DEV-09873

Overview

The SparkFun DEV-09873 is a breakout board for the FTDI FT232RL USB to serial IC. It operates at a supply voltage of 3.3V and supports the USB 2.0 standard with a UART interface. The module features SMD 6-pin headers on the bottom for compact integration. Key pins include TX, RX, GND, VCC, DTR, and RTS. The board includes LEDs to indicate TX and RX activity.

Feature Summary

• Provides USB to UART bridging functionality using the FT232RL IC
• Features DTR pin output to enable auto-reset of connected Arduino boards during sketch downloads
• Includes visual indicators via TX and RX LEDs to verify active serial traffic
• Utilizes a compact form factor with SMD 6-pin headers for easy embedding into projects

Applications

• Connecting 3.3V Arduino boards for programming and serial communication
• General serial application development requiring USB-to-UART conversion
• Embedded project integration where compact size is required

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific revision of the DEV-09873 when sourcing, as documentation indicates updates to the header type. Confirm that the target application utilizes 3.3V logic levels compatible with the FT232RL. Ensure availability of Mini-B USB cables for operation, as this board does not support Micro-USB natively. Cross-reference the pinout against the official hookup guide to align BLK and GRN pins correctly with the target device.

Selection Notes

Select the DEV-09873 when an auto-reset feature via the DTR pin is required for Arduino development, distinguishing it from older FTDI cables that use RTS. Choose this module over the FT231X Breakout if Mini-B connectivity is acceptable and a lower profile is needed. Ensure the host system supports USB 2.0 standards and that the 3.3V operating voltage matches the target circuit requirements.

Part Context

This component is part of SparkFun's FTDI Basic series, designed to simplify serial communication for hobbyists and developers. It serves as a hardware bridge between USB hosts and UART devices. The DEV-09873 specifically targets the 3.3V market segment, complementing other variants like the 5V version (DEV-09716) and the Micro-USB enabled FT231X Breakout.

Replacement Considerations

The DEV-09716 serves as a direct functional replacement if 5V logic compatibility is required instead of 3.3V. For applications necessitating Micro-USB connectivity, the FT231X Breakout is the designated alternative within the same product family.