Breakout boards

This is a base board for the PICASO graphics controller. RS232 level translation and a socket for the PICASO module are all included with this device to get you up and running quickly with PICASO.

Note: The micro-SD socket is non-functional.

Documents:

• Product main page

This simple board breaks out a micro-B USB connector's VCC, GND, D- and D+ pins to a 0.1" pitch header. If you want to add the increasingly popular micro-B USB to  your project, but don't want to put up with soldering the tiny connector, this is the board for you.

Dimensions: 0.8 x 0.45" (20.3 x 11.4mm)

Documents:

• Schematic

This is a breakout board for the L298N full-bridge dual motor driver; which comes in a staggered, Multiwatt package.

All pins of the L298N are broken out to a 15-pin 0.1" pitch header. Two mounting holes are also provided.

Keep your eyes peeled for a compatible heatsink, coming soon!

Dimensions:

• 
  Board: 1.6x0.85 inches

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• L298N Datasheet

This is a breakout board for our SMD Smart Card socket. Smart Cards are plastic cards with an embedded chip used to store any data you want. Smart Card applications are limitless; and they're growing increasingly popular, showing up on credit cards and other common identification cards.

A standard credit-card sized plastic card (53.98mm width) should fit snugly into the onboard socket. The socket forms a physical connection with the eight contacts on a Smart Card. See the schematic and datasheet below for pin-out.

All pins of the Smart Card socket are broken out to a 0.1" pitch header.

Documents:

• Schematic
• SmartCard Socket Datasheet

The PCM1803A is a high-performance, low-cost, 24-bit stereo analog-to-digital converter that can sample as high as 96k. The PCM1803A is a great choice for a wide variety of applications where high performance is necessary. Such applications include AV amplifier receivers, CD recorders, electrical musical instruments, and high precision analog measurements.

Communication with the PCM1803A is achieved through a serial interface called I2S, described in the datasheet below. Both master and slave communication modes are supported and four data formats are available. As recommended by the datasheet, the AGND and DGND are connected directly under the chip via a solder jumper.

This board includes a number of the necessary components you'll need to get the PCM1803A up and running. Both 5V and 3.3VDC regulators are included to power the analog and digital sides, respectively. A 24.576MHz oscillator is included, allowing the PCM1803A to run at a number of different sampling frequencies. All pins of the PCM1803A are broken out to a pair of 0.1" pitch headers, including a 3.3V output pin from the regulator.

This is a board designed for opto-isolation. This board is helpful for connecting digital systems (like a 5V microcontroller) to a high-voltage or noisy system. This board electrically isolates a controller from the high-power system by use of an opto-isolator IC. This IC has two LEDs and two photodiodes built-in. This allows the low-voltage side to control a high voltage side.

We often use this board to allow a microcontroller control servos or other motors that use a higher voltage than the TTL logic on the (3.3V or 5V) micro, and may cause electromagnetic interferance with our system as the motors turn on and off. This board will isolate the systems, creating a type of electrical noise barrier between devices.

This breakout board uses the ILD213T optoisolator and discrete transistors to correct the logic. Comes with two channels. Great for use in noisy circuits where signal lines require electrical isolation.

A normal LED opto-isolator will invert the logic of a signal. We threw some transistors on this compact board to correct the inversion. What you put into the IN pins, will be replicated on the the OUT pins, but at the higher voltage (HV).

Documents:

• Schematic
• ILD213T Datasheet
• SFE Eagle Library has the ILD213T!

This is a breakout board for the DS1077 is a dual-output, programmable, oscillator. Contains a filter capacitor and all 8 pins broken out to a 0.1" header.

The DS1077 can be used as a processor-controlled frequency synthesizer or as a standalone oscillator. The two synchronous output operating frequencies are user-adjustable in submultiples of the master frequency through the use of two on-chip programmable prescalers and a divider. The specific output frequencies chosen are stored in non-volatile (EEPROM) memory. The DS1077 defaults to these values upon power-up.

The DS1077 features a 2-wire serial interface that allows in-circuit on-the-fly programming of the programmable prescalers (P0 & P1) and divider (N) with the desired values being stored in NV (EEPROM) memory. Design changes can be accommodated in-circuit on-the-fly by simply programming different values into the device (or reprogramming previously programmed devices). Alternatively, for fixed frequency applications, previously programmed devices can be used and no connection to the serial interface is required.

