UMFT201XA-01 - FTDI, Future Technology Devices International Ltd

Registered in Scotland Company No. SC136640

VAT Registration No. 596 6564 76

Future Technology Devices Intl. Limited

Unit 1, 2 Seaward Place, Centurion Business Park, Glasgow

G41 1HH, Scotland, U.K.

Tel.: +44 (0) 141 429 2777 Fax: + 44 (0) 141 429 2758

E-Mail: admin1@ftdichip.com Web: http://www.ftdichip.com

Subject: ERRATA, FTDI’s X-Chip Series March 20, 2012

During the launch of the X-Chip Series, an issue was found that affects 3.3V operation of all thirteen, X-

Chip devices. Upon review of our served markets and due to the self-regulating aspect of the bug, the

decision taken is to continue with the product launch initiatives currently being deployed. Because FTDI

estimates that well over 80% of designs utilizing FTDI solutions operate from a 5V supply, we see that

the majority of design activity will, in no-way, be impacted by this bug. Further, as the bug relates to

3.3V systems, it will be an issue that is immediately evident to the designer while in development, and

should therefore not pose any risk of system failure in the field.

FTDI sincerely regrets the inconvenience that the errata may cause, but we truly feel that the best path

forward is to continue the high intensity product launch. With the world-wide advertising, press,

technical documentation, product availability, and coordinated distributor plans, the momentum being

generated by the X-Chip Series should benefit all parties involved.

Currently at this time, the design fix has been implemented and material is processing towards an

expedited completion. The target date for a validated, fixed design for 3.3V systems, is March 30th.

This material will be designated as revision C, as compared to the current revision B, and marked

accordingly. The production date for revision C is to be determined, based upon the results of the

design fix.

As FTDI sees no risk for 5V operation, it is our opinion that material currently stocked for the product

introduction can remain in place, albeit with design-in function limited by this errata. Please note that

additional revision B material is in place in FTDI inventory, and is available for purchase to support

immediate design-in activities. In addition, a description of the errata and technical issue has been

posted for each individual X-Chip device, on the FTDI website.

The technical issue is that revision B, X-Chip devices will enter into a reset state with a supply voltage of

3.3V. The specific problem has been isolated to an internal 3.3V regulator, which has now been revised

and design-fix implemented. Should further information be needed, FTDI would be happy to arrange

discussions to elaborate on the bug and corresponding fix, as well as the action and recovery plan.

After serious contemplation, FTDI believes that the best path is to continue, in the short term, with

revision B material that is currently in place. It is our belief that the plusses truly out-weight the

negatives. Needless to say, we understand that this path raises support issues for our distributors and

ourselves. FTDI is fully committed to working with all the parties involved to support the current

material as well as the transition to revision C.

At this moment the critical action is to inform the necessary sales, support, and application personal of

this issue, so that customers are not impacted negatively. Further if a 3.3V solution is needed, that

reliable data is provided on the technical issue as well as the recovery plan. FTDI asks that any affected