USB-to-UART Bridge Chip supports Android-based systems.
Press Release Summary:
Running off 3.3 V supply, 12 Mbps FT312D Host Bridge IC provides integration of USB link into peripheral hardware from Android platform with USB device port. Chip's internal buffering mechanism consists of 5,512 Bytes on UART receiver side and 256 Bytes on UART transmitter side, enabling smooth data streaming between USB port and UART port of IC. Offered in 32-pin LQFP and QFN packages, FT312D operates from -40 to 85°C, making it suitable for demanding industrial settings.
Original Press Release:
Dedicated USB-to-UART Bridge Chip Optimized for Android-Based Systems
Compact, highly integrated device enables easy, fast Android implementation
FTDI Chip has further expanded its hardware and firmware support for the Android operating system with the introduction of innovative new silicon. The FT312D is a full speed (12 Mbit/s), USB host bridge IC that is designed to provide fast and simple integration of a USB link into various peripheral hardware from an Android platform (smartphone or tablet computer) that has a USB device port.
Complementing the well-received FT311D device that was released last year, the FT312D is specifically targeted at UART interfacing. It has the ability to bridge the USB port to a UART interface via the Android Open Accessory protocol.
Running off a 3.3V supply, the FT312D’s host bridge has been optimized for performance and targeted specifically for a UART interface. The chip’s internal buffering mechanism consists of 5512Bytes on the UART receiver side (if the UART application on the Android platform is not accepting data) and 256Bytes on the UART transmitter side. This enables smooth data streaming between the USB port and the UART port of the IC. The FT312D host solution handles the entire USB protocol itself, without the need for any USB or Android specific firmware programming. The host IC is suitable for use on any Android platform supporting Android Open Accessory Mode (typically for support of version 3.1 onwards).
“After offering the FT311D with 6 interface options, we found that the UART interface was the most popular,” said Dave Sroka, FTDI Chip’s Global Product Director, “so by offering the FT312D, it makes engineers task of implementing Android support that much easier, which is another example of our Design Made Easy philosophy.”
The FT312D is offered in compact, Pb-free, 32-pin LQFP and QFN packages, with 10k unit pricing at $2.55. Its extended operational temperature range of -40°C to 85°C allows it to be applied to even the most demanding of industrial settings.
About FTDI Chip
FTDI Chip specialises in the design and delivery of advanced silicon and software solutions. The company focuses on providing engineers with feature-rich, easy to use, robust products that will speed to market and reduce development costs. Widely recognised for its broad portfolio of Universal Serial Bus (USB) products, FTDI Chip can offer a simple route to USB migration by combining easy-to-implement ICs with proven, ready-to-use, royalty-free firmware and driver software. It has everything from simple bridge devices for converting USB from RS232, RS422, RS485, I2C, SPI, etc, to highly integrated system solutions with built in microcontrollers and sophisticated development platforms.
FTDI Chip has now further expanded its “made easy” philosophy, with the addition of simple to use display controllers that combine display, audio and touch functionality in a single compact package with accompanying development software, for creating Graphic User Interfaces (GUIs) suitable for a wide variety of low-power microcontrollers.
FTDI Chip is a fab-less semiconductor company, headquartered in Glasgow, UK, with research and development facilities located in both Glasgow, Singapore and Taipei, Taiwan, plus regional sales and technical support sites in Glasgow; Portland, Oregon, USA; Shanghai, China; and Taipei.
More information is available at http://www.ftdichip.com
Regional sales offices and distributor lists are available at http://www.ftdichip.com/FTSalesNetwork.htm
For further information and reader enquiries:
Fiona Campbell - Future Technology Devices International Limited
Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park, Glasgow, G41 1HH, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 141 429 2777Â Â Fax: +44 (0) 141 429 2758
E-mail: marketing@ftdichip.com