This is the breakout board for the thumb joystick. Pins are broken out to a 0.1" header and includes 4 mounting holes in the corners.

Dimensions: 1" x 1.25"

This is a breakout board for the TS3A5017 Serial Multiplexer. The TS3A5017 is a dual single-pole quadruple-throw (4:1) analog switch that is designed to operate from 2.3 V to 3.6 V. This device can handle both digital and analog signals, and signals up to V+ can be transmitted in either direction.

Features:

• Isolation in the Powered-Down Mode, V+ = 0
• Low ON-State Resistance (10 Ohm)
• Low Charge Injection
• Excellent ON-State Resistance Matching
• Low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
• 2.3-V to 3.6-V Single-Supply Operation
• Latch-Up Performance Exceeds 100 mA

Documents:

• TS3A5017 Datasheet
• Schematic

This is a simple breakout board for the screen keys. Comes with 1k pullup on the Button pin.

Documents:

• Schematic

The WiiChuck Adapter is a small PCB that is designed to be inserted into the connector of a Nintendo Wii Nunchuck to provide access to all 4 wires of the remote. The power, ground and two-wire interface of the Nunchuck are all broken out to a 4-pin 0.1" pitch header.

The Wii Nunchuck is loaded with features -- a 2-axis joystick, two buttons and a 3 axis ±2g  accelerometer -- and any device capable of I2C can communicate with it! The WiiChuck allows you to interface with the Nunchuck without making a mess and cutting the wires.

Documents:

• WiiChuck Homepage (great tutorials and Arduino library)

If you've ever tried to connect a 3.3V device to a 5V system, you know what a challenge it can be. The SparkFun logic level converter is a small device that safely steps down 5V signals to 3.3V and steps up 3.3V to 5V. This level converter also works with 2.8V and 1.8V devices. Each level converter has the capability of converting 4 pins on the high side to 4 pins on the low side. Two inputs and two outputs are provided for each side.

Bread board friendly! Can be used with normal serial, I2C, SPI, and any other digital signal. Does not work with an analog signal.

The level converter is very easy to use. The board needs to be powered from the two voltages sources (high voltage and low voltage) that your system is using. High voltage (5V for example) to the 'HV' pin, low voltage (2.8V for example) to 'LV', and ground from the system to the 'GND' pin.

Pins are labeled as Inputs and Outputs. These are relative to the board. A digital one going into the RXI pin on the 5V side will show up on the RXO pin on the 3.3V side as 3.3V. A digital one going into the TXI pin on the 3.3V side will show up on the TXO pin on the 5V side as 5V.

Dimensions: 0.5x0.6"

Documents: Schematic

You've always wanted to output analog voltages from a microcontroller, the MCP4725 is the DAC that will let you do it! The MCP4725 is an I2C controlled Digital-to-Analog converter (DAC). A DAC allows a digital device like a microcontroller to output analog values like a sine wave. Digital to analog converters are great for sound generation, musical instruments, and many other creative projects!

Features:

• 12-bit resolution
• I2C Interface (Standard, Fast, and High-Speed supported)
• Small package
• 2.7V to 5.5V supply
• Internal EEPROM to store settings

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• MCP4725 Datasheet
• Example I2C Code for ATmega168

A very simple breakout board for the DB9 connector. Takes the 9 incoming signals and puts them into a breadboard friendly single row of 0.1" pins.

Bare PCB only. Please see related items for DB9 connector and pins.

Documents: Schematic

This is a simple breakout board for the popular XBee product from Maxstream. This board breaks out all 20 pins of the XBee to a 0.1" standard spacing dual row header. The spacing between 0.1" headers is 0.5" making it breadboard DIP friendly. We highly recommend using the female sockets to avoid having to solder the XBee permanently to the breakout board. This is the PCB only. Please order the accompanying 2mm sockets (you'll need 2!) and 0.1" headers below.

Documents: 5V Interface to 3V XBee module

Have you run out of I/O pins? This great IC allows the user to expand up to 16 I/O using only two I/O for control! The PCF8575C is controlled through an I2C interface and features 16-bits of quasi-bidirectional input/output pins. Checkout the datasheet for more info!

