FT_Prog and Programming the FT230X

I mentioned FT-Prog in my last blog post. FT-Prog is a utility to program the EEPROM on FTDI devices. FT-Prog can configure the FT230X and add more functionality to the FT230X.

Understanding the FT230X

The FT230X is a powerful chip that, when programmed with FT_Prog, can add many functionalities to your projects. To begin, ensure you have the necessary VCP drivers installed and the FT230X datasheet handy.

Programming the FT230x with FT_Prog

To program the FT230X (and other FTDI devices) the part needs to be powered up and connected with a USB cable to a computer.

Before trying to connect an FT230X to a computer make sure to snag the VCP drivers and install. It is advisable to have the FT230X datasheet open while doing the walkthrough. I will be referencing the FT230X chip functions that are configurable. Page 11 of the datasheet has the CBUS signal options listed and what they do. FTDI also has an appnote for the FT-Prog software.

After connecting the USB cable to your device and computer the drivers should install. Opening “Devices and Printers” will show if the FT230X drivers and device where installed correctly.

In the FT-Prog window click the “Scan and Parse” icon. It looks like a magnifying glass. FT-Prog will then scan your computer for any FTDI devices attached to the computer.

Nothing can be changed under “Chip Details”. Under “USB Device Descriptor” the Vendor ID and Product ID of the FT230X can be changed if you have a custom VID and PID. Most users will keep this at the FTDI Default as FTDI allows end users of their devices to use FTDI’s VID and PID.

The “USB Config Descriptor” settings refer to the power settings for the device. Setting the FT230X to Bus Powered will tell the FT230X to request the Max Bus Power from the computer when it is enumerated.

The USB 2.0 standard allows 500mA as the max through normal enumeration. The Pull Down IO Pins in USB Suspend is useful to prevent other devices from being powered via the FT230X when in USB suspend.

The “USB String Descriptors” allow changing the manufacture and product description. Changing these will change how the computer names the FT230X when it is connected to a computer. You can also change the serial number of the device if you need to keep track of devices.

The interesting settings that can be changed are under “Hardware Specific”. “Battery Charge Detection” (BCD) allows the FT230X to use dedicated charges. This is a nifty feature as it allows more than the typical 500mA to be drawn through the USB connection.

The “Force Power Enable” allows the use of the PWREN# CBUS signal (see page 11 of the datasheet). This can be used to control external circuitry like a MOSFET. This is useful when making a USB-powered device. PWREN# will only be asserted when the FT230X is enumerated correctly. Before enumeration, a USB-powered device is only allowed to draw 10mA. During enumeration, the FT230X requests the current value set in the “USB Config Descriptor”. If the computer allows it the FT230X then asserts PWREN# which can open up a MOSFET allowing the rest of the device to power on.

Inverting the control signals (RTS#, CTS#, etc.) can be done under “Invert RS232 Signals”. This is useful if you need to reset a microcontroller or other part. Note that the FT230X doesn’t have DTR#, DSR#, DCD#, or RI# but they are listed in FT_Prog. The TX/RX pins can also be inverted. I have not found a reason to do this, however.

The four CBUS signals on the FT230X can be configured under “CBUS Signals”. Here you can add the PWREN# and BCD Charger signals. I like combining the TX and RX LEDs into one signal with the TX&RXLED# option. If you are using a microcontroller that can use a 6MHz, 12MHz, or 24MHz clock you can configure a CBUS signal to output those frequencies. This could be useful to reduce part costs in a product.

Lastly, the “IO Pins” settings can change the slew, Schmitt options, and drive strength of the IO. These are generally not changed. Schmitt input turns the inputs into Schmitt triggers which will help reduce digital noise at the cost of more power consumption.

After making the changes needed the profile can be saved as a template by going to File -> Save as Template. This is useful for when you need to program lots of FT230Xs. Right-clicking the Device will allow you to apply a previously saved template as well. To program the FT230X with your configuration click “Program Devices”. The icon looks like a lightning bolt.

Clicking program will program the selected FTDI device. When finished the FTDI device must be power cycled to load the new configuration.

Next week I will talk about how to properly make a USB bus powered device with the FT230X using the PWREN# signal.

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