FT4232H-56Q IC

Introduction

The FTDI FT4232H-56Q is a wonderful USB device that represents the 5th generation of their USB solutions. This integrated circuit is a USB 2.0 High-Speed (480Mb/s) to UART/MPSSE converter with a variety of characteristics that make it a versatile and powerful tool for a variety of applications. In this complete article , we will look at the features, applications, and how to use the FT4232H-56Q efficiently.

Understanding the FT4232H-56Q

At its core, the FT4232H-56Q is a USB-to-serial converter, but it goes far beyond that:

MPSSE Engine

• Two of these UARTs can configure an MPSSE engine independently. This means the FT4232H-56Q can function as two UART/Bit-Bang ports as well as two MPSSE engines. These engines are useful for simulating synchronous serial protocols such as JTAG, SPI, I2C, Bit-bang, and others.

High-Speed USB

• The FT4232H-56Q has USB 2.0 High-Speed compatibility and can transfer data at a blistering 480Mbits/Second, assuring quick connection.

Independent Baud Rate Generators

• Each UART has its own baud rate generator, allowing for fine data transfer control.

UART Transfer Speed

• The FT4232H-56Q supports RS232/RS422/RS485 connection at transfer speeds of up to 12Mbaud (Note: RS232 data rate may be limited by external level shifters).

Plug and Play

• In most cases, FTDI supplies royalty-free Virtual Com Port (VCP) and Direct (D2XX) drivers, removing the requirement for USB driver development. As a result, it is simple to incorporate into your projects.

Functional Block Descriptions of the FT4232H Quad Multi-Purpose UART/MPSSE Controller

The FT4232H is a very adaptable USB to UART/MPSSE IC, with its functionality split into major functional pieces that allow it to operate. Let’s take a closer look at each of these functional blocks:

Quad Multi-Purpose UART or MPSSE Controllers

• The basic communication interfaces are provided by four independent UART/MPSSE controllers on the FT4232H. These controllers can be set up to function as UARTs for serial data transfer or as MPSSE engines for synchronous serial protocols (for example, JTAG, SPI, I2C, Bit-Bang).
• The FT4232H’s Channels A and B each have their own MPSSE engine, allowing for independent and simultaneous usage of MPSSE and UART capability. Additional UART or Bit-Bang modes can be used on the remaining UART channels.

USB Protocol Engine and FIFO Control

• This block controls the interface between the USB transceiver (UTMI PHY) and the chip’s FIFO (First-In-First-Out) buffers. It is critical in handling USB protocol communication between the FT4232H and the USB host.
• Power Management: Additionally, this block is responsible for power management within the IC.

Dual Port FIFO TX Buffer

• These FIFO buffers store data received from the host PC, making it available for the Multi-Purpose UART/FIFO controllers when transmitting data to external devices. The USB Protocol Engine and FIFO control block manage the data flow into these buffers.

Dual Port FIFO RX Buffer (2Kbytes per channel):

• These FIFO buffers save data received from the Multi-Purpose UART or FIFO controllers so that it can be delivered back to the host PC when needed. This block, like the TX buffers, is managed by the USB Protocol Engine and the FIFO control block.

RESET Generator

• During power-up, the inbuilt Reset Generator Cell delivers a dependable power-on reset to the FT4232H’s internal circuitry. The RESET# input pin enables an external device to reset the FT4232H, enabling external control. RESET# should be connected to VCCIO (+3.3V) if not utilized.

Independent Baud Rate Generators

• Baud Rate Generators are essential in establishing the data transmission rate of UART lines. They are made up of a 14-bit pre-scaler and four register bits for fine-tuning the baud rate and give a clock input to the UARTs from a 120MHz reference clock. This enables customizable baud rates ranging from 183 to 12 million. Certain baud rates (for example, 7 Mbaud, 9 Mbaud, 10 Mbaud, and 11 Mbaud) are not supported by the FT4232H.

These functional blocks work together to make the FT4232H a flexible USB to UART/MPSSE IC capable of handling a variety of serial communication workloads including synchronous serial protocols. The FT4232H’s functional blocks provide the basis for efficient and versatile operation, whether it’s data transfer between a USB host and many UART devices or simulating other synchronous serial interfaces.

FT232 UART Interface Mode Description

The FT4232H USB to UART/MPSSE IC, like the well-known FTDI FT232 devices, can be set to work in UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) modes. These UART modes enable asynchronous serial communication, and the FT4232H allows for the configuration of multiple RS232, RS422, or RS485 interfaces. The following sections describe how to configure the FT4232H in certain UART modes:

RS232 Interface

RS232 is a serial communication protocol that uses voltage levels ranging from -3V to +3V to indicate logical states. To configure the FT4232H as an RS232 interface, connect the UART pins of the FT4232H to an RS232 transceiver for suitable voltage level conversion. This configuration enables the FT4232H to interface with RS232-enabled devices or systems, such as serial terminals and legacy equipment.

RS422 Interface

Another serial communication standard is RS422, which employs differential signaling, in which two lines, one for transmitting data and the other for receiving data, carry complementary signals. In comparison to RS232, this arrangement provides higher noise protection and longer communication distances. To configure the FT4232H in RS422 mode, connect it to an RS422 transceiver to handle the differential signaling.

RS485 Interface

RS485 is similar to RS422, but it allows numerous devices to share the same communication channel. For noise protection, RS485 also employs differential signaling. The FT4232H is configured for RS485 by connecting it to an RS485 transceiver, which allows for multi-point communication. The RS485 protocol is widely used in industrial automation and control systems.

Mixed Interfaces

One of the FT4232H’s distinguishing qualities is its flexibility to be configured as a combination of different UART ports. This means that you can use the FT4232H’s UART channels for a variety of reasons, such as RS232 for one, RS422 for another, and RS485 for still another. This adaptability is especially important when interacting with multiple devices or systems inside a single application.

Configuration Notes

• To configure the FT4232H in any of these UART modes, you must normally select the relevant settings, such as data format (e.g., data bits, stop bits, parity), baud rate, and flow control, as required by the specific interface and devices with which you are talking.
• When interacting with external devices, additional external components such as transceivers or level shifters may be required to maintain adequate voltage levels and signal integrity.
• The FT4232H’s UART ports may be managed and adjusted via software commands, making it adaptable to a wide range of applications.

To summarize, the FT4232H’s UART interface modes enable it to simulate RS232, RS422, and RS485 interfaces, making it suitable to a wide range of serial communication requirements. Its ability to operate in mixed configurations adds to its versatility, making it an invaluable tool for engineers and developers working on projects requiring a variety of serial communication protocols.

Conclusion

The FT4232H-56Q is a high-performance USB to UART/MPSSE IC with a wide range of capabilities and applications. This versatile gadget offers a wide range of possibilities for your projects, whether you are a hardware engineer, embedded systems developer, or hobbyist. It simplifies hard operations and expands the capabilities of your designs with high-speed USB connectivity, numerous UARTs, MPSSE engines, and sophisticated features. Investigate the FT4232H-56Q’s capabilities and enter the world of smooth USB-to-serial connection.

Contact ICRFQ, a respected Chinese electronic component supplier, for further information and purchases, and embrace the future of flash memory technology.

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