Use of FTDI devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the user’s risk, and the user
agrees to defend, indemnify and hold FTDI harmless from any and all damages, claims, suits or expense
resulting from such use.
Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI)
Unit 1,2 Seaward Place, Glasgow G41 1HH, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44 (0) 141 429 2777 Fax: + 44 (0) 141 429 2758
E-Mail (Support): support1@ftdichip.com Web: http://www.ftdichip.com
Copyright © Future Technology Devices International Limited
Application Note
AN_124
User Guide for FTDI FT_PROG Utility
Version 1.6
Issue Date: 2016-04-06
This application note explains how to use the FT_Prog utility which
provides a user interface to access any EEPROM used with FTDI devices.
FT_Prog replaces the previous FTDI utility used for this purpose called
MPROG
Application Note
AN_124 User Guide for FTDI FT_PROG Utility
V ers ion 1 .6
Doc ument Reference N o.: FT _000172 C learance N o.: F T DI# 1 0 6
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P roduc t Page
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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................. 3
2 Downloading and Installing FT_Prog ............................. 4
3 FT_Prog Basics ............................................................. 5
3.1 Modes of Operation ................................................................ 5
4 Edit Mode Functions ...................................................... 7
4.1 Create a New EEPROM Template ............................................. 7
4.2 Modify an Existing EEPROM Template ..................................... 8
4.3 Save a Template..................................................................... 9
5 Device EEPROM Parameters......................................... 10
5.1 Chip_Details .........................................................................10
5.2 USB_Device_Descriptor .........................................................10
5.3 USB_Config_Descriptors........................................................11
5.4 USB_String_Descriptors ........................................................12
5.5 FT232R Hardware_Specific ....................................................13
5.6 FT245R Hardware_Specific ...................................................14
5.7 FT2232D Hardware_Specific ..................................................15
5.8 FT2232H Hardware_Specific ..................................................16
5.9 FT4232H Hardware_Specific ..................................................17
5.10 FT232H Hardware_Specific....................................................18
5.11 FT4222H Hardware Specific ...................................................20
5.12 FT260 Hardware Specific .......................................................21
5.13 FT-X Hardware Specific .........................................................23
6 Program Mode Function .............................................. 25
6.1 Scan for Devices ...................................................................25
6.2 Erase Existing Devices...........................................................26
6.3 Use an Existing EEPROM Template .........................................27
6.4 Program Existing Devices ......................................................29
6.5 Cycle Port .............................................................................31
7 Command Line Programming ....................................... 32
Application Note
AN_124 User Guide for FTDI FT_PROG Utility
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7.1 Batch File Programming ........................................................36
8 Vinculum Programmer ................................................ 37
9 Definition of Error Messages ........................................ 41
10 Contact Information .................................................... 44
Appendix A - References .................................................. 45
Document References ...................................................................45
Acronyms and Abbreviations .........................................................45
Appendix B – Revision History.......................................... 46
Application Note
AN_124 User Guide for FTDI FT_PROG Utility
V ers ion 1 .6
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1 Introduction
FT_Prog is a free EEPROM programming utility for use with FTDI devices. It is used for modifying EEPROM
contents that store the FTDI device descriptors to customize designs.
FT_Prog also includes the capability of programming the VNC1L and VNC2 firmware using a UART
interface.
FT_Prog is an enhanced version (and a replacement for) the previous utility used for this function called
MPROG as well as the VProg application.
Devices supported by FT_Prog are:
FT-X
FT232RL & FT232RQ
FT245RL & FT245RQ
FT2232DFT232BM, FT232BL & FT232BQ
FT 245BM, FT245BL & FT245BQ
FT8U232AM
FT8U245AM
FT2232H
FT4232H
FT232H
FT4222H
FT260
VNC1L
VNC2
FT_Prog is available as a free download from the Utilities page of the FTDI website.
FTDI devices support 93C46 EEPROMs organized in 16-bit words, except for the R series of devices which
have an internal EEPROM and H series which supports the larger devices. The BM, D and H devices also
support 93C56 and 93C66 EEPROMs organized in 16-bit words.
When fitted, an external EEPROM allows customization of the device default parameters such as VID,
PID, Serial Number, Manufacturer Descriptor and Product Descriptor. FT_Prog provides a fast and simple
way to program these parameters.
A convenient way of programming the EEPROM is to populate a blank device on the PCB during
manufacturing assembly and then program it via USB during the manufacturing test process. All these
devices support direct programming over USB using the FT_Prog programming utility.
Application Note
AN_124 User Guide for FTDI FT_PROG Utility
V ers ion 1 .6
Doc ument Reference N o.: FT _000172 C learance N o.: F T DI# 1 0 6
4
P roduc t Page
Doc ument Feedback C opyright © Future T echnology Devices I nternational Limited
2 Downloading and Installing FT_Prog
The latest version of FT_Prog can be downloaded from the Utilities page of the FTDI website in a zipped
executable file. Extract the file using an extraction tool. There are many available on the web such as
Winzip or WinRAR. Most versions of Windows e.g. Win 7 come with these utilities pre-loaded. The
application requires the latest version of the D2XX drivers installed, an installation guide can be found on
the FTDI website under the Install Guides Section. For Win 7 please refer to AN_119, for Win 8 refer to
AN_234, and for Win 10 please refer to AN_396.
Note: FT_Prog requires the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (or later) which can be downloaded from the
Microsoft website. If your system does not have .Net 3.5 installed you must download and install this
from the above link before running the application.
Run the executable file by double clicking on the .exe and the following screen appears:
