FTDI expands Vinculum – II Precompiled Firmware and Source Code Offering
FTDI has new additions to the portfolio of application – led ROM files
These files can be loaded directly into a VNC2 IC and utilised by its 16-bit microcontroller core in order to perform basic data transfer operations between common interfaces. Interface options include SPI, UART, USB host and USB device, with data operations such as mass storage, human interface devices, and communication device class.
For further details visit the FTDI Press Page and download the full press release.
News – 20th December 2011
FTDI’s Vinco development platform has been nominated for Product of the Year in leading German magazine, Elekronik.
“FTDI is honoured to have our Vinco development board chosen as one of the final contenders for Elekronik’s Product of the Year Awards. We always strive to support innovation and creativity and with the Vinco development system, designers have a wonderful tool to investigate their concepts as well as validate and finalize system design, and at an attractive price point.”
Additional Vinculum-II Precompiled firmware and source released
FTDI are pleased to announce further additional members of its Vinculum-II family of pre-compiled, simplified bridging ROMs to enable easy bridging between different interface standards. These require no specialist knowledge of the VNC2 Toolchain, eliminate the need for developing code and can be loaded directly into VNC2.
FTDI have added the following:
An SPI Master to FT232 device bridge
A UART to HID Class device bridge
An SPI Slave to HID Class device bridge
When loaded into a VNC2, these files will perform data transfers between the 2 interfaces of the VNC2 device with a fixed configuration.
In addition to the precompiled ROM files there is also full project source code provided to enable users to modify and expand the samples. Each ROM file and application is explained in an associated application note on how to use the file. For more information see our Precompiled Firmware page
Watch this space for more precompiled ROM files coming soon.
News – 18th November 2011
Additional Vinculum-II Precompiled firmware and source released
FTDI are pleased to announce further additional members of its Vinculum-II family of pre-compiled, simplified bridging ROMs to enable easy bridging between different interface standards. These require no specialist knowledge of the VNC2 Toolchain, eliminate the need for developing code and can be loaded directly into VNC2.
FTDI have added the following:
an SPI Master to UART bridge
an SPI Slave to USB Memory bridge
an SPI Master to a USB HID class host bridge
When loaded into a VNC2, these files will perform very basic data transfers between the 2 interfaces of the VNC2 device with a fixed configuration.
In addition to the precompiled ROM files there is also full project source code provided to enable users to modify and expand the samples. Each ROM file and application is explained in an associated application note on how to use the file.
For more information see our Precompiled Firmware page
Watch this space for more precompiled ROM files which will be released soon.
News – 3rd November 2011
Thailand Flooding Supply Chain Integrity
FTDI offers their sympathy to everyone effected in Thailand following the recent devasting flooding.
At this time, FTDI have not experienced any disruptions to our supply chain, and as such we are not seeing any short term adverse implications for our customers resulting from the disaster.
We are committed to communicate promptly with our global customers in the event that we see any material impact going forward.
Additional Vinculum-II Precompiled firmware released
Following on from the release of the Vinculum-II Toolchain version 1.4.4 earlier this week, and having listened to our customers, FTDI makes it easier to design with VNC2 by introducing the first batch of pre-compiled, simplified bridging ROMs to enable easy bridging between different interface standards. These require no specialist knowledge of the VNC2 Toolchain, eliminate the need for developing code and can be loaded directly into VNC2.
FTDI have introduced the following:
a UART to CDCModem host bridge
a UART to FTxxx class host bridge
a UART to HID class host bridge
a UART to USB memory logger.
When loaded into a VNC2, these files will perform data transfers between the 2 interfaces of the VNC2 device with a fixed configuration.
In addition to the precompiled ROM files there is also full project source code provided to enable users to modify and expand the samples. Each ROM file and application is explained in an associated application note on how to use the file. For more information see our Precompiled Firmware page
Watch this space for more precompiled ROM files which will be released soon.
