DIANN 2pcs FT232RL FTDI Mini - Review

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DIANN 2pcs FT232RL FTDI Mini USB to TTL Serial Converter Adapter Module: A Versatile and Affordable Solution

If you need to connect a microcontroller, a sensor, or other electronic devices to your computer, you may find that the standard USB ports are not always suitable for serial communication. Most microcontrollers operate at lower voltages and use different protocols than USB, so you need a bridge that can translate the signals between them. In such cases, a USB to TTL serial converter can be handy. One such converter that has gained popularity among makers, hobbyists, and engineers is the DIANN 2pcs FT232RL FTDI Mini USB to TTL Serial Converter Adapter Module.

As the name suggests, this converter module consists of a FT232RL chip from FTDI (Future Technology Devices International) and a mini USB interface on one end, and six pins with a 2.54mm pitch on the other end. The pins are labeled as DTR, RXD, TXD, VCC, CTS, and GND, and each serves a specific purpose in serial communication. The DTR pin is used to reset the microcontroller before uploading code to it. The RXD pin receives data from the microcontroller, while the TXD pin sends data to it. The VCC pin provides the power supply to the microcontroller at either 3.3V or 5V, depending on the jumper settings. The CTS pin is not usually needed unless the microcontroller has hardware flow control enabled. The GND pin is the ground reference that provides a common voltage level between the two devices.

One of the advantages of using the FT232RL chip is that it has built-in USB drivers that can emulate various serial protocols, such as RS232, RS422, and RS485, without needing external drivers or a separate microcontroller. This feature simplifies the development process and reduces the cost and complexity of the circuitry. Moreover, the chip supports high data rates up to 3 Mbps, making it suitable for real-time applications.

The DIANN converter module also comes with an LED indicator that shows the status of the RXD and TXD signals, which helps in debugging and monitoring the data flow. Additionally, the module has a 500 mA resettable fuse that acts as a protection against overcurrent and short circuit.

To use the DIANN converter module, you need to follow some precautions and requirements. Firstly, note that this adapter is not an official FTDI product, but a compatible clone that uses a different USB serial converter chip. Therefore, you need to download and install the older version of the FTDI drivers (2.8.3) on your Windows computer, as newer drivers may block the use of the clone adapter due to copyright infringement concerns. Alternatively, you can use the module with Linux or macOS computers, which have built-in drivers that support the FT232RL chip. Secondly, you must ensure that the voltage levels and logic levels of your microcontroller are compatible with those of the DIANN module, and that you connect the pins correctly, as errors may damage the devices. Finally, you may need to adjust some jumper settings on the module to enable the desired voltage level, serial mode, and other features.

In summary, the DIANN 2pcs FT232RL FTDI Mini USB to TTL Serial Converter Adapter Module is a versatile and affordable solution for serial communication between microcontrollers and computers. It uses the reliable FT232RL chip and has a mini USB interface and six pins with a 2.54mm pitch. The module provides a compact and easy-to-use way to connect your projects to the digital world. However, keep in mind that the adapter is not a genuine FTDI product and requires some driver and configuration settings to work with Windows. Therefore, if you want to avoid any compatibility issues or legal risks, you may consider buying an official FTDI product or a different brand of converter module.

DIANN 2pcs FT232RL FTDI Mini

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