FT232R USB UART Driver

FT232R USB UART Driver is a system utility that can provide software compatibility with the wide array of external devices that connect to modern PCs via popular USB port standards. Even though the majority of the devices can automatically be detected by modern Windows OS releases such as Windows 10 and Windows 11, some older devices require a specific system driver that has to be present on the desktop or laptop PC before that accessory can be properly detected, connected, and used.

In the event that OS reports that it lacks the proper FT232R USB UART driver, this installation package will be a solution.

The FT232R USB UART Driver is a crucial piece of software designed to enable communication between a computer and devices utilizing UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) via USB connection. Developed by Future Technology Devices International Ltd. (FTDI), this driver plays a fundamental role in facilitating seamless data transfer between a PC and various electronic devices such as microcontrollers, Arduino boards, GPS receivers, and more.

Driver packages such as these are necessary for the functioning of a wide array of external USB devices. Drivers are specific software packages that inform the operating system how to properly detect and use custom hardware, how to establish a communication with it, perform diagnostic tests, integrate the device functioning into core Windows elements (such as make it visible from Device Manager or Windows Explorer), and surface all the necessary UI elements for the user to take control over it.

The lack of proper drivers, damaged drivers, or obsolete drivers can all lead to a wide array of issues that can range from the inability of the OS to detect the device, to unstable usage or even system crashes.

FT232R USB UART for PC is distributed online without an automated installer, which means that users who want to deploy this package on their PC will have to do it manually. To install it, users simply have to go to Control Panel, then Device Manager, and then right-click on the driver listing with the yellow exclamation mark. The option Update Driver Software will enable them to locate the driver directory, and from there Windows will be able to grab all the necessary driver files.

The program is 100% FREE and can be used on both desktop and laptop PCs running not only modern Windows OS but also legacy versions that are no longer actively supported by Microsoft. This includes Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11.

Main Features

• Device Communication: Facilitates bidirectional communication between a PC and UART-enabled devices.
• Stability: Ensures stable and reliable data transfer, crucial for applications requiring real-time data exchange.
• Compatibility: Supports a wide range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Plug-and-Play: Simplifies the installation process with plug-and-play functionality, eliminating the need for complex configurations.
• Versatility: Compatible with various USB-to-UART bridge devices manufactured by FTDI, offering flexibility in device integration.

Key Hardware Features

• Single chip USB to asynchronous serial data transfer interface.
• Entire USB protocol handled on the chip - No USB-specific firmware programming required.
• UART interface support for 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits and odd / even / mark / space / no parity.
• Fully assisted hardware or X-On / X-Off software handshaking.
• Data transfer rates from 300 baud to 3 Megabaud (RS422 / RS485 and at TTL levels) and 300 baud to 1 Megabaud (RS232).
• In-built support for event characters and line break condition.
• New USB FTDIChip-ID™ feature.
• New configurable CBUS I/O pins.
• Auto transmit buffer control for RS485 applications.
• Transmit and receive LED drive signals.
• New 48MHz, 24MHz,12MHz, and 6MHz clock output signal Options for driving external MCU or FPGA.
• FIFO receive and transmit buffers for high data throughput.
• 256 Byte receive buffer and 128 Byte transmit buffer utilising buffer smoothing technology to allow for high data throughput.
• Adjustable receive buffer timeout.
• Synchronous and asynchronous bit bang mode interface options with RD# and WR# strobes.
• New CBUS bit bang mode option.
• Integrated 1024 bit internal EEPROM for I/O configuration and storing USB VID, PID, serial number and product description strings.
• Device supplied preprogrammed with unique USB serial number.
• Support for USB suspend / resume.
• Support for bus powered, self powered, and high-power bus powered USB configurations.
• Integrated 3.3V level converter for USB I/O .
• Integrated level converter on UART and CBUS for interfacing to 5V - 1.8V Logic.
• True 5V / 3.3V / 2.8V / 1.8V CMOS drive output and TTL input.
• High I/O pin output drive option.
• Integrated USB resistors.
• Integrated power-on-reset circuit.
• Fully integrated clock - no external crystal, oscillator, or resonator required.
• Fully integrated AVCC supply filtering - No separate AVCC pin and no external R-C filter required.
• UART signal inversion option.
• USB bulk transfer mode.
• 3.3V to 5.25V Single Supply Operation.
• Low operating and USB suspend current.
• Low USB bandwidth consumption.
• UHCI / OHCI / EHCI host controller compatible.
• USB 2.0 Full Speed compatible.
• -40°C to 85°C extended operating temperature range.
• Available in compact Pb-free 28 Pin SSOP and QFN-32 packages (both RoHS compliant).

Application Areas

• USB to RS232 / RS422 / RS485 Converters
• Upgrading Legacy Peripherals to USB
• Cellular and Cordless Phone USB data transfer cables and interfaces
• Interfacing MCU / PLD / FPGA based designs to USB
• USB Audio and Low Bandwidth Video data transfer
• PDA to USB data transfer
• USB Smart Card Readers
• USB Instrumentation
• USB Industrial Control
• USB MP3 Player Interface
• USB FLASH Card Reader / Writers
• Set Top Box PC - USB interface
• USB Digital Camera Interface
• USB Hardware Modems
• USB Wireless Modems
• USB Bar Code Readers
• USB Software / Hardware Encryption Dongles

Installation and Setup

• Download the appropriate driver package from the official FTDI website or FileHorse.
• Run the installer executable and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once installation is complete, connect the UART-enabled device to the computer via USB.
• The driver should automatically detect the connected device and establish communication.

How to Use

• Ensure the driver is installed correctly on your system.
• Connect the UART device to the computer using a USB cable.
• Open the device manager or terminal software on your computer.
• Identify the COM port assigned to the connected device.
• Use appropriate programming or terminal software to send and receive data over the COM port.

FAQ

Can I use the FT232R USB UART Driver with Arduino boards?
Yes, the driver is compatible with Arduino boards that utilize UART communication via USB.

Does the driver support Windows 11 and 10?
Yes, the FT232R USB UART Driver is compatible with Windows 11 or 10, along with earlier versions of Windows.

How can I verify if the driver is installed correctly?
Check the device manager for the presence of the FT232R USB UART device under the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section.

Can I use this driver with macOS?
Yes, FTDI provides macOS drivers for seamless integration with Apple computers.

Is the driver open-source?
No, the driver is proprietary software developed by FTDI.

Alternatives

• Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge Driver
• Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port Driver
• CH340 USB to Serial Driver
• Microchip USB CDC/ACM Driver
• Texas Instruments USB CDC/ACM Driver

Pricing

The driver is available for FREE download from the official FTDI website.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
• Available USB port

PROS

• Stable and reliable communication.
• Wide compatibility with operating systems.
• Easy installation and setup.
• Plug-and-play functionality.
• Versatile for various UART-enabled devices.

CONS

• Lack of a graphical user interface may be challenging for some users.
• Proprietary software without open-source availability.