Parallax is based on the FT232RL I took some important points from the data sheet (
http://www.ftdichip.com/Documents/Da...T232R_v104.pdf ):
• UART interface support for 7 or 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits and odd / even / mark / space / no parity.
• Fully assisted hardware or X-On / X-Off software handshaking.
• Data transfer rates from 300 baud to 3 Megabaud (RS422 / RS485 and at TTL levels) and 300 baud to 1 Megabaud (RS232).
• 256 byte receive buffer and 128 byte transmit buffer utilising buffer smoothing technology to allow for high data throughput.
• FTDI’s royalty-free VCP and D2XX drivers eliminate the requirement for USB driver development in most cases.
• In-built support for event characters and line break condition.
• FIFO receive and transmit buffers for high data throughput.
• Adjustable receive buffer timeout.
• Synchronous and asynchronous bit bang mode interface options with RD# and WR# strobes.
• New CBUS bit bang mode option.
• Support for USB suspend and resume.
• Support for bus powered, self powered, and high-power bus powered USB configurations.
• Integrated 3.3V level converter for USB I/O .
• Integrated level converter on UART and CBUS for interfacing to 5V - 1.8V Logic.
• True 5V / 3.3V / 2.8V / 1.8V CMOS drive output and TTL input.
• 3.3V to 5.25V Single Supply Operation.
• Low operating and USB suspend current.
• Low USB bandwidth consumption.
• UHCI / OHCI / EHCI host controller compatible
• USB 2.0 Full Speed compatible.
Royalty-Free Drivers For:
• Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, Server 2003, XP.
• Windows Vista / Longhorn*
• Windows XP 64-bit.*
• Windows XP Embedded.
• Windows CE.NET 4.2 & 5.0
• MAC OS 8 / 9, OS-X
• Linux 2.4 and greater
• Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, Server 2003, XP.
• Windows Vista / Longhorn*
• Windows XP 64-bit.*
• Windows XP Embedded.
• Windows CE.NET 4.2 & 5.0
• Linux 2.4 and greater