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SparkFun FT232R USB to Serial Breakout

SparkFun FT232R USB to Serial Breakout

MPN: 12731
SparkFun Electronics
FT232R - USB 2.0 to UART Interface Evaluation Board
Active270 in stock

Overview

The BOB-12731 is a compact breakout board for the FTDI FT232R USB-to-UART IC. It simplifies the process of connecting a microcontroller or embedded system to a host computer by handling all USB protocol requirements on-chip. This board provides access to common UART pins including TX, RX, RTS, and CTS via a standard header footprint.

Why Choose This Part

This module features an integrated internal oscillator and EEPROM, eliminating the need for external timing components or configuration storage. It is supported by widely available royalty-free VCP drivers across Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX, ensuring plug-and-play compatibility for most development environments.

Applications

Microcontroller Programming
Uploading firmware to boards like the Arduino Pro Mini that lack an onboard USB-to-serial converter.
Serial Debugging
Monitoring real-time debug output from an embedded system's UART port on a PC terminal emulator.
Legacy Peripheral Interfacing
Connecting older RS-232 level hardware to modern USB-only computers using an external level shifter.

Getting Started

Connect the board to a PC via a Mini-B USB cable and install the FTDI VCP drivers if they are not automatically recognized. Use the 0.1 inch headers to interface with your target microcontroller, ensuring that the logic levels match your system requirements. You can verify operation using any standard serial terminal program set to the appropriate baud rate.