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...
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 is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine 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.
- 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.
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
