Application Note

AN_236

User Guide for FT312D

Configuration Utility

Version 1.0

Issue Date: 2013-04-25

This application note explains how to program FT312D descriptor strings

using a free FTDI utility, FT312D Configuration. The application communicates
with the FT312D over USB via the FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable

Use of FTDI devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the user’s risk, and the
user agrees to defend, indemnify and hold FTDI harmless from any and all damages, claims, suits
or expense resulting from such use.

Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI)

Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Glasgow G41 1HH, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 (0) 141 429 2777 Fax: + 44 (0) 141 429 2758
Web Site: http://ftdichip.com
Copyright © 2012-2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Table of Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Hardware Requirements ......................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Software Requirements .......................................................................................................... 3
2 Test Setup ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Preparing the test PC .............................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Preparing the hardware .......................................................................................................... 4
3 Using the FT312D Configuration Utility .......................................................................................... 5
3.1 Test Setup Errors ................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 User Defined descriptor size ................................................................................................. 11
4 FTDI Chip Contact Information ..................................................................................................... 12
Appendix A – References ...................................................................................................................... 13
Document References....................................................................................................................... 13
Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................ 13
Appendix B – List of Tables & Figures ................................................................................................... 14
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................... 14
List of Figures .................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix C – Revision History .............................................................................................................. 15

1
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

1 Introduction
Android Open Accessory hardware is paired with applications running on the Android platform
based on the descriptor strings the device sends to the Android. The FT312D allows for these
strings to be modified such that the device may be used with multiple applications.
This application note describes the test setup and usage of the FT312D Configuration Utility for
making these modifications.
The utility is intended for use in FT312D manufacturing environment to configure the descriptor
strings. This utility is needed only if the default descriptor strings have to be changed.

FT312D Configuration application is downloadable from the FTDI website at

http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Utilities/FT312D_Configuration_V010000.zip

1.1 Overview
The Figure 1.1 below shows the block diagram of the FT312D Configuration setup.

Windows
USB Host

FTDI USB to USB

Null Modem Cable

USB Host

FT312D Module
Figure 1.1: Block diagram of FT312D Configuration setup

1.2 Hardware Requirements

FTDI FT312D (may be mounted on the UMFT311EV or the customers own design).
FTDI USB to USB Null Modem Cable.
5V power supply.
Test PC running Window XP or later.

2
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Note: Customers developing custom design should refer to Appendix A: document

reference for FT311D Development Module.

1.3 Software Requirements

Operating system: Windows XP or later.
USB Serial Converter driver: Install the latest FTDI D2XX driver from www.ftdichip.com
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/D2XX.htm
Framework: Microsoft .NET Framework 4 needs to be installed to run the test software
Application: FT312D_Configuration.exe and supporting files

3
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

2 Test Setup

2.1 Preparing the test PC

1. Download & install Microsoft .NET Framework 4 from the following website
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=17851
2. FT312D Configuration is downloadable from the FTDI website at
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Utilities/FT312D_Configuration_V010000.zip
3. Copy the test software (FT312D_Configuration_V010000.zip) folder to a local hard drive.
4. Unzip them if the folders are compressed. For maximum compatibility, make sure that
there are no non-English character in the path leading to the folders.

2.2 Preparing the hardware

The test setup is done with the following steps
1. Connect the FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable to the PC and install the driver. This will
happen automatically if connected to the internet.
2. Connect the free end of USB to USB Null Modem Cable to the FT312D Hardware via the
USB Host port.
3. Power up the FT312D from a 5V supply.
4. The FT312D will now enumerate the Null Modem cable to complete the data link back to
the PC.

Note:
FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable is the only FTDI device connected to the test PC.

WINDOWS PC
.NET FRAMEWORK 4
FTDI D2XX DRIVERS
FT312D CONFIGURATION
UTILITY

5V
FT312D
PSU
USB TO USB NULL MODEM CABLE

Figure 2.1: Completed FT312D Test Setup

The completed test setup is shown in the Figure 2.1. The FT312D is powered from 5V.

4
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

3 Using the FT312D Configuration Utility

Figure 3.1: FT312D Configuration Utility

Note:

Only one instance of the FT312D Configuration application should be opened.

Run FT312D Configuration.exe. The software will start, opening a screen similar to the one shown
in Figure 3.1. The buttons may then be used to perform the following tasks:

Read File
Read File will load the configuration file into the GUI, filling in the values for the strings as shown
in the Figure 3.1. A default FT312DConfiguration.xml is present in the application folder. This may
be updated with the Write File button.

Erase Flash
The descriptor strings that the user programs to the FT312D may be erased with the Erase Flash
button. A device that is erased will still function with the default descriptor strings stored in the
device. The utility also checks the setup and pops up a message if the setup is wrong.
The result is PASS if the erase is successful. The result is FAIL if the erase is failed.

5
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Figure 3.2: Erase Flash

Write Flash
Write Flash will store the descriptor strings displayed in the GUI to the FT312D.
The utility also checks the setup and pops up a message if the setup is wrong.
The result is PASS if the write is successful as shown in the Figure 3.3. The result is FAIL if the
write is failed as shown in the Figure 3.4. The Write Flash failed because the descriptor strings in
the GUI is not filled. All the descriptor string fields in the GUI has to be filled.

Figure 3.3: Write Flash result - PASS

6
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Figure 3.4: Write Flash result - FAIL

Read Flash
Read Flash will read the descriptor string values previously stored in FT312D and display them in
the GUI. A device that has not been written with user specified descriptor string or has been
erased will return blank values in the GUI.

