EmbeddedRelated.com
FT232HL-REEL

FT232HL-REEL

FTDI
Versatile USB bridge with GPIO and multi-protocol interfaces (SPI/I2C/UART) for host-side USB interfacing.
Active

Overview

The FT232HL-REEL is a single-channel USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480Mb/s) to UART/FIFO IC designed for high-performance data bridging. It features the Multi-Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (MPSSE) which simplifies synchronous serial protocol design by allowing the chip to communicate over JTAG, SPI, and I2C simultaneously. This device is 5V tolerant and operates with a core supply voltage between 1.62V and 1.98V.

Why Choose This Part

The FT232HL provides a highly integrated solution with a built-in oscillator and 1KB of internal EEPROM for storing USB descriptors, reducing external BOM count. It offers exceptional flexibility through the MPSSE, allowing one hardware design to support multiple serial protocols via software configuration. The 16mA drive strength and 5V tolerance on IO pins simplify interfacing with a wide range of logic levels.

Applications

High-Speed USB to UART
Bridging legacy asynchronous serial interfaces to modern USB 2.0 Hi-Speed hosts with support for data rates up to 12 Mbaud.
MPSSE Protocol Conversion
Using the integrated engine to interface USB hosts with JTAG, SPI, and I2C slave devices for programming or debugging.
Fast Parallel FIFO
Transferring large data blocks between an FPGA or MCU and a host PC using the 245 FIFO or FT1248 interfaces.
USB Bit-Bang
Utilizing the 11 GPIO pins for direct software control of external hardware signals without complex firmware.

Key Specifications

Function Bridge, USB to UART,FIFO
Protocol USB
Interface UART, FIFO
Standards USB 2.0
Package / Case 48-LQFP
Current - Supply 24mA
Voltage - Supply 1.62V ~ 1.98V, 2.97V ~ 3.63V
Operating Temperature -40degC ~ 85degC
Supplier Device Package 48-LQFP (7x7)

Getting Started

Engineers can begin development using the UMFT232HPEV or similar break-out modules to test the MPSSE functionality. FTDI provides D2XX drivers and the LibMPSSE libraries to streamline the implementation of SPI and I2C protocols on the host side. Professional designs should ensure proper decoupling of the 1.8V VCORE and 3.3V VCCIO rails as specified in the 48-LQFP pinout.

Also Consider

FT2232HL FTDI - A dual-channel version of the same architecture for applications requiring two simultaneous serial or FIFO interfaces.
CP2102N SiLSilicon Labs - A more compact and lower-cost USB to UART bridge for applications that do not require high-speed 480Mbps or MPSSE protocols.