Features:

• 16 individually addressable pins
• Each pin configurable for input or output
• Interrupt output pin

Documents:

• PCF8575C Information Page
• PCF8575C Datasheet
• Example I2C Project
• Example AVR code
• mbed Example

Dimensions: 1x1"

This is a simple Op Amp breakout board, set up as a 2-stage amplifier with a gain of 100 (gain of 10 for each stage). The on-board trim pot sets the signal level between the stages, not the feedback path. The bandwidth is set to 15.9kHz by a pair of feedback capacitors, or over 100kHz with the caps removed. The LMV358 opamp can source up to 160mA and works well as a low impedance driver/buffer.

Documents:

• Schematic
• LMV358 datasheet
• Eagle Files

This breakout board uses the LTC3588 Piezoelectric Energy Harvester from Linear Technologies. This board can be used not only for harvesting piezoelectric energy, but solar energy as well. There is a bridge rectified input for piezo elements (PZ1 and PZ2) and a direct input (VIN) for DC sources. Both are clamped to 20V. In addition, the board can simply be used as a standalone nanopower buck regulator.

An ultralow quiescent current undervoltage lockout (UVLO) mode with a wide hysteresis window allows charge to accumulate on an input capacitor until the buck converter can efficiently transfer a portion of the stored charge to the output. In regulation, the LTC3588 enters a sleep state in which both input and output quiescent currents are minimal. The buck converter turns on and off as needed to maintain regulation.

Four output voltages (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 3.6V) are pin selectable with up to 100mA of continuous output current. However, the output capacitor may be sized to service a higher output current burst. An input protective shunt set at 20V enables greater energy storage for a given amount of input capacitance.

Features:

• 950nA Input Quiescent Current (Output in Regulation – No Load)
• 450nA Input Quiescent Current in UVLO\
• 2.7V to 20V Input Operating Range
• Integrated Low-Loss Full-Wave Bridge Rectifier Up to 100mA of Output Current
• Selectable Output Voltages of 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 3.6V
• High Efficiency Integrated Hysteretic Buck DC/DC
• Input Protective Shunt – Up to 25mA Pull-Down at VIN ≥ 20V
• Wide Input Undervoltage Lockout (UVLO) Range

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• LTC3588 Product Page

A simple breakout PCB for the GP1A57HR photo interrupter. This PCB has three connections for PWR, GND, and Signal.

When the gate is clear, SIG will be high (>4.9V). When the gate is blocked by a finger, writing utensil, food pellet, or anything else - SIG will go low (<0.4V).

Assembled picture is for reference only, board comes bare; photo interrupter and the 220Ω (330Ω, works as well) current limiting resistor are listed below.

Documents:

• Schematic

This is the SMD connector for the PSP touch screen. 4-pin right angle good, friction fit connector with 1 mm pitch.

This connector is compatible with the PSP Touch Screen NOT the Sharp Color 24-Bit LCD.

Documents:

• Connector Datasheet
• Schematic

This is a bread board friendly breakout board for the MiniDIN-6 connector. Board brings out all 6 pins to a 0.1" spaced connector. Use this breakout for your next PS2 keyboard or mouse project! Board comes bare.

Documents:

• mbed Example

This is a breakout board for the very high-intensity red Luxeon Rebel LED. The board is designed to dissipate damaging heat away from the LED to the back of the board. There are three pads for each the anode and the cathode of the LED.

This breakout board comes with the LED installed as shown.

Documents:

• Red Luxeon Rebel LED Datasheet (part# LXML-PD01-0040)

In physical computing it's sometimes nice to know how physically close you are to an object. In other words, you may need to know your 'proximity' to an object, that's where the VCNL4000 does its magic. Okay, it's not actually magic, it's a combination ambient light sensor and IR proximity sensor.

The VCNL4000 can detect its proximity to an object using IR within a range of about 20cm. Proximity data as well as ambient light level data can be collected over an I2C interface. This breakout board gives you access to the I2C pins, the Vcc pin, GND and the IR+ pin (power supply for the built-in IR emitter). Simply give the board a clean 3.3V power source and give the IR emitter anywhere from 2.5-5V and you'll be able to tell how far you are from an object up to 20cm.