News – 1st November 2011
New version of the Vinculum-II Toolchain 1.4.4 released
FTDI is pleased to announce the release of version 1.4.4 of the Vinculum-II (VNC2) development Toolchain. This release adds support for FAT Long Directory Entries, commonly referred to as long filename (LFN) as well as added improvements to the debugging and watch variables displayed in the IDE. In addition to fixing reported issues, improvements to the FAT File System, USB Host and USB Slave drivers and libraries have also been made.
For more information on the Vinculum-II Toolchain 1.4.4, please click here.
News – 19th October 2011
FTDI is pleased to announce the launch of a series of USB Hi-Speed to Digital Level UART Cables, based on the FT232H.
The USB-UART cables provide a USB Hi-Speed interface to RS232 UART - at 3.3V signal levels. A 5V or 3.3V 200mA power source is also available for providing regulated switched power from the 5V USB source. For more information please refer to the datasheet.
News – 19th October 2011
FTDI have just released 3 new application notes based on our Hi-Speed USB solutions using the MPSSE.
Two application notes give practical examples of using the new USB-MPSSE cables to interface to SPI and I2C busses.
A third application note details a practical example which uses the FT232H to measure the USB VBUS voltage and current in a USB connection. A full explanation of the applications including the source code to configure the MPSSE of the FT232H and schematics are provided.
As part of our ongoing continued support for
Android, FTDI are pleased to announce support for
its FTXXX devices with its release of a beta
version of its D2XX driver support for Android.
The driver is described in a new Technical Note.TN
134 FTDI Android D2XX Driver
This
Technical Note also describes the installation and
use of the FTDI D2XX driver for FTxxxx devices in
an Android environment.
For all the latest FTDI Android offerings click on
the Android green robot icon.
News - 29th September 2011
Allied Electronics and Yosun Announced as
Distributors
FTDI
is pleased to announce that Allied Electronics and
Yosun are now distributors of our products.
These new distribution partners will give
engineers and procurement staff in North America
(Allied) and Asia Pacific (Yosun) better access to
FTDI’s chips, cables and development modules, for
quick and cost effective implementation of USB
enabled systems.
For further details visit
the
FTDI Press Page and download the full press
release.
“We are delighted to be nominated as
Finalists and look forward to the Elektra Awards
Ceremony in London on the 14th December”
News - 27th September 2011
Win a brand new Motorola Xoom Tablet powered by a dual-core processor
running with the Android 3.1 (Honeycomb)
operating system
Featuring
1280x800 HD display with front and rear facing
cameras. The Motorola Xoom comes pre-loaded with
FTDI’s Android Open Accessory application.
Simply complete FTDI’s
Customer Survey to participate in our Motorola
Xoom free prize draw. The survey will only take
about 3 minutes.
Please enter your e-mail details to participate in the
prize draw.
Many thanks and good luck!
Win a brand
new Motorola Xoom Tablet
News - 16th September 2011
New Product Announcement: DB9 USB to Digital Modules
FTDI has added a series of USB to digital level interface modules, in DB9 form factors, to its product portfolio. These modules all utilise FTDI’s FT232R USB to serial UART bridge chip, which is capable of supporting data rates of 12 Mbits/s (USB Full Speed). They allow for the quick and easy upgrading of pieces of hardware to today’s most widely used serial interface standard in a highly convenient and cost effective manner. Drivers for the modules are available to download direct from the FTDI website.
As part of our ongoing continued support for Android, FTDI are pleased to announce the release of a new application note.“AN_181_Accessing Android Open Accessory Mode with Vinculum-II” demonstrates how FTDI’s Vinculum-II (VNC2) USB host controller can be used to enable the Android Open Accessory Mode in compatible Android devices and transfer data to/from the Android device.
The application note provides a starting point for Android Open Accessories mode designers by introducing them to a simple Android application and gives step-by-step detail on how to load the firmware into VNC2 and the Android application. Additionally it provides all the source code for both the VNC2 firmware and the Android application to allow designers to build upon it.
