This USB to TTL serial converter is based on the FTDI FT232R interface chip. It provides TTL-level (or, optionally, 3.3 volt) signals to your circuit while providing a COM port interface on the computer side. This makes it very convenient for connecting a ZX microcontroller, or any other serial device, to a computer that has no available serial ports.

The USB-TTL converter kit comes mostly assembled. If you wish to connect it to your solderless breadboard you can solder in the square pins that are provided. Several jumper blocks are also provided that can be used with the square pins to make configurable jumpers. See the photo of the USB-TTL converter connected to a protoboard with a ZX-24a for an example of its convenient connections. Note, particularly, that the converter is designed to be compatible with solderless breadboards with a 0.1" grid and that have the holes on the buss bars aligned with those in the circuit connection area.

An alternate strategy is to wire the USB-TTL converter directly into your circuitry. In this case, you'll probably want to tie the board down with zip ties or fasten it with adhesive.

The USB-TTL converter can optionally provide power to your circuitry at 5 volts and/or 3.3 volts and is configurable for normal or inverted signals. You may wish to refer to the USB-TTL Reference Manual (HTML) (also available in PDF form) for more details on its capabilities, configuration, and operation. The Configuration Templates can be used with the FTDI MProg utility to simplify changing between inverted and non-inverted signals.

A USB A/B cable (not included) is required to connect the USB-TTL converter to a USB hub.