The FTDI Chip FT232R is a USB to serial UART interface with optional clock generator output. Asynchronous and synchronous bit bang interface modes are also available. Together with EEPROM, clock circuit and USB resistors effectively makes it a "3 in 1" chip for some applications. The internally generated clock (6 MHz, 12 MHz, 24 MHz, and 48 MHz) can be used to drive a microcontroller or external logic.

A unique number, the FTDIChip-ID, is burnt into the device during manufacture and is readable over USB, thus forming the basis of a security dongle. It can then be used to protect customer application software from being copied. Royalty-free drivers for the most common operating systems are available from FTDI website. http://www.ftdichip.com

The FT232R is available in compact 28-pin SSOP (RS 406-580) and 32-pin QFN (RS 730-0168) packages.

• Single chip USB to asynchronous serial data transfer interface.
• Entire USB protocol handled on the chip. No USB-specific firmware programming required.
• Fully integrated 1024-bit EEPROM storing device descriptors and CBUS I/O configuration.
• Fully integrated USB termination resistors.
• Fully integrated clock generation with no external crystal required plus optional clock output
• Data transfer rates from 300 Baud to 3 MBaud (RS422, RS485, RS232) at TTL levels.
• 128 B receive buffer and 256 B transmit buffer utilising buffer smoothing technology to allow for high data throughput

USB Industrial Control
USB bar code readers
USB Digital camera interface
USB wireless modems
PDA to USB Transfers
USB Card readers
USB FLASH card readers and writers
USB Audio and low bandwidth video data transfer