For all the latest FTDI Android offerings click on the Android green robot icon.
News - 4th August 2011
New Product Announcement: C232HM MPSSE Cables
FTDI is pleased to announce the availability of new cables to exploit
the Multi-Protocol Synchronous Serial Engine (MPSSE) found in the
FT232H IC.
The C232HM
MPSSE cables are capable of emulating protocols such as SPI,
I2C and JTAG under control of software for communication with external
electronics.
To further simplify application development, FTDI also provides
free
libraries to transparently handle the MPSSE configuration for
several protocols.
Please refer to the USB-MPSSE Cables product page for more
information.
News - 1st August 2011
FTDI releases
LibMPSSE-SPI Library
FTDI is pleased to announce the availability of the LibMPSSE-SPI
library to simplify using MPSSE capable devices (FT4232H, FT2232H,
FT2232D and FT232H) for SPI protocol emulation. This
newly developed library complements the
updated LibMPSSE-I2C library. The
library can be statically or dynamically linked
and comes with example source code for Windows and Linux.
A user guide is provided as
AN178 - User guide For LibMPSSE-SPI.
Please refer to the
LibMPSSE-SPI page for more details.
News - 19th July 2011
New version of the Vinculum-II Toolchain 1.4.2 released FTDI is pleased to announce the
release of version 1.4.2 of the Vinculum-II (VNC2) development Toolchain.
This release adds a driver to support the recently announced Android
Open Accessory mode (in addition to sample Android application source
code), plus additional Ethernet and RTC drivers. In addition to
performance improvements added to the USBHost, USBSlave and FAT File
System, the Application Wizard has also been updated to support Vinco
projects. Also included are a sample of pre-compiled VNC2 Romfiles
for FT232 to UART and CDC Modem to UART applications, plus an API to
improve access to the user area of EEPROM.
For more information on the Vinculum-II Toolchain 1.4.2, please
click here.
FTDI releases
LibMPSSE-I2C.DLL
FTDI is pleased to announce the release of the LibMPSSE-I2C DLL to aid
the implementation of I2C designs using FTDI devices which incorporate
the FTDI MPSSE (FT4232H, FT2232H, FT2232D and FT232H). The aim of this
newly developed DLL is simplicity and it is provided to make USB to I2C designs “made easy”. The DLL can be statically or dynamically linked
and comes with sample source code examples , and is explained in a new
application note
AN_177 - User Guide for LibMPSSE-I2C.
Please refer to the
LibMPSSE-I2C page for more details.
News - 13th May 2011
FTDI commits to supporting
Android Open Accessories Initiative
Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI) will be
exhibiting at this year’s Maker Faire – Bay Area (21st & 22nd May, San
Mateo Events Center, California). The event, which celebrates innovation
at all levels, from the hobbyist through to multinational corporations,
is now in its sixth year, and to coincide with this FTDI has announced
its commitment to supporting the Android Open Accessories initiative,
thus allowing engineers to realize exciting new system designs that are
compatible with tablets and smartphones utilizing the highly popular
Android operating system.
FTDI will be exhibiting at Maker Faire, San Mateo County Event
Center May 21st and 22nd, San Francisco Bay Area, California, U.S.A. Update - Booth number 54,
click here to view booth location.
VNC2 Toolchain Patch
1.4.0-SP1 A firmware patch has been made available for
the VNC2 Toolchain V1.4.0. After installing the 1.4.0 release of
the toolchain, please install 1.4.0-SP1. Please note that the full
1.4.0 toolchain release is a prerequisite for this patch.
The patch addresses issues including USB Host enumeration time, VNC1L
compatibilities and USB slave stability (view
release notes). Download Vinculum-II Toolchain Patch 1.4.0-SP1.
News - 27th April 2011
FTDI Chip to exhibit at the ESC Show May 2 - 5 in San Jose, California
Included in the exhibition with FTDI’s extensive range of USB solutions
will be the Vinco, a Vinculum II USB Host/Device development platform,
and the FT232H, a new generation, single channel, USB Hi-Speed interface
IC.
