Copyright © 2010 Future Technology Devices International Limited

1

Document Reference No.: FT_000148

USB-COM232-PLUS4 Datasheet

Version 1.2

Clearance No.: FTDI# 97

1 Introduction

The USB-COM-Plus modules are a family of communication devices. This model, USB-COM232-PLUS4,

provides a simple method of adapting four legacy RS232 serial devices to a modern USB port. This is

accomplished by incorporating the industry standard FTDI FT4232H USB2.0 Hi-Speed serial bridge chip.

The integrated electronics of the USB-COM232-PLUS4 utilise the FTDI FT4232H plus four RS232 level

shifters and TXD/RXD LEDs to provide a visual indication of data traffic through the module.

Figure 1.1 USB-COM232-PLUS4

The module uses a standard USB-MINIB device connector for connection to an upstream host or hub

port. RS232-level signals, including modem handshake signals, are available on an industry-standard

DE-9P connector. The maximum RS232-level data rate is 1Mbps.

The USB-COM232-PLUS4 module requires USB device drivers, available free from www.ftdichip.com,

which are used to make the USB-COM232-PLUS4 appear as four Virtual COM Ports (VCP). This allows

existing serial communications software, such as HyperTerminal, to exchange data through the USB-

COM232-PLUS4 to a legacy RS232 peripheral device.

The USB-COM232-PLUS4 uses nine LEDs to indicate a valid link as well as data traffic according to the

following table:

LED

Colour

Function

Description

quantity

Yellow

Enumerated

ON when USB-COM-Plus is configured and ready

1

Green

TxD Activity

Flashes when data is transmitted from the

the attached RS232 device

4

Red

RxD Activity

Flashes when data is transmitted from the attached RS232 device to

the

USB-COM232-PLUS4

4

Table 1.1 – LED Description