Adafruit
FTDI Friend with Micro USB Port + extras
Best serial adapter for electronics hobbyists and microcontroller developers.
The FTDI Friend provides a simple, reliable solution for transferring serial data between microcontrollers and a computer via USB. Built around the genuine FTDI FT232RL chip, this adapter offers switchable 3.3V and 5V logic levels for power and signal lines. It includes extra-long headers, making breadboard integration easy. Status LEDs visually confirm when serial data is being sent or received. This versatile board uses a Micro-B USB connector and can even serve to program AVR microcontrollers in a pinch, offering essential connectivity for development projects.
$14.75
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 743
#5 in USB Adapters
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Processor Model
232
/ FTRL (Manufacturer: FTDI)
Who it's for
- Prototypers building circuits on breadboards for quick testing
- Developers needing rock-solid, driver-compatible serial connections
- Makers working with diverse 3.3V and 5V microcontroller projects
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists preferring inexpensive generic chip alternatives
- Modern users wanting to standardize their workspace with USB-C cables
- Engineers requiring plug-and-play compatibility with standard Arduino headers
Performance breakdown
Chip Reliability
Genuine FTDI silicon ensures rock-solid driver stability and consistent data transfer.
Breadboard Integration
Extra-long headers make connecting to prototyping boards effortless and secure.
Voltage Versatility
Simple switching between 3.3V and 5V accommodates a wide range of projects.
Visual Feedback
Onboard TX and RX LEDs provide instant confirmation of active serial traffic.
Form Factor
Compact design keeps your workspace tidy without sacrificing essential pin access.
Programming Utility
DTR line access makes flashing microcontrollers a quick and seamless experience.
Key Specs
Processor Model
FT232RL (Manufacturer: FTDI)
Logic Voltage Levels
3.3V or 5V selectable
Connectivity
Micro-B USB
Dimensions
38.07mm L x 17.89mm W x 7.7mm H
Weight
3.4g
Pin Header Type
6-pin header
Compliance
RoHS 2 2011/65/EU Compliant
Board Type
Arduino Uno, Arduino Mega2560, Arduino Duemeilanove, Arduino Leonardo, Arduino Fio, Arduino Pro, Arduino Uno R3, Arduino Uno R4 Plus
Features
- Switchable 3.3V/5V signal and power lines
- Provides power to projects
- Includes 4 signal lines for data communication
- Access to DTR programming line
- Compatible with Arduino-derivatives and XBees
- Onboard TX/RX status LEDs
- Extra-long headers for breadboards
- Uses genuine FTDI chip
- Micro-B USB connectivity
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly view the Adafruit FTDI Friend as an essential, highly reliable tool for electronics work. Its core strength lies in dependable performance, standing out against generic converters plagued by driver issues. The Micro USB port adds significant modern convenience. Users value the thoughtful design, including clear labeling and easy 3.3V or 5V logic switching, ensuring versatility with various microcontrollers. While the price is slightly higher, the superior reliability and excellent support justify the cost, creating strong value perception. The primary sentiment is trust; this device consistently works correctly, minimizing frustration during development.
Know before you buy
Yes, the FTDI Friend can provide power to your project. You can toggle between 3.3V and 5V using the onboard switch to match your specific hardware requirements.
Yes, it includes access to the DTR line, which is essential for triggering the auto-reset feature when uploading sketches to many Arduino-compatible boards.
Absolutely. The board features a built-in switch that allows you to select either 3.3V or 5V for both the signal lines and the power output, making it highly versatile for different logic levels.
This board uses a standard Micro-B USB connector. You will need a Micro-USB cable to connect it to your computer.
No, the extra-long headers are included but not pre-soldered. This gives you the flexibility to solder them in for breadboard use or attach wires directly to the board depending on your project needs.
The board features onboard TX and RX status LEDs. These will blink whenever serial data is being sent or received, providing a quick visual confirmation that your connection is active.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.