Features:

• Voltage Rating: 3.3V
• IR Emitter Vin: 2.5-5V
• I/O pins are 5V compliant
• Range: Up to 20cm
• Built-in Ambient Light Sensor

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Datasheet (VCNL4000)
• Application Notes (VCNL4000)
• Example Code

Rainbowduino Extension Shield is a breakout board of Rainbowduino’s 192 separate LED driving channels. The channels are divided into three 8*8 arrays: red, green and blue for easier controlling, it is designed to ease customized LED projects based on Rainbowduino.

• 60.33mm×180.61mm(3 multiple of Rainbowduino’s size)
• Can drive 192 separate LED
• No extra junctions needed

The MCP2200 is a new USB to serial converter chip from Microchip. This breakout board brings all the pins to bread-board friendly headers.

• USB CDC virtual serial port interface
• Secondary HID configuration interface
• Up to 8 additional IO
• 256bytes user EEPROM
• TX/RX indicator LEDs
• All pins to bread-board friendly header

The MCP2200 is actually just a PIC 18F14K50 programmed with a firmware, but it's slightly less expensive than the PIC alone.

• Break out board for standard SD card and Micro SD (TF) card
• Contains a switch to select the flash card slot
• Sits directly on a Arduino
• Comes with filter capacitor

The RTC module is a member of Twig. It is based on the clock chip DS1307 which supports the I2C protocol. It uses a Lithium cell battery (CR1225). The clock/calendar provides seconds, minutes, hours, day, date,month, and year information. The end of the month date is automatically adjusted for months with fewer than 31 days, including corrections for leap year. The clock operates in either the 24-hour or 12-hour format with AM/PM indicator. 

This is a simple board that no one really needs but it sure comes in handy. If you've ever tried to hook up an FTDI to something only to realize you need to swap the TX and RX, maybe you could use this board. Sure, you can grab some jumper wires and make your own, but this little crossover board makes it much easier.

The board has a set of headers going in and a set going out. The TX and RX lines are swapped so you can connect it to a Bluetooth Mate and configure it without having to swap the pins coming from your FTDI.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files

This is a breakout board for the WS2801 RGB LED controller, the same IC used in our addressable RGB LED strips. The board comes with the chip on one side and an RGB LED on the other. Several of these breakouts can be chained together to form a display or an addressable string. Voltage, ground, clock and data are broken out as input on one side and output on the other to standard 0.1" spaced headers.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Datasheet (WS2801)
• Datasheet (RGB LED)
• Example Code

This is a breakout board to allow simple access to the tightly pitched pins on the GS406 and GS407 GPS units. This board breaks out all of the necessary pins to a row of standard 0.1" spaced header to allow for easy bread boarding and simple connection.

Note: TXO and RXI are labeled according to the GS407 datasheet, which is from the point of view of the MCU. Therefore, TXO should connect to TX on your microcontroller, and RXI should connect to RX.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Datasheet (GS407)

This is a simple breakout board for our through-hole 24.5 mm coin cell holder. All you need to do is solder the tabs of the holder down and you're good to go! There are also two mounting holes for attaching it to your project.

Note: We've found that applying a bit of solder to the large solder pad in the middle creates a better connection with the negative side of the battery.

Note: You will get just the bare PCB. Check below for the coin cell holder that you will need to solder to the board.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files

Here is a breakout board for the LS20126 GPS receiver. The board allows you to access all the pins on the GPS module through 0.1" spaced holes. Buy a header, solder everything up and you're ready to go!

The GPS module is not included.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files

Small breakout board for the PIC Microchip ENC28J60. Contains all the necessary hardware to implement an Ethernet interface including the isolation transformer and LINK/STATUS LEDs. SPI interface makes this one of the easiest 10Base-T ICs yet! 3.3V with 8KB buffer.

Documents:

• Microchip Website for the ENC28J60 datasheet
• ENC28J60-H Schematic

Dimensions:

• Overall : 1.18x0.95" (30x24mm)
• Space between rows : 0.8"

A breakout board for the LMD18201 and LMD18200. These very powerful H-Bridges are great, but have a very awkward 0.067" pin pitch. This breakout board converts the 67mil pitch to a standard 0.1" pitch so that these ICs can be used easily with breadboards and perf boarding.

This is a small PCB that brings out the pins of the RJ45 connector to an in-line 0.1" footprint. Use with break-away headers for breadboarding or create your own RJ45 cable

Note: This is the PCB only - RJ45 connector sold separately.