Other USB solutions available for discussion during the
exhibition will be the powerful Vinculum II USB Host/Device controllers,
an extensive range of development modules, Instant USB Cables and DB9
USB active connector modules.
Free copies of ebook
Embedded USB - Design by Example (Part 1 and new Part 2) by
John Hyde will be available at the FTDI booth.
FTDI technical and
sales staff will be at Booth 2424 from the 2nd
- 5th May 2011 to introduce you to the world of USB Made Easy!
New WHQL certified driver released FTDI is pleased to announce the availability of a new WHQL certified driver release. The
new version (2.08.14) includes support for the new FT232H device as well as including some minor fixes.
The
release notes
provide a more information on specific fixes.
News - 4th April 2011
Japan Earthquake Supply Chain Integrity FTDI offers their deepest condolences to
everyone effected by the earthquake and tsunami which have devastated
parts of Japan. At this time, FTDI have not experienced any
disruptions to our supply chain, and as such we are not seeing any short
term adverse implications for our customers resulting from the disaster.
We are committed to communicating promptly with our global customers
in the event that we see any material impact going forward.
New Product Announcement: FT232H - Single Channel Hi-Speed USB to Multipurpose UART/FIFO IC
FTDI is pleased to announce the release of the FT232H, a new generation,
single channel, USB Hi-Speed interface IC. This new device features
either a flexible serial interface or parallel FIFO interface, with
speeds up to 40Mbytes/s. Using an external EEPROM interface, the FT232H
can be configured for a wide variety of asynchronous and synchronous
serial and parallel standards, such as JTAG, SPI, I2C, and parallel
FIFO. In addition, the FT232H features the new half-duplex FT1248 bus,
which allows an engineer to trade off bandwidth for pin count using 1,
2, 4, or 8 data lines at up to 30Mbytes/s. The I/O structure is 3.3V
with built-in tolerance for 5V. The device is available in a 48 pin LQFP
or QFN.
For more information on the FT232H, please click
here.
New Product Announcement: UM232H - Single Channel USB Hi-Speed FT232H Development Module
FTDI is pleased to announce the UM232H which is an evaluation module for
the FT232H single channel, USB Hi-Speed interface IC. The UM232H
provides an engineer with the ability to quickly build a prototype or
modify and existing system, whilst exercising the full capabilities of
the FT232H. This module includes:
28 pin 0.6” DIP machined socket pins for easy integration
USB mini-B socket operating at 480Mbps
EEPROM on board to enable multiple configurations
Configurable for either USB bus power or self-powered modes
UART, FIFO, MPSSE and FT1248 interfaces available on DIP pins
For more information on the UM232H, please click
here.
Launch of VNCLO-START1 – A Development Kit for the Vinculum-II (VNC2)
FTDI announces the launch of the Vinculo Starter Kit. This is a
development platform for the Vinculum-II (VNC2) USB Host/Device
controller, combining the Vinculo motherboard with the VNC2
Debug/Programming module. The Vinculum-II supports dual USB Host/Device
interfaces, FIFO, SPI, I2C, PWM, and UART. On board is a 10 bit, 8
channel ADC and 38 GPIO which are available for quick prototyping. This
development platform features a free software development suite
including a full featured C compiler, real time operating system, and
USB Host/Device software stack for HID, CDC, HUB, printer and BOMS (FAT
file system). The new starter kit (VNCLO-START1) provides a
cost-effective rapid development solution at a cost effective price.
New version of the Vinculum-II Toolchain 1.4.0 released FTDI is pleased to announce the release of version 1.4.0 of the
Vinculum-II (VNC2) development Toolchain. This release is the first to
feature two new VNC2 facilities which offer the designer improved design
and debug capabilities: the Application Wizard and the Thread Manager.
