Adafruit
USB/Serial Converter [FT232RL]
This USB-to-serial converter adds a DB9 RS-232 serial port to your computer via USB. Based on the FTDI FT232RL chip, it delivers true RS-232 voltage levels (...
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This USB-to-serial converter adds a DB9 RS-232 serial port to your computer via USB. Based on the FTDI FT232RL chip, it delivers true RS-232 voltage levels (approximately ±10V) rather than TTL 5V — ensuring compatibility with older devices like GPS receivers, handheld programmers, and other equipment with DB9 serial ports.
Three built-in LEDs provide at-a-glance status: a power LED confirms the adapter is connected, and RX/TX LEDs help debug your serial connection. FTDI drivers are available for macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Key Features
- FTDI FT232RL Chip – Reliable performance with rock-solid driver support
- True RS-232 Levels – Voltage doubler/inverter for ±10V output (not just 0–5V)
- DB9 Connector – Standard 9-pin serial port for legacy devices
- Status LEDs – Power, RX, and TX indicators for easy debugging
- Cross-Platform – Works with macOS, Linux, and Windows
Ideal For
- Connecting legacy RS-232 devices to modern computers
- GPS receivers, handheld programmers, and industrial equipment
- Serial debugging and communication
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- GPS
- The US satellite navigation system used by GNSS receivers to calculate position and time. Support for GPS is important because it is widely available and often used together with other constellations for more reliable positioning.
- LED
- A light-emitting diode (LED) is a small electronic component that emits light when current flows through it in the correct direction. Because it only conducts one way, its polarity matters, and a through-hole LED must be soldered the correct way around to light up.
- RS-232
- RS-232 is an older serial communication standard that uses higher, inverted signal voltages (typically around plus or minus 3 to 15 volts) rather than the low logic levels of modern microcontroller pins. When connecting RS-232 equipment to a microcontroller, you usually need an RS-232 transceiver or level converter rather than wiring it directly, or you risk damaging the pins.
- 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.
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