Fortunately, I don't have the 2.12.0.0 driver that bricks fake FTDI chips - I have version 2.10.0.0 which appears to be safe.
Web sites referred to in this video:
http://zeptobars.ru/en/read/FTDI-FT232RL-real-vs-fake-supereal
https://www.sparkfun.com/news/1629
http://www.zdnet.com/ftdi-admits-to-bricking-innocent-users-chips-in-silent-update-7000035019/
http://hackaday.com/2014/10/24/ftdi-screws-up-backs-down/
http://www.ftdichipblog.com/?p=1053
Check which driver you have by getting properties on these files and checking the version numbers:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ftser2k.sys
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\serenum.sys
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftcserco.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ftserui2.dll
2.10.0.0 is safe, 2.11.0 and 2.12.0, released on August 26, 2014 are a problem according to Hackaday.

By Julian

Youtuber, shed dweller, solar charge controller aficionado

17 thoughts on “Investigation: ftdigate fake/counterfeit usb to serial chips”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sadman Hasan says:

    those are not fake

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars radio auto says:

    Hello
    Please if possible to change sn for ftd232rl. Thx

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bloguetrรณnica says:

    I am one of the guys who used to buy genuine chips from FTDI (because counterfeit chips are not worth it). However, after this move from FTDI, I switched to using the CP2102.

    IMHO, bricking devices was a sucker decision from FTDI, because even the unwary user or maker doesn't know if the chips he bought are genuine, because even reputable sources may get flooded with fakes. And, even if someone willingly buys fake chips, he shouldn't deserve having their devices bricked. Using poor quality chips is as bad as it is, and FTDI would never gain any clients by bricking fake devices. Futile move.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars weerobot says:

    Fuk The Device Instruction…lol

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Donald Henke says:

    why i didnot no about the dtl pin…. iam bad.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AnythingKid123 says:

    You can always just get a ch340 or a cp2102/4

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Penurious Sierra says:

    I have seen some cases where SiLabs or Atmel chips are used instead of FTDI chips, or CH340 used with an adapter board that contains tiny crystal and other supporting components on them.
    FTDI chips are now not being used widely on the products using USB to serial chips.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Readme .txt says:

    FTDI did it on purpose – it is for sure.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Enoch Furyan says:

    Cant see what the outcry was about – its a double standard: if you buy counterfeit MS Windows installation disk with fake Key and it fails activation you cant demand from Microsoft that they give you proper key because you spent your money on a fake product! This is pretty much what is expected from FTDI.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars spinNspiral says:

    How do I connect a nano mini to the usb with this ft232rl adapter?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Juergen Pintaske says:

    Looking through many of the comments it is quite simple: the IP is FTDI, the SW is FTDI. So I assume the people here do like to do the same to INTEL – get fake micros and your PC does not work after an update?
    Get real: FTDI invested the money into developing the chips. Have invested to write the drivers. Updating them.
    Many of you buy the cheapest FTDI FAKE chips – so just invest the money you saved into rewriting the drivers?
    Then there will be the official versions by FTDI – and the rest is faked – as you like to use faked chips and are you then just simply a criminal?

    I assume you are looking forward to getting paid your salary in faked money??

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Herberg says:

    Yes, you surfed the web. Wow. Much fun.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bas Groothedde says:

    Interesting. The 5.11 and 5.12 code, whatever its purpose, was intended to work on official FTDI chips. I don't think FTDI is to blame for the fact that the fakes did not support this code. A fake is a fake. The same disassembled code could be used to repair the fake chips by the way, by writing back the valid IDs instead of zero. I think that that's why it was called semi-permanent bricked. Oh well, this is old news!

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars supersonicj1m says:

    They've done this again.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hyss says:

    Just as a random aside, my Velleman K8200 3d printer controller board which is based off the Arduino mega 2560 uses an FTDI chip which I would assume is real since Velleman seem unlikely to use fakes, but the chip definitely is not laser etched.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tic tac says:

    Hello dear, is it possible to upload arduino sketch in atmega328 only by using USB-TTL FTDI chip(this chip has no dti pin, so i can't connect it to the microcontrollers reset pin 1)

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars nikotwenty says:

    Wow FTDI what a bunch of assholes

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