FTDI to USB cable for BeagleBone

Hello Guys ,

I have seen some wide extremes in price for the FTDI to USB cable for the BeagleBone - online . I have noted that element14 store price is close to $ 50 CAD then you have to add shipping.

Do these cables perform differently based on price ?

Thanks

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kmikemoo over 1 year ago +2

I'm going to go with "It's who you buy it from more than what it costs." On the cheaper cables, you will probably get counterfeit chips. Sometimes the drivers work with them. Sometimes they don't. If it…

0 mp2100 over 1 year ago

Ftdi chips tend to be more expensive than other uart chips.

For the beaglebone in particular, if the cable plugs directly into the uart pins, you're paying for that convenience (vs making your own custom cable)
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0 fouad_jh over 1 year ago

Any USB to UART converter should work, couple of things to be considered:

1- Voltage level, some have 3.3v while others have 5v, some have jumpers to choose either. Whatever you choose, make sure it is the same voltage level your board use to avoid damage.

2- USB to UART drivers, FTDI has drivers for Windows\Linux\MAC. Whatever you choose, make sure they have the required drivers for your OS.
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0 electronicbiker over 1 year ago

I remember years ago that the FTDI cables allowed faster baud rates to be used. That may still be true, except I imagine that Slow and Fast are now referred to as Fast and Even Faster. Is there any way you can check the spec?
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0 kmikemoo over 1 year ago

I'm going to go with "It's who you buy it from more than what it costs." On the cheaper cables, you will probably get counterfeit chips. Sometimes the drivers work with them. Sometimes they don't. If it has got to work... you buy from a reputable shop. If you've got lots of time... you can roll the dice. My opinion.
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