FTDI Cable 5V

The Sparkfun FTDI Cable 5V is a versatile converter cable that provides a simple solution for connecting TTL interface devices to USB. It operates at 5V, with the I/O pins configured for this voltage level.

The cable is built around an FT232RQ, neatly enclosed in a USB A connector. On the other end, it terminates with a 6-pin connector with a pitch of 2.54mm. The pinout includes RTS, RX, TX, 5V, CTS, and GND, with RTS marked by a green cable and GND by a black one.

Sparkfun's FTDI Cable 5V shares the same pinout and functionality as the FTDI Basic Breakout board. It is therefore a perfect match for programming Arduino Pro, Pro Mini, and Lilypad boards. When using these boards, simply align the black and green wires of the FTDI cable with the 'BLK' and 'GRN' labels on the PCB.

When comparing the FTDI Cable to the FTDI Basic, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. While the FTDI Basic is equipped with useful LED indicators and requires a Mini-B cable, the FTDI Cable offers superior protection against external elements. However, its larger size may pose a challenge for embedding it into projects. The FTDI Basic employs DTR for hardware reset, while the FTDI cable uses the RTS signal.

Useful resources for the FTDI Cable 5V include guides on how to install FTDI drivers, FTDI drivers themselves, and an FTDI Cable Schematic.