1. What are the main features of FT230XQ-R?
FT230XQ-R is a USB 2.0 Full-Speed to UART bridge IC from FTDI. It supports UART data rates from 300 baud up to 3 Mbaud and integrates the USB protocol handling required for USB-to-serial communication. The device includes a 2048-byte EEPROM for storing device configuration and CBUS settings, as well as integrated clock generation and internal voltage regulators. It operates from a 3.3 V to 5 V supply and uses a compact 16-QFN package measuring 4 × 4 mm.
2. What is FT230XQ-R used for?
FT230XQ-R is mainly used to add USB connectivity to systems that communicate through a UART interface. Typical applications include USB-to-serial adapters, embedded development boards, industrial control equipment, instrumentation, and interfaces between computers and microcontrollers, FPGAs, or other UART-based devices. It can simplify communication between a USB host and embedded equipment by converting USB data into standard UART signals.
3. Does FT230XQ-R have any alternative manufacturer and part number, such as?
Yes. Similar USB-to-UART bridge devices are available from manufacturers such as Silicon Labs, Microchip, and WCH. Examples include Silicon Labs CP2102N, Microchip MCP2200, and WCH CH340 series. These products provide similar USB-to-UART conversion functions, but they are generally not direct pin-to-pin replacements for FT230XQ-R. Supply voltage, package, pin configuration, UART features, USB descriptors, driver support, and PCB layout should be checked carefully before selecting an alternative.
4. Is technical support available for FT230XQ-R?
Yes. FTDI provides technical documentation, datasheets, application information, drivers, and development resources for the FT230X series. The documentation covers USB operation, UART configuration, EEPROM settings, electrical characteristics, driver support, and application requirements. For new designs or replacement projects, engineers should review the latest documentation and verify hardware, driver, and software compatibility before production use.
