SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout - CH340G

Product Overview

The SparkFun Serial Basic Breakout is an easy-to-use USB-to-Serial adapter based on the CH340G IC from WCH. Designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the popular FTDI Basic, this board provides a reliable way to convert serial signals to USB for programming or debugging without breaking the bank. It works with 5V and 3.3V systems and installs automatically on most operating systems without requiring additional drivers.

Power @ 600mA

Don't let the price fool you! This board can handle large projects. When configured for 3.3V operation, it uses an onboard regulator capable of sourcing up to 600 mA. This means it can handle power-hungry projects, such as ESP8266/ESP32 WiFi modules, just as well as our "Beefy" series boards.

Standard Pinout

We designed the pinout to mimic the common DTR/RX/TX/VCC/CTS/GND configuration found on hundreds of FTDI derivatives.

• Easy Alignment: We've labeled the pins BLK (Black) and GRN (Green) to match the standard colored wires on FTDI cables and compatible targets (like the Arduino Pro Mini), ensuring you never plug it in backwards.
• Micro-B USB: The board features a sturdy Micro-B USB connector, so you can use the standard cables you likely already have on your desk.

Voltage Flexibility

The board is capable of working with both 5V and 3.3V systems via a jumper located on the rear of the board:

• 3.3V Default: Out of the box, the board is configured to output 3.3V on the VCC pin and use 3.3V logic signals.
• 5V Selectable: By cutting the default trace and bridging the 5V pad, you can switch the board to output 5V on VCC and use 5V logic signals.