Thread Manager provides real-time thread debugging within a VNC2
application. Thread information can be used to optimize memory
allocation as well as diagnose synchronization issues that may arise in
multi-threaded applications. The Application Wizard has been designed to
guide developers through the generation of a template VNC2 application.
Each stage has been broken down into a number of easy to follow steps to
help cut down development time. The Wizard generates a new project file
containing all relevant C code to get the developer started with his
design.
For more information on the Vinculum-II Toolchain 1.4.0, please click
here.
To download, please click
here
(registration required).
News - 17th February 2011
Product Change Notification for part numbers: FT232RQ, FT232RL, FT245RQ,
FT245RL Product Change Notification for the product
part numbers - FT232RQ, FT232RL, FT245RQ, FT245RL, the present Rev-B
will be replaced by Rev-C from April 2011. Reason for change is to
improve yield, the manufacturing process of these devices has been moved
to a different fab of the same foundry. FTDI have made a minor
modification to the analogue circuitry within the design to match the
new FAB. This has no affect on the overall function of the device.
For more information on the PCN, please click
here.
News - 27th January 2011
IIC
Shanghai
FTDI is exhibiting at IIC Shenzhen 24th -26th
February 2011 at stand 2G20, and provide a technical seminar on
Thursday, 24th February 2011 from 10:30 – 11:20 am in
Conference Room 4.
News - 24th January 2011
Winners of Vinculum-II development (VNCLO-MB1A) kit, offered to EE Times Europe readers FTDI recently offered EE Times Europe
readers the chance to win 1 of 10, cost effective Vinculum-II (VNC2)
development platform kits.
The
VNCLO-MB1A board is a dual channel USB Host/Device Controller which
is targeted at rapid development and prototyping of USB Host/Device
interfaces. It is a superset of the Arduino Duemilanove / Uno with 2
extra rows of headers providing an extra 10 pins and it can be
programmed using a subset of standard ANSII ‘C’ utilising the FTDI free
of charge software development environment, consisting of development
tools, software drivers and libraries. For more information on the
VNCLO-MB1A board, please
click here.
The winners of the Vinculum-II development
platform kit (VNCLO-MB1A) are:
B. Aquino from Spain
D. Cogliati from Italy
P. Cruz from Portugal
L. Edstrom from Sweden
C. Godbert from the UK
Z. Janosy from Hungary
N. Lott from Germany
A. Neil from the UK
A. Schollaert from Belgium
J. Ylonen from Finland
Congratulations to the winners, you will be contacted and will
receive the Vinculum-II development platform kit shortly!
News - 20th January 2011
Service Patch for firmware and drivers of the Vinculum-II Toolchain, V1.2.2-SP1, released FTDI has released a service patch for firmware and drivers of
the Vinculum-II Toolchain, V1.2.2 -SP1. In addition to bug fixes, it
features functionality that allows developers to update their firmware
directly from a flash disk, a MCP30008 driver, an SD memory card driver
to access File System on SD memory cards connected via SPI interface,
and Libraries, Drivers and the V2DAP code have been improved.
Nuremberg, Germany, 1st - 3rd March 2011 at Stand 12-234 Hall 12.0
Free Admission Voucher: FTDI are giving away free
admission vouchers for Embedded World 2011 worth 18€ each. To receive a
free admission voucher to the exhibition, please email your name and
full address details to
embeddedworld@ftdichip.com. FTDI will then send you an admission
voucher to pre-register on the internet not later than the 3rd March
2011.
Please note - only one Voucher per registration on a
first-come-first-served basis, so don’t delay!
FTDI will exhibit at IIC Shenzhen 24th -26th February 2011 at
stand 2G20, and provide a technical seminar.
Technical Seminar at IIC China Paul Huang, Asia
Pacific Engineering Manager will present FTDI’s USB Host/ Slave
solutions and technical applications supported by a detailed overview of
various code examples.
This seminar will take
place at IIC Shenzhen: Thursday, 24th February
2011 from 10:30 – 11:20 am in Conference Room 4
For more information
on the IIC conference program please
click here.
