Secure USB UART/FIFO offers 3-in-1 functionality.
Press Release Summary:
Along with internal security dongle, FT232R USB 1.1 to serial UART interface internally incorporates formerly external passive components such as clock circuit, EEPROM, and USB resistors. Internal unique ID is installed as part of die fabrication which can be used to protect user application, and internal EEPROM can be programmed with individual vendor ID and product ID. Asynchronous and synchronous bit bang interface modes are available.
Original Press Release:
FT232R USB UART/FIFO with New Security Features
Pittsford, New York. FT232R is a new USB1.1 to serial UART interface which updates the widely-used FT232BM IC by incorporating internally most of the external passive components, clock circuit, and EEPROM. New internal functionality incorporates a "security dongle" feature for added product assurance. An internal unique ID is installed as part of the die fabrication which can be used to protect a customer's application, and the internal EEPROM can be programmed with individual vendor ID and product ID.
In addition, asynchronous and synchronous bit bang interface modes are available. USB to serial designs using the FT232R have been further simplified by fully integrating the external EEPROM, clock circuit and USB resistors onto the device. FT232R adds two new functions compared with its predecessors, effectively making it a "3-in-1" chip for some application areas. The internally generated clock (6MHz, 12MHz, 24MHz, and 48MHz) can be brought out of the device and used to drive a microcontroller or external logic. A unique number (the FTDIChip-ID(TM)) is burnt into the device during manufacture and is readable over USB, thus forming the basis of a security dongle which can be used to protect customer application software from being copied.
These improvements make the savings of using the new FT232R substantial - especially since the new FT232R is approximately 25% lower in cost than its predecessor! So an FT232R assembly may cost 50% less to make than its predecessor, with fewer external components and smaller real estate requirements. Plus it uses existing FTDI Virtual COM Port drivers! FT232R is available in two package styles, both lead-free: FT232RL is a 28-pin SSOP; FT232RQ is a 32-pin 5mm x 5mm QFN.
FT232R eliminates USB driver and firmware development in most cases, thus significantly reducing time-to-market. A range of evaluation boards are available for development purposes. Applications include: upgrading RS232 legacy peripherals to USB; cellular and cordless phone USB data transfer cables and interfaces; interfacing MCU based designs to USB; USB audio and low bandwidth video data transfer; PDA to USB data transfer; USB smart card Readers; Set Top Box (S.T.B.) PC - USB interface; USB hardware modems; USB wireless modems; USB instrumentation; USB bar code readers; USB-GPS dataloggers, etc.
FT232R is the ideal choice when you want a serial port accessible - and optionally powered - from USB. Designers wanting to make USB devices with minimal development and cost have embraced FTDI's products as simple to use and having no-problem, rock-solid, royalty-free drivers (which are supplied at no charge) for Windows '98/ME/2000/XP, Linux, MacOS8/9/X, WinCE, Server2003, EmbeddedxP, and many other 3rd party drivers.
FT232R available now for $2.60 (1000) from FTDI's USA distributors: Saelig Co. Inc. (585-385-1750; 585-385-1768fax; info@saelig.com; www.saelig.com)
