FTDI releases two - or four-channel USB-to-UART/MPSSE bridging IC

     Always at the forefront of embedded connectivity innovation, FTDI announces its latest series of multi-channel USB interface ics. As more and more hardware begins to use next-generation power protocols, this family of ics has the capability to handle these needs. The new high-speed (480Mbits/s) device is available in 2-channel (FT2233HP) and 4-channel (FT4233HP) versions with serial UART (RS232, RS422 or RS485) and MPSSE (JTAG, I2C, SPI or Bit Bang) interface capabilities.

     In addition, they are fully compliant with revised version 3.0 of the USB Power Supply (PD) specification. Each controller has a Type-C/PD controller that handles all collaborative work and power monitoring, and then decides on the appropriate action (thus relieving the work that the system microcontroller would otherwise have to perform). This will enable any device using these ics to gain or deliver power depending on the situation - supporting power levels up to 100W.

     The PD strategy engine is based on a 32-bit RISC processor core with 8kB of data RAM and 48kB of code ROM embedded to manage the corresponding PD ports. The PD1 port can act as power access or power output, while the PD2 port only acts as power input. Since all USB protocol processing can be done directly on the chip, there is no need for USB-specific firmware programming - which greatly simplifies the entire implementation process. In addition, accessing FTDI's free USB drivers (for Windows, Linux, Mac, and Android) does not require engineers to create their own drivers from scratch.

     The FT2233HP and FT4233HP ics come in a 76-pin QFN package and an 80-pin LQFP package. For deployment in harsh industrial environments, supported operating temperatures range from -40°C to 85°C. The main applications of this series of chips include home appliances, test instruments, factory automation systems, power tools, lighting equipment, bar code readers and consumer electronics.