Dimensions: 0.7x0.8"

This is a simple breakout board for Analog Device's AD5330 8-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The AD5330 has a parallel interface, and can operate from a 2.5 to 5.5V supply consuming just 115uA (at 3V).

The DB0-7 pins, the parallel data inputs, are used to configure the analog output voltage. CS selects the device, and data is loaded into the input registers on the rising edge of WR. The GAIN pin allows the output range to be set at either 0V to VCC or 0V to 2VCC.

Input data to the AD5330 is double-buffered, allowing simultaneous update of multiple DACs in a system using the LDAC pin. An asynchronous CLR input resets the contents of the input register and the DAC register to all zeros. The AD5330 also incorporates a power-on reset circuit that ensures that the DAC output powers on to 0V and remains there until valid data is written to the device.

This breadboard friendly board breaks out every necessary pin of the AD5330 to 0.1" spaced headers. The board includes a decoupling capacitor, but does not do any voltage regulation; voltage supplied to the board should be within the specified range.

Dimensions: 0.80 x 1.10"

Documents:

• Schematic
• AD5330 Datasheet
• Arduino Library
• Tutorial

Here is a real time clock based on the DS3234 Real Time Clock IC. The DS3234 is a low-cost, extremely accurate SPI bus real-time clock with an integrated temperature-compensated crystal oscillator and crystal.

The RTC maintains seconds, minutes, hours, day, date, month, and year information. The date at the end of the month is automatically adjusted for months with fewer than 31 days, including corrections of leap year. The clock operates in either the 24-hour or 12-hour format with AM/PM indicator. Two programmable time-of-day alarms and a programmable square-wave output are provided.

The underside of the board holds a 12mm coin-cell battery holder for battery backup.

Note: These do not include a battery.

Features:

• +-2ppm accuracy
• Two alarms
• SPI output
• Low power consumption
• Accurate calendar up to year 2100
• Battery backup included

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Datsheet (DS3234)
• Example Code

This is a simple serial to USB board that works with the nRF24L01, nRF2401A, and RF-24G Nordic transceivers. Comes with an ATMega168V preloaded with code that allows the transceivers to act as pass through serial devices (sends 4 characters at a time).  When powered up, the board will determine which Nordic device has been attached (STAT0 will blink for an nRF24L01, or it will default to an nRF2401A and STAT1 will blink) and run the appropriate code. The LEDs then blink sequentially upon receiving packets over the RF link.

You will need to use VCP FTDI drivers, so that your USB connection comes up as a COM port. Then all you need to do is use a terminal program to communicate with the Nordic transceivers.

Note: The labels for the TX and RX LEDs are reversed.

Documents:

• Schematic
• C code (zip)
• FTDI Drivers

This is a unique board recommended by a SparkFun customer. When playing with microSD, you sometimes need to view what the SPI traffic is doing, whether for hacking or debugging. The microSD Sniffer allows you to hook up an external device, such as a logic analyzer or microcontroller, to view what signals are being passed back and forth. Insert one side into a regular uSD socket and a uSD card into the on-board socket, simple as that.

All necessary pins are broken out to an 8-pin 0.1" pitch header.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files

The Danger Shield mounts on top of your Arduino orArduino Pro and equips it with a variety of fun and useful inputs and outputs. The Danger Shield has so much potential; we can't wait to see what you're able to do with it! The shield's features include:

• Three linear slide potentiometers connected to the Arduino's analog pins 0 through 2.
• Red and yellow LEDs connected to digital pins 5 and 6 - PWM pins - so you can easily vary their brightness.
• Three momentary push buttons connected up to the Arduino's digital pins 10 through 12. Those lines will go low when the buttons are pressed.
• A photocell and a temperature sensor, both with analog outputs, are connected to the analog pins 3 and 4, respectively.
• An 8-bit shift register set up to control a blue 7-segment LED.
• Two buzzers - one is used, as you'd expect, as a speaker, the other is connected to analog pin 5 and can be used as a knock sensor.

This new version uses a different temperature sensor. This product comes as a kit of parts, which you'll have to solder into the included PCB. All parts are through-hole so it should go together relatively easily; but always check your component orientation before soldering!

