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...
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 voltage regulator chip that provides a stable 3.3V supply for electronics on the board. The regulator rating matters when checking input voltage range and how much current the board can supply or use.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine 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.
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
Related Tutorials
Free guides on learn.littlebird.com.au
