USB to TTL Serial Cable, 3.3 V, FT232RL

A USB to TTL serial converter cable for talking to microcontrollers, single-board computers, routers and embedded boards that expose a UART instead of a USB port. The electronics are built on the FT232RL, so the whole USB protocol is handled inside the cable and the host sees a standard virtual COM port with no extra drivers beyond the usual FTDI ones.

The 3.3 V version is the one to choose when the target board runs at 3.3 V logic. Connecting a 3.3 V cable to a 5 V target (or the reverse) can damage the device, so match the logic level to the board before buying — the cable is also available in a 5 V version if that is what you need.

Key features

• FT232RL chip inside the cable housing
• 3.3 V logic, 5 V version also available
• Tx, Rx, RTS, CTS, VCC and GND broken out
• 3-wire audio-jack version also available
• 1.8 m lead for bench and field use

Specifications

Typical applications

• Programming and debugging MCU and Arduino-class boards
• Serial console on routers, switches and set-top boxes
• Flashing embedded devices in the field
• Lab and repair-bench serial work

Custom and OEM options

Connector type, end termination, cable length, wire colours and packing are open to order, and the cable can be built with a 5 V rail or a bare-wire tail for panel wiring.

FAQ

Will it work on a 5 V board?
Use the 5 V version for a 5 V target. Running a 3.3 V cable into a 5 V board can damage it.

Do I need drivers?
Install the FTDI virtual COM port driver on the host; the cable then appears as a standard serial port.

Samples, packing options, payment terms and warranty conditions are set out in How to Order and Delivery Information.