FT231X USB UART Driver

USB Driver This is the ft231x usb uart driver or ft231x usb uart driver Windows 10. The Thunderlinx USB to Serial adapter is most probably the most well known USB to serial adapter that uses the FT231X processor. This USB to Serial adapter converts serial data to USB data and vice versa. There are a few advantages to this newer technology as have been explained below and may be of interest to you if you are in a complex environment. See also here.

FT231X USB UART Driver

Table of Contents

You will note that the FT231X processor which is manufactured by FTDI Semiconductors is a much newer as well as a much optimised version of the rather popular FT232RL processor. This processor is more reliable as well as having the ability to access the memory as well as address it as the processor uses MTP memory and no EEPROM. The LED lights up when connected to the USB port.

There is also the ability to add additional power to the adapter being a 5V DC on pin 9. This is limited to around 450mA which will not damage your USB port if something goes wrong. Data transfer rates are up to 921,600 bps (auto detection of data speed + (up to 3 Mbps by using aliasing)). Likewise multiple indication LED lights as well as being USB port powered. This makes for a great FT231X USB to serial adapter. Also see the FT232RL USB to Serial Adapter Driver as well as 5 Ways To Use The UART Bridge.

FT231x usb uart driver Specifications

FT231X USB to Serial Adapter

Processor	FTDI FT231X
Serial driver	Exar SP3243EUEA-L
Unique chipID no.	Each converter has it own unique ID number
RS232 Interface	Also RS232 DB9 Male
RS232 output power	~5.7VDC
Pin 9 output power	5VDC max limited at 450mA
Cable length	3 feet
USB interface	Standard Type A Male
Indication LEDs	Power, TX, RX, COM Port Ready, AUX Limit
Ports	1-port
Signals	TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, RI and GND
Baud rate	300-921,600bps (up to 3Mbps by using alising)
Parity	None, Odd, Even, Mark, Space
Data Bits	7, 8
Stop Bits	1, 2
TX / RX buffer size	512 Byte Transmit Buffer / 512 Byte Receive Buffer

FT231X USB UART Driver: Comprehensive Overview and Applications

Introduction to FT231X USB UART

As you will know that the FT231X is a well known USB-to-UART bridge chip. This chip was made by FTDI (Future Technology Devices International). Note that the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) is an important part of communications between hardware components by transmitting and receiving serial data asynchronously. Likewise you will note that the FT231X converts data between USB and the UART protocols. This allows devices to communicate between the interfaces and modern USB-enabled systems.

You will note that over the years, many computers have made away with UART ports and replaced them with USB interfaces. There are however many systems that uses the UART port. Likewise the FT231X enables the legacy UART devices. These tend to be for embedded systems and industrial automation.

Technical Features of the FT231X Chip

Some of the features of the FT231X is explained next. Many of these features of of use for different environments.

Supported Data Transfer Rates:

Likewise the FT231X supports data rates up to 3 Mbaud. This is excellent when needing to move huge amounts of data. The FT231X is well known for its reliable performance.

Operating Voltage Range:

The FT231X operates within a broad voltage range (1.8V to 3.3V and 5V tolerant). Note that the voltage range makes it excellent for many different types of controllers. The flexibility makes it a good option for your projects.

Low Power Consumption:

If you are looking at remote sites then its the power efficiency is excellent. The low power consumption adds to its overall value.

On-chip Clock Generation:

Likewise the FT231X has a built-in oscillator. So there is no need for external components to generate the clock signal.

Internal EEPROM:

Note also that the FT231X includes an internal EEPROM. This is used for storing its configuration settings.

Support for Modem Control Signals:

Lastly the chip also supports common modem control signals. These include the following signals such as RTS/CTS, DSR/DTR, and RI/DCD. Looking at the features you can see that the chip is an ideal solution for a wide variety of serial communication.

Setting Up and Installing the FT231X USB UART Driver

Installing the FT231X USB UART driver is a simple issue. Let’s look at the operating systems:

Windows

Download Drivers: First, you will need to download the driver below.
Connect Device: Connecting the FT231X device is connected via USB, Windows may attempt to install generic drivers.
Manual Installation: Open Device Manager. Then you will need to locate the FT231X device. From there you will need to right-click. Select “Update Driver” as the option. Then you will need to choose “Browse my computer for drivers”. Point to the location for the drivers where you extracted them as we have added the driver below.
Verify Installation: When installed you can verify that the device is working. Check the COM port number assigned to it in Device Manager.

Common Installation Problems and Solutions

Driver Conflicts:

There may be driver conflicts with the driver when its the generic driver. Try using the driver below.

Baud Rate Mismatch:

The most common issue the where the baud rates have been set incorrectly. Check the device settings.

FT231X Pinout and Hardware Design

Looking at the board you can better understand the FT231X pinout.

TXD (Transmit Data): USB to the UART device sending data.
RXD (Receive Data): Receives data UART device and USB host.
RTS (Request to Send) and CTS (Clear to Send): These flow control signals
VCC: The Power supply pin.
GND: Likewise the Ground connection.
DTR (Data Terminal Ready) and DSR (Data Set Ready): Additional modem control signals

The PCB map will show you where these below.

Troubleshooting FT231X UART Communication Issues

No Communication: Check the wiring between the FT231X and your device.

Incorrect Baud Rate: If data is garbled, the baud rate may be mismatched.

Driver Conflicts: Ensure that the correct FTDI driver is installed.

Flow Control Issues: If using hardware flow control (RTS/CTS).

FT231X USB UART Hardware

Device Name: FT231X USB UART

Hardware ID:

USB\VID_0403&PID_6015&REV_1000
USB\VID_0403&PID_6015Compatible ID:
USB\CLASS_FF&SUBCLASS_FF&PROT_FF
USB\CLASS_FF&SUBCLASS_FF
USB\CLASS_FF

Likewise this driver are for all versions of Windows. This as well as the MAC and Linux for the ft231x usb uart driver. Lastly this and the ft231x usb uart driver Windows 10 as seen below. The hardware ID’s are shown above.

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