FT4232HL-REEL FTDI

The FT4232HL-REEL from Future Technology Devices International Ltd. is a high-performance USB Interface IC belonging to the FT4232H series. It functions as a Bridge, USB to UART controller, facilitating seamless communication between a USB host and up to four independent asynchronous serial (UART) ports. This device is compliant with the USB 2.0 High-Speed (HS) standard, supporting data rates up to 480 Mb/s. It operates from a dual supply voltage of 1.8V and 3.3V, with a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for industrial, embedded systems, and communication interface applications. Housed in a compact LQFP-64 package, it is designed for surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly.

Key Features

• Quad UART Interface: Integrates four independent full-handshake UART channels, enabling multi-port serial communication from a single USB connection.
• High-Speed USB 2.0 Compliance: Supports the USB 2.0 High-Speed (HS) specification with a maximum data throughput of 480 Mb/s for fast data transfer.
• Wide Operating Voltage & Temperature: Operates from 1.62V to 1.98V core voltage with 3.3V I/O, across an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.
• Compact SMD Package: Features an LQFP-64 surface-mount package, saving board space and suitable for automated assembly processes.

Technical Specifications

• Product Category: USB Interface IC
• Type: Bridge, USB to UART
• USB Standard: USB 2.0
• Speed: High Speed (HS)
• Data Rate: 480 Mb/s
• Number of Channels: 4
• Supply Voltage - Min: 1.62 V
• Supply Voltage - Max: 1.98 V
• Operating Supply Voltage: 1.8 V, 3.3 V
• Operating Supply Current: 70 mA
• Minimum Operating Temperature: -40 °C
• Maximum Operating Temperature: +85 °C
• Mounting Style: SMD/SMT
• Package / Case: LQFP-64
• Moisture Sensitive: Yes
• RoHS: True

Pin Configuration and Functions

• Pin 1: VCCIO: 3.3V I/O supply voltage input.
• Pin 2: GND: Ground connection for the chip.
• Pin 3: RESET#: Active-low reset input for the device.
• Pin 4: TEST: Test pin, must be connected to GND for normal operation.
• Pin 5-20, 23-38, 41-56, 59-64: Multiplexed pins for UART channels A, B, C, D (TXD, RXD, RTS#, CTS#, DTR#, DSR#, DCD#, RI#), GPIOs, and other control signals as per configuration.
• Pin 21: VCC: 1.8V core supply voltage input.
• Pin 22: GND: Ground connection.
• Pin 39: USBDM: USB D- differential data line.
• Pin 40: USBDP: USB D+ differential data line.
• Pin 57: XTIN: Input for 12 MHz crystal oscillator or external clock.
• Pin 58: XTOUT: Output for 12 MHz crystal oscillator.

Typical Applications

• Industrial Control and Automation: Connecting multiple PLCs, HMIs, or sensors to a PC via a single USB port.
• Embedded System Development: Providing multiple debug and programming UART interfaces for system-on-chip (SoC) or microcontroller boards.
• Communication Equipment: Functioning as a multi-port serial server for networking and telecom hardware.
• Consumer Electronics: Enabling legacy serial port connectivity in modern laptops and desktop computers.

Equivalent / Alternative Parts

• FT4232HQ (Future Technology Devices International Ltd.): Same core functionality and parameters, offered in a different package (QFN-64).
• CP2108 (Silicon Labs): Alternative quad USB-to-UART bridge from another manufacturer; evaluation of driver support and pin compatibility is required.

Advantages

• High Integration Reduces BOM: A single chip replaces four discrete USB-UART bridges, simplifying PCB layout and lowering component count.
• Robust Industrial Compatibility: The wide operating temperature range and industrial-grade design ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.
• Proven Driver Ecosystem: Backed by FTDI's mature and widely supported VCP and D2XX drivers across multiple operating systems, easing software integration.

Limitations

• Requires External Crystal: Needs an external 12 MHz crystal or clock source, adding two external components and board space.
• Moisture-Sensitive Package: The LQFP package is moisture-sensitive (MSL rated), requiring proper handling, storage, and baking before soldering to prevent popcorning.
• Limited to Asynchronous Serial: Only supports standard UART protocols and does not natively handle synchronous protocols like SPI or I2C without GPIO bit-banging.

Package Information

LQFP-64 package (10mm x 10mm body size), 64 pins, surface mount type.

Manufacturer Information

Future Technology Devices International Ltd. (FTDI) is a leading specialist in USB connectivity solutions. The company is renowned for its innovative USB bridge chips and robust driver software, which simplify the addition of USB interfaces to legacy and new electronic designs. FTDI's products, including the H-CHIP series, are widely adopted across industrial, consumer, and embedded markets.

Design-in Tips

• Decouple Power Supplies Properly: Place 100nF and 10uF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the VCC (1.8V) and VCCIO (3.3V) pins to ensure stable operation and minimize noise.
• Implement USB Signal Integrity Measures Route the USBDP and USBDM traces as a controlled impedance differential pair (90Ω) with minimal length and avoid crossing other signal lines.
• Follow Moisture Sensitivity Protocols: Adhere to the specified Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) procedures, including dry storage and baking if the reel has been exposed beyond its floor life, prior to reflow soldering.

Lifecycle Status & PCN/PDN Notes

Lifecycle status information is not provided in the input parameters. For the most current lifecycle status and any potential Product Change Notifications (PCN) or Product Discontinuation Notices (PDN), please consult the manufacturer's official website or contact them directly.