SparkFun
FTDI Cable 5V
The FTDI Cable is a USB-to-Serial (TTL level) converter that provides a simple way to connect TTL interface devices to USB. Built around the FTDI FT232RQ chi...
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The FTDI Cable is a USB-to-Serial (TTL level) converter that provides a simple way to connect TTL interface devices to USB. Built around the FTDI FT232RQ chip housed in the USB-A connector, this cable operates at 5V logic levels.
The cable terminates in a 0.1" pitch, 6-pin connector commonly used for programming Arduino Pro, Pro Mini, and LilyPad boards. Align the black (GND) and green (RTS) wires with the BLK and GRN labels on the target board.
Key Features
- FTDI FT232RQ Chip – Reliable USB-to-serial conversion built into the USB-A connector
- 5V Logic Level – I/O pins configured for 5V TTL devices
- 0.1" 6-Pin Header – Standard pinout: RTS, RX, TX, 5V, CTS, GND
- Colour-Coded Wires – Green (RTS) through to black (GND) for easy identification
- All-In-One Cable – No additional breakout board or USB cable required
Pinout
- Pin 1 (Green) – RTS
- Pin 2 – RX
- Pin 3 – TX
- Pin 4 – 5V (VCC)
- Pin 5 – CTS
- Pin 6 (Black) – GND
Ideal For
- Programming Arduino Pro, Pro Mini, and LilyPad boards
- Serial debugging and communication
- Connecting TTL-level devices to a computer via USB
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- breakout
- A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.
- CTS
- CTS stands for Clear To Send, a serial flow-control signal that tells the other device it may transmit. It matters for reliable high-speed serial communication where buffers could otherwise overflow.
- GND
- GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.
- RTS
- RTS stands for Request To Send, a serial flow-control signal used to manage when a device is ready to receive data. It matters when moving fast serial streams because flow control can help prevent lost data.
- RX
- RX means receive, usually showing data being received by the board. An RX indicator LED can help with troubleshooting USB or serial communication.
- TX
- TX means transmit, usually showing data being sent from the board. A TX indicator LED can help you see when the board is communicating or uploading code.
- VCC
- VCC is the positive power-supply connection on a chip or module. Connecting it to the correct supply voltage is needed for the part to power on and helps avoid damaging the electronics.
FTDI Cable 5V Schematic
Schematic · 19.3 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 471.2 KB · Click any page to view full size
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