Figure 3.5: Read Flash with default descriptor string

7
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Figure 3.6: Read Flash with user defined descriptor string

Write File
Write File will store the values displayed in the GUI to the FT312DConfiguration.xml file.

Figure 3.7: Write File

8
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Clear Screen
Clear screen will reset the display to blank fields.

Figure 3.8: Clear Screen

EXIT
The application may be closed by selecting EXIT.

Note:

 The Erase Flash, Write Flash and Read Flash button in the utility is functional only
when the FT312D is connected.
 The Read File, Write File, Clear Screen and EXIT button in the utility is functional
with the FT312D connected or not.

9
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

3.1 Test Setup Errors

Figure 3.9: FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable not connected to test PC

The error message in Figure 3.9 appears when the USB to USB Null Modem cable is not connected
to the test PC.

Figure 3.10: FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable not connected to FT312D

The error message in Figure 3.10 appears when the Null Modem cable is not connected to the
FT312D or the FT312D is not powered up.

10
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

3.2 User Defined descriptor size

The size of the descriptor strings are listed below

Descriptor String Maximum string size allowed

Manufacturer 63
Model 31
Version 7
Serial 31
URL 127
Description 95
Table 3.1: Descriptor string size

11
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

4 FTDI Chip Contact Information

E-mail (General Enquiries) [email protected]

Head Office – Glasgow, UK

Branch Office – Tigard, Oregon, USA

Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park
Glasgow G41 1HH
United Kingdom 7130 SW Fir Loop
Tel: +44 (0) 141 429 2777 Tigard, OR 97223
Fax: +44 (0) 141 429 2758 USA
Tel: +1 (503) 547 0988
E-mail (Sales) [email protected] Fax: +1 (503) 547 0987
E-mail (Support) [email protected]
E-mail (General Enquiries) [email protected] E-Mail (Sales) [email protected]
E-Mail (Support) [email protected]
E-Mail (General Enquiries) [email protected]

Branch Office – Taipei, Taiwan

Branch Office – Shanghai, China
Room 1103, No. 666West Huaihai Road,
2F, No. 516, Sec. 1, NeiHu Road Shanghai, 200052
Taipei 114 China
Taiwan , R.O.C. Tel: +86 21 62351596
Tel: +886 (0) 2 8791 3570 Fax: +86 21 62351595
Fax: +886 (0) 2 8791 3576
E-mail (Sales) [email protected]
E-mail (Sales) [email protected] E-mail (Support) [email protected]
E-mail (Support) [email protected] E-mail (General Enquiries) [email protected]

Web Site

http://ftdichip.com

System and equipment manufacturers and designers are responsible to ensure that their systems, and any Future Technology
Devices International Ltd (FTDI) devices incorporated in their systems, meet all applicable safety, regulatory and system-level
performance requirements. All application-related information in this document (including application descriptions, suggested
FTDI devices and other materials) is provided for reference only. While FTDI has taken care to assure it is accurate, this
information is subject to customer confirmation, and FTDI disclaims all liability for system designs and for any applications
assistance provided by FTDI. Use of FTDI devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the user’s risk, and the
user agrees to defend, indemnify and hold FTDI harmless from any and all damages, claims, suits or expense resulting from
such use. This document is subject to change without notice. No freedom to use patents or other intellectual property rights is
implied by the publication of this document. Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained in, or the product
described in this document, may be adapted or reproduced in any material or electronic form without the prior written consent
of the copyright holder. Future Technology Devices International Ltd, Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park,
Glasgow G41 1HH, United Kingdom. Scotland Registered Company Number: SC136640

12
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Appendix A – References

Document References
FT311D Development Module datasheet
FT312D Development Module datasheet
FT311D Development Module datasheet
FT311 GPIO Board datasheet

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Terms Description

FT312D FTDI USB Android Accessory

PC Personal Computer

RXD Receive

TXD Transmit Asynchronous Data output

UART Universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter

USB Universal Serial Bus

USB-IF USB Implementers Forum

13
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Appendix B – List of Tables & Figures

List of Tables
Table 3.1: Descriptor string size ......................................................................................... 11

List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Block diagram of FT312D Configuration setup ........................................................ 2
Figure 2.1: Completed FT312D Test Setup ............................................................................. 4
Figure 3.1: FT312D Configuration Utility ................................................................................ 5
Figure 3.2: Erase Flash ........................................................................................................ 6
Figure 3.3: Write Flash result - PASS ..................................................................................... 6
Figure 3.4: Write Flash result - FAIL ...................................................................................... 7
Figure 3.5: Read Flash with default descriptor string ............................................................... 7
Figure 3.6: Read Flash with user defined descriptor string ........................................................ 8
Figure 3.7: Write File ........................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3.8: Clear Screen ...................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3.9: FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable not connected to test PC ................................. 10
Figure 3.10: FTDI USB to USB Null Modem cable not connected to FT312D .............................. 10

14
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Version 1.0

Document Reference No.: FT_000821 Clearance No.: FTDI# 338

Appendix C – Revision History

Document Title: AN_236 User Guide for FT312D Configuration Utility
Document Reference No.: FT_000821
Clearance No.: FTDI# 338
Product Page: http://www.ftdichip.com/FTProducts.htm
Document Feedback: Send Feedback

Revision Changes Date

1.0 Initial Release 2013-04-25

15
Product Page
Document Feedback Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited