USB-Serial UART Development Module

Incorporating Clock Generator Output and FTDIChip-ID? Security Dongle

The UM232R is a development module which uses FTDI’s FT232RL, the latest device to be added to FTDI’s range of USB UART interface Integrated Circuit Devices.

The FT232RL is a USB to serial UART interface with optional clock generator output, and the new FTDIChip-ID? security dongle feature. In addition, asynchronous and synchronous bit bang interface modes are available. USB to serial interface designs using the FT232RL have been further simplified by fully integrating the external EEPROM, clock circuit and USB resistors onto the device.

The FT232RL adds two new functions compared with its predecessors, effectively making it a “3-in-1” chip for some application areas. The internally generated clock (6MHz, 12MHz, 24MHz, and 48MHz) can be brought out of the device and used to drive a microcontroller or external logic. A unique number (the FTDIChip-ID?) is burnt into the device during manufacture and is readable over USB, thus forming the basis of a security dongle which can be used to protect customer application software from being copied.

The UM232R is supplied on a PCB which is designed to plug into a standard 15.0mm (0.6” ) wide 24 pin DIP socket. All components used, including the FT232RL are Pb-free (RoHS compliant).