Soon enough, I will be facing a decision on implementing USB into one of our products. At first, I though that programming USB device and host drivers won't be that much of a problem, but it seems I was dead wrong.
A few days ago, I stumbled upon some pretty cool FTDI chips, that provide an interface which I can connect to easily on both ends. And since the additional price ($2) for such little QFN is not an issue, I am seriously considering this option.
They also provide some pretty cool host-side WHQL-signed drivers that we can(?) use. Namely, it is 1. VCP (Virtual Com Port) driver, 2. D2XX driver, providing a DLL based application-USB interface.
My question is, can anybody direct me either way? That is – will I make my life an order of magnitude easier by using an FTDI chip, or will I run into some wall that I'm not seeing right now?
Thanks for sharing any experience.
Best Answer
If your existing microcontroller doesn't have USB support (and good example drivers), and it can't easily be changed to one, and your volume is small enough that it's not worth saving the $2, then the FTDI chips are a very good solution.