Application Note

AN_242

FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0

Issue Date: 2013-06-24

This utility is for use with FTDI USB to UART devices. The utility provides a
terminal emulation function for use on Android devices. The Android system
must use Android OS version 3.2 or later and provide a USB host port.

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 © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

Table of Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................... 2
1.1 Features ........................................................................................ 2
1.2 Install Application ........................................................................... 3
1.3 Launch and Exit Application .............................................................. 3
2 Functions ............................................................................................ 4
2.1 Serial Settings ................................................................................ 4
2.2 Send Data...................................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Send Plain Text Data ................................................................. 5
2.2.2 Send Hexadecimal Format Data .................................................. 5
2.2.3 Send Special Key Code Data ....................................................... 6
2.3 File Transfer ................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 Receive File .............................................................................. 7
2.3.2 Send File ................................................................................ 10
2.4 Menu Functions ............................................................................ 12
2.4.1 Setting ................................................................................... 12
2.4.2 Content Format ....................................................................... 14
2.4.3 Font Size ................................................................................ 16
2.4.4 Save Content Data .................................................................. 17
2.4.5 Clean Screen .......................................................................... 17
2.4.6 Echo ...................................................................................... 17
2.4.7 Online Help ............................................................................. 17
3 Contact Information ............................................................................ 18
Appendix A – References .......................................................................... 19
Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................... 19
Appendix B – List of Figures ...................................................................... 20
Appendix C– Revision History .................................................................... 21

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

1 Introduction
This utility is for use with FTDI USB to UART devices. The utility provides a terminal emulation
function for use on Android devices. The Android system must use Android OS version 3.2 or later
and provide a USB host port.

1.1 Features
• The application will open automatically when you plug in supported FTDI devices.

• It supports FTDI USB TTL Serial, USB RS232, RS422, RS485 and USB Hi-Speed cables.

• Suitable for use on any Android platform with a USB host port running Android v3.2 or
later versions.
• Provide general terminal UART utility.

• Support CTS/RTS, DTR/DSR and XOFF/XON Flow controls.

• Support Baud from 300 to 921600.

• Save file and Send file functions support XModem, YModem and ZModem file transfer
protocols.
• USB Plug and Play.

• USB 2.0 Full Speed compatible.

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

1.2 Install Application

Find this application in the “Play Store” by searching “ftdi uart” and then install it, by clicking on
the icon.

Figure 1 The Application in Play Store

1.3 Launching and Exiting the Application

When the Android device is attached to the FTDI device over the USB port, the Android device will
prompt the user to execute this application.

Figure 2 Launch Application

To exit this application, tap the back button and it will show a notification message. Tap the back
button again to exit before the notification message disappears.

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2 Functions
This section describes how to use this utility.

Figure 3 Main Screen

2.1 Serial Settings

The application automatically configures the serial port of the FTDI USB to UART device with
default settings: 9600 baud, 1 stop bit, 8 data bit, no parity, CTS/RTS flow control for port 0 when
the FTDI device is connected. Please refer to 2.4.1 Setting for the details of manually configuring
the port.

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.2 Send Data

The sent data is shown in the data area when the content format is character format, otherwise it
will show a warning message three times when the “Write” button is tapped. Tapping the data
format button toggles CHAR or HEX format for sending data.

2.2.1 Send Plain Text Data

Input data in the input area and tap the “Write” button to send data when the data format button
shows “CHAR”.

Figure 4 Send Plain Text Data

2.2.2 Send Hexadecimal Format Data

Input data in the input area and tap the “Write” button to send data when the data format button
shows “HEX”.

Figure 5 Send Hexadecimal Format Data

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

Note the need to input 2 characters for hexadecimal data and both character should be from ‘0’ to
‘9’ or from ‘a’ to ‘f’, otherwise the application will show a warning message when the “Write”
button is tapped.

2.2.3 Send Special Key Code Data

Tap the “Key Code” button and it will show a row with two buttons: Ctrl-C and ESC.
Tap “Ctrl-C” or “ESC” button to send its corresponding key code data.

Figure 6 Send Special Key Code Data

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.3 File Transfer

File transfer functions are allowed after the UART is configured and when the content format is
character format, otherwise it will show a warning message when the “Save to File” button or
“Send File” button is tapped.

2.3.1 Receive File

Step 1: Tap the “Save to File” button to prepare receiving file.
Step 2: Select protocol.

Figure 7 Select Protocol

Step 3: Select file destination.

I. For “ASCII”, ”XModem-CheckSum”, ”XModem-CRC” and “XModem-1KCRC” protocol,
there is the option to create a new file or select an exist file for saving.

Figure 8 Select File Destination

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

(1) Create New File

Tap "Select Directory" to select a directory for the new file to be stored in.

Figure 9 Select Directory

Input the file name and tap “OK” to create a new file.

Figure 10 Create New File

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

(2) Save to File

Select an exist file.

Figure 11 Select a File

II. For “YModem” and “ZModem” protocol, select a directory for file saving.
The file name will be created automatically depending on the content information.

Figure 12 Select Directory

The status bar will show the name of the file being saved and the saving progress.

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.3.2 Send File

Step 1: Tap the “Send File” button to send a file.
Step 2: Select protocol.

Figure 13 Select Protocol

Step 3: Select a file.

Figure 14 Select a File

The Status bar will show the name of the file to be sent and the sending progress.

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

Note:
1. When the file list is not updated, tap ".." to go to its parent folder and enter this folder again,
and the file list will be refreshed.

