Actually, Aliexpress vendors are rebranding their merchandise. Adafruit publishes the board files, then someone removes their logo and sells it for $1 less on Amazon. If you have any doubt that Adafruit is doing their own designs, Lady Ada often streams herself designing new boards.
In general, they have reliable supply chains and manufacture everything in New York City. I have never heard of them selling counterfeit FTDI chips. I have two of their FT232H modules purchased directly through their store and they're legit.
In general, they have reliable supply chains and manufacture everything in New York City. I have never heard of them selling counterfeit FTDI chips. I have two of their FT232H modules purchased directly through their store and they're legit.