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

• Hookup Guide
• How to Install FTDI Drivers
• Schematic (PDF)
• Hardware Design Files (GitHub)