FT232RQ is a highly integrated chip with robust features for USB-to-serial communication. Below are its key technical specifications:

Key Technical Details

USB Protocol: USB 2.0 Full Speed (12 Mbps)
Serial Protocols Supported: UART, RS232, RS422, RS485
Operating Voltage: 3.3V (core) and 5V (I/O tolerant)
Data Transfer Rate: Up to 3 Mbps (RS232) or 12 Mbps (RS422/RS485)
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
Package Type: QFN-32 (5mm x 5mm)
Integrated Features: Internal clock, EEPROM interface, and voltage regulator
Driver Support: Windows, macOS, Linux

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

The FT232RQ comes in a 32-pin QFN package. Below is the pin configuration and description:

Pin Number	Pin Name	Description
1	VCC	3.3V power supply input for the core.
2	GND	Ground connection.
3	TXD	Transmit data (UART output).
4	RXD	Receive data (UART input).
5	RTS#	Request to send (active low).
6	CTS#	Clear to send (active low).
7	DTR#	Data terminal ready (active low).
8	DSR#	Data set ready (active low).
9	DCD#	Data carrier detect (active low).
10	RI#	Ring indicator (active low).
11	RESET#	Reset input (active low).
12	3V3OUT	3.3V regulated output (can power external circuits).
13	USB_DM	USB data minus signal.
14	USB_DP	USB data plus signal.
15	TEST	Test pin (leave unconnected in normal operation).
16	EECS	EEPROM chip select.
17	EESK	EEPROM clock.
18	EEDATA	EEPROM data I/O.
19	CBUS0	Configurable I/O pin 0.
20	CBUS1	Configurable I/O pin 1.
21	CBUS2	Configurable I/O pin 2.
22	CBUS3	Configurable I/O pin 3.
23	CBUS4	Configurable I/O pin 4.
24	PWREN#	Power enable signal (active low).
25	SUSPEND#	Suspend status output (active low).
26	SUSPEND	Suspend status output.
27	CLKOUT	12 MHz clock output.
28	VCCIO	I/O voltage supply (3.3V or 5V).
29	GND	Ground connection.
30	AGND	Analog ground connection.
31	VPLL	PLL supply voltage (3.3V).
32	NC	No connection.

Usage Instructions

How to Use the FT232RQ in a Circuit

Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V power source and GND to ground. Ensure the VCCIO pin matches the voltage level of your I/O devices (3.3V or 5V).
USB Connection: Connect USB_DM and USB_DP to the USB data lines. Use a USB connector for easy interfacing.
UART Connection: Connect the TXD and RXD pins to the corresponding RX and TX pins of your microcontroller or serial device.
Optional Pins: Use RTS#, CTS#, DTR#, and other control pins as needed for hardware flow control.
EEPROM: If required, connect an external EEPROM to the EECS, EESK, and EEDATA pins for custom configurations.
Driver Installation: Install the appropriate FTDI drivers on your computer to enable communication with the FT232RQ.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF) near the VCC and VCCIO pins to stabilize the power supply.
Ensure proper grounding to minimize noise and interference.
Avoid leaving unused pins floating; tie them to ground or VCC as specified in the datasheet.
Use a USB cable with proper shielding to reduce EMI.
For higher data rates, ensure the PCB layout minimizes trace lengths and avoids crosstalk.

Example: Connecting FT232RQ to Arduino UNO

The FT232RQ can be used to program or communicate with an Arduino UNO. Below is an example Arduino sketch for serial communication:

// Example: Serial communication using FT232RQ and Arduino UNO
// This sketch sends "Hello, World!" to the serial monitor every second.

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 baud
}

void loop() {
  Serial.println("Hello, World!"); // Send message to serial monitor
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

FT232RQ Not Detected by Computer
- Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and functional.
- Verify that the FTDI drivers are installed on your computer.
- Check the power supply to the FT232RQ.
No Data Transmission
- Confirm the TXD and RXD connections are correct.
- Check the baud rate settings on both the FT232RQ and the connected device.
- Ensure the VCCIO voltage matches the logic level of the connected device.
Overheating
- Verify that the power supply voltage does not exceed the specified limits.
- Check for short circuits or excessive current draw in the circuit.
EEPROM Configuration Issues
- Ensure the EEPROM is correctly connected to the EECS, EESK, and EEDATA pins.
- Use FTDI's FT_PROG utility to configure the EEPROM.

FAQs

Q: Can the FT232RQ operate at 5V logic levels?
A: Yes, the VCCIO pin can be set to 5V to enable 5V logic level operation.

Q: Is the FT232RQ compatible with macOS and Linux?
A: Yes, the FT232RQ is supported on Windows, macOS, and Linux with the appropriate drivers.

Q: Do I need an external crystal oscillator?
A: No, the FT232RQ has an internal clock and does not require an external crystal.

Q: Can I use the FT232RQ for RS485 communication?
A: Yes, the FT232RQ supports RS485 communication with proper external circuitry.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the FT232RQ into your projects for reliable USB-to-serial communication.