Figure 15 Refresh File List

2. ZModem protocol of FTDI UART Terminal is a simple file transfer protocol. It is implemented and
verified with Microsoft XP hyper terminal and Moxa PComm terminal.

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.4 Menu Functions

For tablet devices, tap the menu icon to launch the menu:

Figure 16 Menu Icon on Tablet Device

For phone devices, press the menu key to launch the menu.

2.4.1 Setting
The setting menu displays a row with several setting items for serial port configuration.

Figure 17 Serial Settings

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

The configuration settings allow the baud rate to be set at standard values between 300 and
921600 baud with CTS/RTS flow control and the values between 300 and 115200 baud with or
without flow control.
Stop bits may be set for 1 or 2.
Data bits may be set for 7 or 8
Parity may be set for None, ODD, EVEN, Mark or Space.
Flow allows for no flow control, RTS/CTS, DTR/DSR and XOFF/XON flow controls. The application
will show a warning message when “none” flow control is selected.
Port number items are dependent on the connected cable/device.

After selecting the required setting for each item, tap the “Configure” button to set it and setting
information will be shown on the status bar: content format, target port number and UART setting.

Figure 18 Information on Status Bar

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.4.2 Content Format

Select the data format of the content shown in the data area. The default content format is
character format.

Figure 19 Select Content Format

I. Character
The data is displayed in character format in Figure 20:

Figure 20 Character Format

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

II. Hexadecimal
The data is displayed in hexadecimal format in Figure 21:

Figure 21 Hexadecimal Format

Note that when content format is hexadecimal format, the new incoming data sent to the
Android device is not shown.

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Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.4.3 Font Size

Select the font size of the content shown in the data area. Default font size is 12.

Figure 22 Select Font Size

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

2.4.4 Save Content Data

Save the data currently shown in the data area into a new file or an exist file. The process is the
same with 2.3.1 Receive File - Step 3: Select file destination - I.

2.4.5 Clean Screen

Clear all content shown in the data area.

2.4.6 Echo
Select the echo function to be on or off. Default echo setting is on.
The data sent by tapping the “Write” button is shown in the data area when the echo function is on.

Figure 23 Select Echo Function

2.4.7 Online Help

Get this user manual from the FTDI website
(http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/AppNotes/AN_242_FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Man
ual.pdf).

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Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

3 Contact Information

Head Office – Glasgow, UK Branch Office –Tigard, USA

Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park 7130 Fir Loop,

Glasgow G41 1HH Tigard, OR 97223-8160
United Kingdom USA
Tel: +44 (0) 141 429 2777 Tel: +1 (503) 547 0988
Fax: +44 (0) 141 429 2758 Fax: +1 (503) 547 0987

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] E-Mail (General Enquiries) [email protected]

Branch Office – Shanghai, China

Branch Office – Taipei, Taiwan

2F, No. 516, Sec. 1, NeiHu Road Room 1103, No. 666 West Huaihai Road,
Taipei 114 Shanghai, 200052
Taiwan , R.O.C. China
Tel: +886 (0) 2 8797 1330 Tel: +86 21 62351596
Fax: +886 (0) 2 8751 9737 Fax: +86 21 62351595

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] 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 harmless FTDI 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

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

Appendix A – References

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Terms Description

CTS Clear To Send

DSR Data Set Ready

DTR Data Terminal Ready

HEX Hexadecimal

RTS Request To Send

TTL Transistor-Transistor Logic

UART Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter

USB Universal Serial Bus

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 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

Appendix B – List of Figures

List of Figures

FIGURE 1 THE APPLICATION IN PLAY STORE ........................................................................................................... 3

FIGURE 2 LAUNCH APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................ 3
FIGURE 3 MAIN SCREEN.......................................................................................................................................... 4
FIGURE 4 SEND PLAIN TEXT DATA .......................................................................................................................... 5
FIGURE 6 SEND SPECIAL KEY CODE DATA ............................................................................................................... 6
FIGURE 7 SELECT PROTOCOL .................................................................................................................................. 7
FIGURE 8 SELECT FILE DESTINATION ...................................................................................................................... 7
FIGURE 9 SELECT DIRECTORY.................................................................................................................................. 8
FIGURE 10 CREATE NEW FILE.................................................................................................................................. 8
FIGURE 11 SELECT A FILE ........................................................................................................................................ 9
FIGURE 12 SELECT DIRECTORY................................................................................................................................ 9
FIGURE 13 SELECT PROTOCOL .............................................................................................................................. 10
FIGURE 14 SELECT A FILE ...................................................................................................................................... 10
FIGURE 15 REFRESH FILE LIST ............................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURE 16 MENU ICON ON TABLET DEVICE ......................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 17 SERIAL SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................. 12
FIGURE 18 INFORMATION ON STATUS BAR ......................................................................................................... 13
FIGURE 19 SELECT CONTENT FORMAT ................................................................................................................. 14
FIGURE 20 CHARACTER FORMAT.......................................................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 21 HEXADECIMAL FORMAT ..................................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 22 SELECT FONT SIZE ............................................................................................................................... 16
FIGURE 23 SELECT ECHO FUNCTION ..................................................................................................................... 17

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Copyright © 2013 Future Technology Devices International Limited
 Application Note
AN_24242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Version 1.0
Document Reference No.: FT_0006668 Clearance No.: FTDI# 343

Appendix C– Revision History

Document Title: AN_242 FTDI_UART_Terminal_User_Manual
Document Reference No.: FT_000838
Clearance No.: FTDI# 343
Product Page: http://www.ftdichip.com/FTProducts.htm
Document Feedback: Send Feedback

Revision Changes Date

1.0 Initial Release 24/06/2013

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