SparkFun
SparkFun Beefy 3 - FTDI Basic Breakout
The SparkFun Beefy 3 is an FTDI Basic Breakout board based on the FT231X USB-to-serial IC. Unlike standard FTDI breakouts, it features an AP2112K voltage reg...
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The SparkFun Beefy 3 is an FTDI Basic Breakout board based on the FT231X USB-to-serial IC. Unlike standard FTDI breakouts, it features an AP2112K voltage regulator capable of supplying up to 600mA at 3.3V — enough to power a 3.3V project directly from the board's USB connection.
The 6-pin header matches the FTDI cable pinout and works with Arduino Pro, LilyPad, and other 3.3V Arduino-compatible boards. The DTR pin enables auto-reset when uploading sketches, so there is no need to press the reset button manually. TX and RX LEDs provide visual confirmation of serial traffic. Requires a Micro-B USB cable (not included).
Key Features
- FT231X USB-to-Serial – Reliable FTDI-based serial communication
- 600mA 3.3V Regulator – AP2112K powers 3.3V projects directly from USB
- DTR Auto-Reset – Automatic Arduino reset on sketch upload
- TX/RX LEDs – Visual serial traffic indicators
- FTDI Cable-Compatible Pinout – 6-pin header (BLK/GRN alignment markers)
Specifications
- IC – FTDI FT231X
- Logic Level – 3.3V
- Regulator – AP2112K, up to 600mA output
- Connector – Micro-B USB
- Header – 6-pin (GND, CTS, VCC, TX, RX, DTR)
Package Contents
- 1× SparkFun Beefy 3 FTDI Basic Breakout
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 3.3V regulator
- A 3.3V regulator is a power circuit that provides a steady 3.3 volts for parts that need that supply voltage. On a breakout board, it can let the sensor run safely even when the connected microcontroller or power source uses a higher voltage.
- AP2112K
- AP2112K is a small low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator that supplies a stable fixed output (commonly 3.3V) from a higher input such as USB 5V. Its ratings matter for checking the acceptable input voltage range and the maximum current available to the powered electronics.
- breakout
- A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.
- CTS
- CTS stands for Clear To Send, a serial flow-control signal that tells the other device it may transmit. It matters for reliable high-speed serial communication where buffers could otherwise overflow.
- GND
- GND is the ground or reference connection (0 V) for a circuit. When connecting two devices together, their grounds must be joined so both agree on what counts as a low or high signal.
- RX
- RX means receive, usually showing data being received by the board. An RX indicator LED can help with troubleshooting USB or serial communication.
- TX
- TX means transmit, usually showing data being sent from the board. A TX indicator LED can help you see when the board is communicating or uploading code.
- VCC
- VCC is the positive power-supply connection on a chip or module. Connecting it to the correct supply voltage is needed for the part to power on and helps avoid damaging the electronics.
Find this product in
SparkFun Beefy 3 Schematic
Schematic · 75.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 870.5 KB · Click any page to view full size
Resources & Downloads
Guides, code examples, and more
Source Code
Open-source libraries, firmware & example projects for this product
Higher current 3.3V FTDI USB UART
1a71bb9
over 10 years ago
· 19 commits
- Hardware moved board fids over 10 years ago
- Production added bottom side panel fiducials over 10 years ago
- .gitattributes first commit almost 11 years ago
- .gitignore first commit almost 11 years ago
- README.md Minor format change over 10 years ago
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
