FTDI’s FT234XD USB to Basic UART IC Is Applied in Sweeping Robot

A sweeping robot, also known as a robotic vacuum cleaner is an autonomous device designed to clean floors without human intervention. These robots are equipped with sensors, brushes and a vacuum system to navigate and clean various types of floor surfaces, such as hardwood, tile and carpet.

A USB port ic on a sweeping robot can serve several purposes:

• Firmware Programming

Manufacturers may use the USB port to program the controller’s firmware during production and allow users to update the robot’s firmware. This can enhance performance, fix bugs and add new features or functionalities.

• Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

The USB port can be used for diagnostic purposes. Technicians or advanced users could connect the robot to a computer to run diagnostic software, helping to identify and troubleshoot issues.

• Charging

The USB port could be used as an alternative charging method.

 • External Accessories

Some sweeping robots may support additional accessories or attachments that can be connected via USB such as external cameras or sensors to enhance the robot’s capabilities.

• Data Transfer

The USB port can facilitate data transfer between the robot and a computer, allowing users to download logs, cleaning data or maps created by the robot.

• Development and Customization

For hobbyists and developers, a USB port can be a gateway to customize and experiment with the robot’s software and hardware, allowing for modifications and enhancements.

These additional functionalities to enhance user experience and robot capabilities via USB are well suited to FTDI USB ICs like our USB to UART devices such as FT234X.

The example below uses FTDI’s FT234XD USB to Basic UART IC which has the following key features making it an ideal candidate for this application:

    • Single chip USB to asynchronous serial data transfer interface.

    • Entire USB protocol handled on the chip. No USB specific firmware programming required.

    • Fully integrated 2048 byte EEPROM for customization.

    • Fully integrated clock generation with no external crystal required

    • Data transfer rates up to 3Mbaud.

    • 512 byte receive buffer and 512 byte transmit buffer for high data throughput.

    • FTDI’s royalty-free drivers eliminate the requirement for USB driver development.

    • Battery Charger Detection which may be used by mobile devices to detect the presence of a charger on the USB port to enable higher current / faster charging of batteries.

    • Low operating current of 8mA (typical) and USB suspend current of 125uA (typical) current.

    • Extended operating temperature range: -40℃ to 85℃

    • Available in compact Pb-free 12 Pin DFN package (RoHS compliant).

The block diagram below shows at a high level how FTDI’s FT234XD can be integrated into the sweeping robot. This USB to UART IC can be used for firmware updates, configuration and debug.

The USB port could also potentially be used for charging.