DB9-USB Family of UART Converter Modules Datasheet Version 2.3 Document No.: FT 000204 Clearance No.: FTDI 130 Future Technology Devices International Ltd DB9-USB Family of UART Converter Modules Datasheet Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained in, or the product described in this manual, may be adapted or reproduced in any material or electronic form without the prior written consent of the copyright holder. This product and its documentation are supplied on an as-is basis and no warranty as to their suitability for any particular purpose is either made or implied. Future Technology Devices International Ltd will not accept any claim for damages howsoever arising as a result of use or failure of this product. Your statutory rights are not affected. This product or any variant of it is not intended for use in any medical appliance, device or system in which the failure of the product might reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. This document provides preliminary information that may be subject to change without notice. No freedom to use patents or other intellectual property rights is implied by the publication of this document. Future Technology Devices International Ltd, Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park, Glasgow G41 1HH United Kingdom. Scotland Registered Company Number: SC136640 Copyright Future Technology Devices International Limited 1 DB9-USB Family of UART Converter Modules Datasheet Version 2.3 Document No.: FT 000204 Clearance No.: FTDI 130 1 Introduction 1.1 The DB9-USB Family of UART Converter Modules The DB9-USB connector modules can be used to upgrade an RS232 port to an active USB port. In some cases this can be done without the need to redesign the PCB. In some cases they can reduce system costs by removing an RS232 level shifter from a design. The DB9-USB family consist of 6 modules. Two of these operate at RS232 voltage levels these can be used as a direct replacement in a system which uses RS232 levels, while four of them operate at digital voltage levels (a choice of 5V or 3.3V) these can be used to interface to an application systems logic level which could result in the bill-of-materials being reduced by the removal of any RS232 level shifters which may be in the system. Each is available to replace either a male or a female DB9. 1.2 Functional Description DB9-USB modules can be used to upgrade a UART port of a device to an active USB port. These active connectors contain all the USB to UART (and vice-versa) conversion electronics and are designed to fit directly into the same PCB footprint as a PC compatible UART DB9 connector. The FTDI DB9-USB RS232 level modules are available in two types DB9-USB-M and DB9-USB-F. Using these modules does not require any changes to a PCB or enclosure. A DB9-USB-M can be used to replace a male DB9 connector that is wired in a PC compatible RS232 manner. This module operates at RS232 signal levels. A DB9-USB-F can be used to replace a female DB9 connector that is wired in a PC compatible RS232 manner. This module operates at RS232 signal levels. The FTDI DB9-USB 3.3V digital voltage level modules are available in two types DB9-USB-D3-M and DB9- USB-D3-F. Using these modules may require a minor change to the PCB, but saves in material costs by removing the need for an RS232 level shifter. A DB9-USB-D3-M can be used to replace a male DB9 connector that is wired in a PC compatible RS232 manner. This module operates at 3.3V signal levels. A DB9-USB-D3-F can be used to replace a female DB9 connector that is wired in a PC compatible RS232 manner. This module operates at 3.3V signal levels. The FTDI DB9-USB 5V digital voltage level modules are available in two types DB9-USB-D5-M and DB9- USB-D5-F. Using these modules may require a minor change to the PCB, but saves in material costs by removing the need for an RS232 level shifter. A DB9-USB-D5-M can be used to replace a male DB9 connector that is wired in a PC compatible RS232 manner. This module operates at 5.0V signal levels. A DB9-USB-D5-F can be used to replace a female DB9 connector that is wired in a PC compatible RS232 manner. This module operates at 5.0V signal levels. The purposes of these modules is to provide a simple method of adapting legacy serial devices with UART interfaces to modern USB ports by replacing the DB9 connector with this miniaturised module which closely resembles a DB9 connector. This is accomplished by incorporating the industry standard FTDI FT232R USB-Serial Bridge IC. The RS232 level DB9-USB modules include an RS232 level transceiver. Copyright Future Technology Devices International Limited 2