The FTDI FT232RL is a widely used USB-to-serial bridge chip that enables communication between USB-equipped systems and devices using UART. It supports USB 2.0 Full-Speed (12 Mbps), includes an onboard EEPROM, and operates efficiently with low power. With broad driver support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it appears as a virtual COM port for easy integration. Available in DIP, SSOP, and QFN packages, it's popular among hobbyists and engineers—despite past controversies over FTDI drivers disabling counterfeit chips.