EmbeddedRelated.com
FT201XS-U

FT201XS-U

FTDI, Future Technology Devices International Ltd
USB Bridge, USB to I2C USB 2.0 I2C, USB Interface 16-SSOP
Active2,051 in stock

Overview

The FT201XS-U is a compact USB-to-I2C slave bridge chip designed to simplify the addition of a USB interface to a system. It handles the entire USB protocol on-chip, requiring no USB-specific firmware programming, and presents a standard I2C interface to the target microcontroller or peripheral. The device includes integrated clock generation and 2048 bytes of multi-time programmable (MTP) memory for storing configuration descriptors.

Why Choose This Part

This IC eliminates the complexity of USB software stack development by managing all protocol signaling internally. It features a wide supply range of 2.97V to 5.5V and 5V tolerant I/O, making it versatile for both 3.3V and 5V logic systems. The 16-SSOP package and integrated components like the LDO and clock source minimize the overall PCB footprint and BOM cost.

Applications

USB Peripheral Interface
Adding USB connectivity to legacy I2C-based sensors, displays, or controllers without upgrading the main MCU.
USB Dongle Development
Creating low-cost USB hardware keys or interface dongles for PC-to-I2C communication.
Battery Charging Detection
Utilizing the integrated USB Battery Charger Detection (BCD) to identify and signal high-power charging ports.
System Debugging Port
Providing a dedicated USB-to-I2C bridge for field diagnostics and configuration of embedded system parameters.

Key Specifications

Function Bridge, USB to I2C
Protocol USB
Interface I2C, USB
Standards USB 2.0
Package / Case 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Current - Supply 8mA
Voltage - Supply 3.3V ~ 5V
Operating Temperature -40degC ~ 85degC
Supplier Device Package 16-SSOP

Getting Started

Developers can use FTDI's royalty-free D2XX or VCP drivers to interface with the chip on the host side. For hardware evaluation, the UMFT201XB breakout module provides a direct path to testing I2C connectivity. Configuration of the internal MTP memory for custom VID/PID or string descriptors is performed using the FT_PROG utility.

FT201XS Family

Comparing specs that differ across variants. The current part is highlighted.

Part Number Interface Stock
FT201XS-U (this part) I2C, USB 2,051
FT201XS-R USB 742

Also Consider

CP2112-F03-GM SiLSilicon Labs - Offers a similar USB-to-I2C bridge functionality in a QFN package with 8 GPIOs and a HID-class interface that requires no driver installation.
MCP2221A-I/SL MCHPMicrochip Technology - Provides both USB-to-I2C and USB-to-UART capabilities in a single package, including 4 pins for ADC, DAC, or GPIO functions.