The FT232RL is a USB-to-serial (UART) bridge developed by FTDI (Future Technology Devices International). It is widely used for serial communication between microcontrollers (Arduino, ESP8266, STM32, etc.) and computers via USB. The FT232RL is considered one of the most reliable and high-performance USB-to-UART converters available.
🔹 1. What is FT232RL?
- The FT232RL is a high-quality USB-to-serial converter chip.
- It enables microcontrollers, sensors, and embedded systems to communicate with a computer via USB.
- Unlike CH340G and CP2102, it has built-in EEPROM, advanced flow control, and error detection.
- It is used in official Arduino boards (before CH340G became popular) and other high-reliability applications.
🔹 2. Features of FT232RL
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| USB Version | USB 2.0 (Full-Speed 12Mbps) |
| Baud Rate | 300bps to 3Mbps |
| Voltage Levels | 3.3V / 5V Logic (Selectable) |
| EEPROM | Built-in, stores device settings |
| Flow Control | Supports RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR, XON/XOFF |
| Driver Support | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (Native) |
| Power Consumption | Low-power operation |
| Package Type | SSOP-28 (Surface Mount) |
📌 Note: Unlike CH340G and CP2102, the FT232RL has native support on all major operating systems without requiring manual driver installation.
🔹 3. FT232RL Pinout & Connections
The FT232RL module typically comes in a breakout board with the following pins:
| Pin | Function | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| VCC | Power (3.3V or 5V) | Connect to 3.3V or 5V |
| GND | Ground | Common ground |
| TXD | Transmit Data | Connect to RX of microcontroller |
| RXD | Receive Data | Connect to TX of microcontroller |
| DTR | Data Terminal Ready | Used for auto-reset on Arduino/ESP8266 |
| RTS | Request to Send | Used for flow control |
| CTS | Clear to Send | Used for flow control |
📌 Most FT232RL breakout boards have a jumper to select between 3.3V and 5V operation.
🔹 4. How to Connect FT232RL to Arduino or ESP8266
🛠 Required Components
- FT232RL USB-to-Serial Module
- ESP8266 or ATmega328P
- 100nF Capacitor (for Auto-Reset)
- Jumper Wires
- Breadboard
🛠 Wiring Diagram
| FT232RL Pin | ESP8266 / Arduino Pin |
|---|---|
| VCC (3.3V) → 3.3V | (ESP8266) |
| VCC (5V) → 5V | (Arduino) |
| GND → GND | Common ground |
| TXD → RX | Receive Data |
| RXD → TX | Transmit Data |
| DTR → RESET (via 100nF capacitor) | Auto-Reset |
📌 Use the Arduino IDE to upload code via FT232RL by selecting “Arduino Uno” or “ESP8266” as the board.
🔹 5. Installing FT232RL Drivers
✅ Windows (Native Support)
- Plug in the FT232RL module.
- Windows should automatically detect it.
- If needed, download the official driver from FTDI’s website.
- Check Device Manager (
Win + X → Device Manager → Ports). - If installed correctly, it will show as “USB Serial Port (COMx)”.
✅ macOS (Native Support)
- Plug in the module.
- Open Terminal and type:bashCopyEdit
ls /dev/tty.* - If installed, you will see something like
/dev/tty.usbserial-XXXXXX.
✅ Linux
- Most Linux distributions support FT232RL natively.
- Check if it’s recognized:bashCopyEdit
lsusb | grep FTDI - If needed, install drivers:bashCopyEdit
sudo apt update sudo apt install ftdi-dkms
🔹 6. Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Device not detected | Faulty driver | Reinstall from FTDI’s official site |
| Wrong COM port | Multiple USB devices connected | Check COM port in Device Manager |
| Upload fails | DTR pin not connected | Ensure DTR → RESET via 100nF capacitor |
| Fake FT232RL Chip Detected | Some cheap modules use cloned FTDI chips | Use Zadig USB driver or buy original FT232RL |
📌 Warning: FTDI released a “driver update” in 2014 that bricked counterfeit FT232RL chips. Be sure to buy genuine FT232RL modules from trusted sources.
🔹 7. FT232RL vs. Other USB-to-Serial Converters
| Feature | FT232RL | CH340G | CP2102 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | High (~$10) | Low (~$1-2) | Medium (~$5) |
| Speed | 3 Mbps | 2 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Voltage Levels | 3.3V / 5V | 3.3V / 5V | 3.3V / 5V |
| Driver Issues | Native Support | Manual Install Needed | Native Support |
| Advanced Features | EEPROM, Flow Control, Error Detection | Basic | Basic |
📌 Verdict: FT232RL is the most reliable and feature-rich, but it is more expensive than CH340G and CP2102.
🎯 Conclusion
- FT232RL is a premium USB-to-serial UART bridge used for microcontroller programming, debugging, and serial communication.
- Supports high-speed communication (3Mbps) with native drivers in Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- More expensive than CH340G and CP2102, but more stable and feature-rich.
- Used in official Arduino boards, industrial applications, and high-reliability projects.