Documents:

• Schematic
• Example Code

The Joystick Shield sits on top of your Arduino and turns it into a simple controller. Five momentary push buttons (4+ joystick select button) and a two-axis thumb joystick gives your Arduino functionality on the level of old Nintendo controllers.

Please note: This is an older version of the PCB that does not have the prototyping area. The examples and assembly guides still apply. We're just trying to give these PCBs a happy home before we move on to the next revision.

The momentary push buttons are connected to Arduino digital pins 2-6; when pressed they will pull the pin low (utilizing the internal pull-ups of the Arduino). Vertical movement of the joystick will produce a proportional analog voltage on analog pin 0, likewise, horizontal movement of the joystick can be tracked on analog pin 1.

This product is only the Joystick Shield PCB - you'll need to purchase the buttons and joystick separately, and assemble the controller yourself. Here's what you'll need in addition to the shield:

• 4 x Momentary Push Button Switch - 12mm Square
• 1 x Thumb Joystick
• 1 x Mini Push Button Switch (breaks out Arduino's reset switch)
• 2 x 6-pin Arduino Stackable Header
• 2 x 8-pin Arduino Stackable Header

Documents:

• Joystick Assembly Tutorial
• Joystick Quickstart Guide
• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Arduino Sample Sketch

This is a great kit to learn the basics of soldering. ClockIt is a basic alarm clock with buzzer based on the ever popular ATMega168. If you're just learning how to solder, this kit should take you 15-20 minutes. If you're a weathered pro at soldering, this is a great relaxing build that should take 5-10 minutes.

No programmer required. The ATmega comes with firmware installed!

Features:

• Time (AM/PM)
• Alarm (On/Off)
• Snooze (alarm resumes after a 9 minute snooze)

Kit Includes:

• 1 x ClockIt PCB
• 1 x ATmega168 (pre-programmed)
• 1 x 4-digit display
• 1 x buzzer
• 1 x 10uF cap
• 1 x 0.1uF cap
• 2 x 22pF caps
• 1 x 10k resistor
• 1 x 16MHz crystal
• 1 x barrel jack
• 1 x mini power switch
• 3 x push button reset switches
• 2 x Screws
• 2 x Plastic Standoffs
• 1 x 5V wall wart

Open Source Hardware: We like to share. The original engineering files are available for mass hackery.

• Eagle Files (Licensed under CC v3.0 Share-Alike)
• Schematic
• Source Code
• Assembly Instructions
• Improved Source Code Forum Post

The EL Escudo is an Arduino shield that drives EL wire. Electroluminescent wire is this really neat, flexible cord that emits a florescent light. Some times referred to as 'cool neon' because the cord does not heat up. The kicker is that EL wire runs on high voltage AC - about 125V at 425Hz. While EL wire requires very little power, you can't use normal transistors to turn on/off a string of it. So we created the EL Escudo that uses TRIACs to control up to 8 channels.

We also recommend using the Arduino Stackable Headers to provide enough clearance for the USB and Barrel Jack Connectors.

What do I use this for? Checkout the demo video. You can have a lot of fun with EL! The demo video shows 8 strands of about 12" lengths of EL. The length of wire is arbitrary - you can have 100ft wires, it doesn't matter! Your inverter must be matched with the length of EL wire but it's not exact. I'm pretty sure we've got a 5-15ft rated inverter driving 12" segments. The inverter may not like it, but it works.

No really, what do I use this for? Oh! Oh, an example. Ok, checkout our tutorial on the Heartbeat Straight Jacket. It's a combination of EL wire and some fancy 2.4GHz wireless control. All built into a straight jacket for Burning Man.

Documents:

• User Guide
• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Arduino Library (Unzip this folder in your ARDUINO_HOME/hardware/libraries directory)
• Jacob's Ladder Project

This is a breakout board for the Maxim MAX7456  monochrome on-screen display chip. The board is set up with all supporting circuitry and RCA connectors to allow the user to easily interrupt and overlay text and/or graphics onto a video signal (PAL or NTSC). Just plug in your video signal to "Video In", plug your TV into "Video Out", connect a microcontroller to the SPI interface and supply the board with 5V@100mA (worst case) and you're good to go. Supplied sample code runs on an ATMega168/328 (16MHz) and compiles with WinAVR, so it's just about "plug-and-play" with an Arduino board.

