⚡ The Bridgetek FT900: A Compact Powerhouse for Connected Embedded Systems

9 Oct 2026 –

The Rise of Smart Building Automation

Embedded designers often seek microcontrollers that can bridge multiple communication protocols with minimal impact on the bill of materials. Bridgetek’s FT900, part of the broader FT90x family built around the 32‑bit FT32 core, stands out by offering unusually rich on‑chip connectivity: Ethernet, separate USB host and device interfaces, dual CAN 2.0, I2S audio and SD card interface plus many more — all integrated into a single IC package. This unique combination makes it ideal for application domains such as home security, home automation, USB‑capable consumer products, embedded multimedia, and industrial control. The The UMFTPD2A programming and debug module is recommended to be used in conjunction with the MM900EV1B, providing programming and debugging capabilities.

FEATURES	FT900	FT901	FT902	FT903	FT905	FT906	FT907	FT908
Core / Speed	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz	FT32 / 100MHz
Flash memory	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB
Shadow Program memory	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB	256kB
Data RAM	64kB	64kB	64kB	64kB	64kB	64kB	64kB	64kB
USB	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device	USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 Device
CAN2.0	Y	–	Y	–	Y	–	Y	–
Ethernet 10/100M	Y	Y	–	–	Y	Y	–	–
Camera Interface	Y	Y	Y	Y	–	–	–	–
SD Card Host	Y	Y	Y	Y	–	–	–	–
I2S Controller and Target	Y	Y	Y	Y	–	–	–	–
Other Interfaces	See Note 1	See Note 1	See Note 1	See Note 1	See Note 1	See Note 1	See Note 1	See Note 1
Package / Pin Count	FT900Q – 100QFN FT900L – 100LQFP	FT901Q – 100QFN FT901L – 100LQFP	FT902Q – 100QFN FT902L – 100LQFP	FT903Q – 100QFN FT903L – 100LQFP	FT905Q – 76QFN FT905L – 80LQFP	FT906Q – 76QFN FT906L – 80LQFP	FT907Q – 76QFN FT907L – 80LQFP	FT908Q – 76QFN FT908L – 80LQFP

Note 1:     All FT90x family devices also feature: UART, SPI Master, SPI Device, I2C, ADC, DAC, PWM, RTC, Timers/Watchdog, Interrupt Controller, Debugger

🏠 Home Security Systems

Security hardware — door sensors, keypads, camera hubs, and alarm panels — must monitor multiple inputs, communicate over a local network or USB uplink, and provide audio or visual feedback. The FT900’s parallel camera interface, general‑purpose I/O, analogue inputs, and integrated Ethernet PHY make it well suited for networked security panels, handling sensor polling and reporting without requiring extra networking chips.

With its built‑in audio codec (demonstrated on the MM900EV1B with microphone input and stereo speaker output), the FT900 can support audio alerts — eliminating the need for a separate audio companion IC. The USB host and SD card host provide data storage capabilities.

🌐 Home Automation Systems

Home automation hubs managing lighting, HVAC, smart plugs, and sensor networks demand multi‑protocol communication and versatile I/O. The FT900 delivers with UART, I²C, SPI, and PWM outputs to interface with relays, dimmers, and sensors via protocols such as 0-10V, DMX etc. while Ethernet support enables it to act as a wired backbone in mixed‑protocol networks. Likewise, USB support enables it to act as a protocol bridge.

Wireless connectivity can be handled via external modules, with the FT900 acting as the  protocol‑bridging layer — the reliable, wired, core of a home automation system.

🔌 USB‑Capable Products

Bridgetek’s heritage in USB technology shines through in the FT900. It supports the D2xx protocol in the USB device, making it compatible with widely adopted drivers, simplifying the software running on the host computer and easing the installation process for end users. Dual Hi-Speed USB ports (one USB host and one USB device) provide high speed connectivity. The USB ports support the USB Battery Charging Specification Rev 1.2, with the Downstream port being configurable as SDP, CDP or DCP whilst the Upstream port being configurable to perform BCD mode detection.

This allows the FT900 to act as both a USB host (for peripherals like keyboards or storage devices) and a USB device (to a PC) simultaneously — a dual role achieved without additional dedicated controller hardware. Applications include USB protocol converters, diagnostic dongles, custom peripherals, and data loggers that interact with USB storage while presenting themselves as virtual COM ports.

🎵 Embedded Multimedia Applications

Bridgetek’s ecosystem highlights multimedia as a core use case. The MM900EV1B board includes Micro SD storage, USB support, and an audio codec with microphone, headphone, and stereo speaker outputs — enabling voice‑interface prototyping.

For graphics, FT90x MCUs are a great partner for Bridgetek’s EVE (Embedded Video Engine) display controller series, using the IC Development Kits. This pairing — FT900 for control and I/O, EVE for graphics — forms a deliberate architecture for multimedia products such as digital photo frames, portable players, infotainment add‑ons, or any device requiring synchronized audio, storage, and display.

🏭 Industrial Control Systems

Three FT900 features stand out for industrial control:

• Dual CAN 2.0 support for bridging separate control buses.
• Extended operating range (-40°C to +85°C)
• True zero‑wait‑state execution at up to 100 MHz (~310 DMIPS).

With multiple ADC/DAC channels, the FT900 is well suited for automation and data acquisition systems

✅ Conclusion

The FT90x provides a flexible and capable solution for protocol integration with Ethernet, dual CAN, dual USB, audio and parallel camera interface and many more interfaces all in one MCU. This reduces the need for external bridge chips and simplifies board design. Bridgetek’s development kits, especially the MM900EV1B, provides a rapid development platform combined with Bridgetek’s toolchains and examples. For designers needing several of these interfaces simultaneously, the FT900 offers a level of integration that’s difficult to match without stacking multiple controllers together.

To find out more, visit www.brtchip.com or contact marketing@brtchip.com

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