FT245BL Mini USB to FIFO Communication Module – Compact Development Board for Serial Data Transfer

SKU: FA2048-2
Main Chipset

FTDI FT245BL
USB Interface

Mini USB Type-B
Data Interface

8-Bit Parallel FIFO
Transfer Rate

Up to 1 Megabyte/second (D2XX drivers)
Operating Voltage

4.4V to 5.25V (USB Powered)
I/O Logic Level

5V / 3.3V Compatible
USB Protocol

USB 1.1 / 2.0 Full Speed Compatible
Dimensions

~40mm x 20mm
Product Description
The FT245BL Mini USB to FIFO Module is a high-performance communication bridge designed for rapid data exchange between a computer and a microcontroller or FPGA. While standard USB-to-Serial modules (like the FT232) use serial UART, the FT245BL utilizes an 8-bit parallel FIFO interface. This architecture allows for significantly higher data throughput and reduced CPU overhead, making it the ideal choice for high-speed data acquisition and real-time control systems.
Powered by the industry-standard FTDI FT245BL chipset, this module is recognized for its rock-solid driver stability across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The board simplifies complex USB protocol handling, presenting the computer with a simple Virtual COM Port (VCP) or Direct (D2XX) interface while providing the hardware side with a straightforward 8-bit parallel bus. Whether you are building a custom high-speed sensor interface or a high-bandwidth FPGA-to-PC link, the FT245BL delivers professional-grade performance in a compact form factor.
Key Features
  • High-Bandwidth Parallel Interface: 8-bit wide data bus provides faster throughput than traditional serial UART connections.
  • Genuine FTDI FT245BL Core: Industry-leading reliability with official driver support integrated into most modern operating systems.
  • 128-Byte Receive / 384-Byte Transmit Buffers: Integrated FIFO buffers ensure smooth data flow and minimize the risk of data loss during high-speed bursts.
  • Flexible Programming: Supports both Virtual COM Port (VCP) drivers for legacy software and D2XX direct drivers for maximum performance.
  • Onboard Status LEDs: Features integrated LEDs for Transmit (TX) and Receive (RX) to provide immediate visual confirmation of data activity.
  • Simple Hardware Control: Includes standard RD (Read), WR (Write), TXE (Transmit Buffer Empty), and RXF (Receive Buffer Full) pins for easy handshaking with MCUs or FPGAs.
Usage & Applications
  • FPGA & CPLD Interfacing: High-speed data bridge for transferring processed signals from FPGAs to a PC for analysis.
  • High-Speed Data Acquisition: Capturing high-frequency sensor data that exceeds the limitations of standard 115200 baud serial links.
  • Industrial Machine Control: Low-latency communication for robotic arms, CNC controllers, and automated testing equipment.
  • USB-to-Parallel Conversion: Modernizing legacy parallel-bus hardware to work with modern USB-equipped computers.
  • Custom Instrumentation: Building PC-linked oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, or custom laboratory diagnostic tools.
Q: How is the FT245BL different from the FT232RL?
The FT232RL converts USB to Serial (one bit at a time), while the FT245BL converts USB to Parallel (eight bits at a time). The FT245BL is much faster and more efficient for moving large blocks of data.
Q: Do I need a special driver to use this module?
It uses the standard FTDI drivers. For most users, it will appear as a “USB Serial Port” (VCP). Professional developers can use the FTDI D2XX drivers to bypass the COM port speed limitations for maximum throughput.
Q: Can I use this with a 3.3V microcontroller like an STM32?

Yes. While the module is powered by 5V from the USB, the FT245BL I/O pins are generally compatible with 3.3V logic levels. However, always verify your specific MCU’s input tolerance.

Q: What do the "RXF" and "TXE" pins do?

These are “Handshaking” pins. RXF (Receive Buffer Full) tells your MCU that there is data waiting to be read. TXE (Transmit Buffer Empty) tells your MCU that the module is ready to accept new data to send to the PC.

Q: Is a Mini USB cable included with the module?
This listing is for the FT245BL Development Board only. Standard Mini USB cables are sold separately or can be bundled upon request for business orders.

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