Features:

• Input voltage 5V
• Current consumption 100mA, worst case
• 5V SPI interface

Dimensions: 1.8x0.9"
Weight: 0.30 ounces, 8.6 grams

Documents:

• Datasheet
• Schematic
• Sample Code

Basic breakout board for FTDI's popular USB to UART IC. Now with internal oscillator and EEPROM, the FT232RL is an impressive IC!

VCCIO is now tied to 3.3V through a solder jumper. You have the option of clearing this jumper and tying the VCCIO pin to 5V or any other IO voltage you need.

Board comes assembled with IC as shown.

Features:

• Implements full v2.0 USB protocol
• Needs no external crystal
• Internal EEPROM for device ID and Product Description strings
• Royalty-Free Driver support for Windows, Linux, and Mac OSX

Documents:

• FT232RL Breakout Schematic
• FT232RL IC Datasheet
• Eagle Files
• FTClean (for removing extraneous/old ports)

Drivers: FTDI Driver Page
Dimensions: 0.9x1.25"

When playing with SD, you sometimes need to view what the SPI traffic is doing, whether for hacking or debugging. The SD Sniffer allows you to hook up an external device, such as a logic analyzer or microcontroller, to view what signals are being passed back and forth. Insert one side into a regular SD socket and a SD card into the SD holder, simple as that.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files

This is a A 16-bit, 5V tolerant input-only buffer for the Open Logic Sniffer logic analyzer.

Specifications

• 16 input-only channels
• Populated with the ON Semi MC74LCX16245DTG Transceiver.
• All inputs are 5V tolerant, can take up to 7V signals for short durations.
• Propagation delay of 4.5 nS, making the Buffer Wing capable of 200 MHz
• Supports live insertion and removal

Note: The 16-bit Buffer Wing does not ship with the headers populated in order to allow the end user the greatest flexibility in deciding the final configuration.

This a original designed module for the DS1307 Real Time Clock. It uses Lithium coin cell battery (CR2032). The DS2032 is accessed via the I2C protocol.

Battery is not included.

You must connect this module to the IIC port on Chassis.

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The Danger Shield is an add-on for the [Arduino] micro controller board. It contains a variety of fun and useful electronic circuits that you can use to do fun and useful things. It is a fully self-contained shield. You plug it into your Arduino, and you can immediately start using it. No extra things to hook up, no external components. Just a really rad board ready to rock.

>>Guide

This is a breakout board for the SP3485 RS-485 transceiver IC, which will convert a UART serial stream to RS-485. The SP3485 is a half-duplex transceiver, so it can only communicate one way at a time, but it can reach transmission speeds of up to 10Mbps. This board requires a very low amount of power and can operate from a single +3.3VDC supply.

This breakout board includes the SP3485 RS-485 transceiver, filter capacitor, and other components shown on the schematic. We've broken out the RS-485 output to three different connections: (1) an RJ-45 connector, (2) a 3-pin 3.55mm screw terminal, and (3) a 3-pin 0.1" pitch header; none of these output connectors come populated.

Features:

• Fully equipped with SP3485 RS-485 transceiver and supporting components
• Operates from a single +3.3V supply
• Interoperable with +5.0V logic
• RS-485 input/output broken out to RJ-45 connector, 3.5mm screw terminal, and 0.1" pitch header
• Driver/Receiver Enable connected to RTS line
• -7V to +12V Common-Mode Input Voltage Range
• Allows up to 32 transceivers on the serial bus
• Driver Output Short-Circuit Protection

Dimensions: 0.9x1.0"

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Datasheet (SP3485)

This is a full 8-pin breakout for the SIM socket allowing direct access to SIM communication.

Note: This breakout board was originally designed for a SIM socket with a switch for card detection. We have since switched to a socket that does not have this feature so the SW1 and SW2 pins have nothing to break out and can be considered NC. The 6 SIM card pins, however, are still broken out correctly.

Low-cost basic SOIC break out boards. These are custom PCB boards that interface standard SOIC devices to standard .1" headers. 28-SOIC: Standard .6" spacing between pins. Will fit directly into a standard width (600 mil) DIP socket. For wide ICs (memories, drivers, 74s, etc).
Dimensions: 0.7x1.50"

40 Pin break-away headers are perfect for use with these custom PCBs. Machine pin headers may be a better option for IC sockets.

Supported Devices: Pad layout fits all standard SOIC devices.

Your basic SOIC break out boards. What's the difference? The 8 Pin board is TINY. And you can't beat the price! These are custom PCB boards that interface standard JEDEC SOIC devices to standard .1" headers.

This board has a standard SOIC-8 footprint.

40 Pin break-away headers are perfect for use with these custom PCBs. Machine pin headers may be a better option for IC sockets.

Supported Devices: Pad layout fits all standard JEDEC SOIC-8 devices.

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With SD and MMC memory prices dropping, the time is right for mass storage and datalogging. This breakout board will allow you to breakout the SD/MMC socket to a standard .1" 11-pin header. Perfect for breadboarding and the likes. Board comes fully assembled and tested as shown.

This is the new Push-Push type socket. The board has 11 pins:

• COM : Common - Connects to the housing
• WP : Write Protect Detect Switch
• CD : Card Detect Switch
• P9 : Not used in SPI Mode (Pin 9 on SD Card)
• IRQ : Not used in SPI mode (Pin 8 on SD Card)
• DO : Serial Data Out
• GND : Ground - Connect this to COM to ground the housing
• CLK : Serial Clock
• VCC : 3.3V Power
• DI : Serial Data In
• CS : Chip Select

It is recommended that you connect the COM pin to GND if you plan to use the CD or WP pins.

Dimensions: 1.3x1.5"

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• SD Socket Datasheet
• Simplified SD Specification
• Maxim App Note using the MAXQ2000
• App note from Kronos Robotics

A simple breakout PCB for the CNZ1120 Photo Interrupter. This PCB has three connections for PWR (3V-6V), GND, and Signal. When the gate is clear, SIG will be low (<0.5V). When the gate is blocked by a finger, writing utensil, food pellet, or anything else - SIG will go high (>4.5V). Assembled picture is for reference only. Parts are listed below. 220 or 330Ohm resistor will work.

Note: We no longer sell the CNZ1120, but if you have one, we still have the PCB for it.

Documents: PI-1120 Breakout Schematic

We realized it's pretty difficult to attach to the tiny header on this great little wireless module. So we laid out a PCB to convert the 1.25mm 10 pin header to an in-line .1" standard breadboard interface!

Shown assembled with the RF-24G wireless transceiver and 10-pin header.

40 Pin break-away headers are perfect for use with these custom PCBs.

Simple breakout board for the USB Female Type B Vertical Connector. We primarily designed this board so that you could panel mount a USB connector. Handy when creating those fancy looking enclosures that need a USB port. Breakout board is shipped bare. All four USB pins are broken out.

Documents:

• 
  Schematic
• Dimensional for USB connector
• Eagle Files

This a custom designed module for the DS1307 Real Time Clock. The module comes fully assembled and pre-programmed with the current time (ok, so it's our current time - MST). The included Lithium coin cell battery (CR1225 41mAh) will run the module for a minimum of 9 years (17 years typical) without external 5V power. The DS1307 is accessed via the I2C protocol. We've written a test-bed to program the modules. This test-bed code should give you some insight on how to interface the module to any microcontroller using our example software I2C and BCD routines.

Features:

• Two wire I2C interface
• Hour : Minutes : Seconds AM/PM
• Day Month, Date - Year
• Leap year compensation
• Accurate calendar up to year 2100
• Battery backup included
• 1Hz output pin
• 56 Bytes of Non-volatile memory available to user

Dimensions: 0.75x0.75" (20x20mm)

Documents:

• RTC Module Schematic
• RTC Module Dimensional Drawing
• DS1307 Datasheet
• Wiring Example

Software:

• Example 16F88 code
• Arduino Tutorial. Thanks John Vaughters!
• Arduino Tutorial in Portuguese. Thanks Daniel Gonçalves!
• Bildr Tutorial

The MCP3002 has a 10-bit analog to digital converter (ADC) with a simple to use SPI interface. Use this IC if your microcontroller does not have an ADC or have enough ADC lines. A great chip when you need to add additional ADC lines.

Features:

• 2.7V to 5.5V supply
• 10-bit resolution
• 8-pin DIP package
• 3 wire SPI interface
• Up to 75,000 samples per second
• Low power shutdown

Documents: Datasheet

The Video Experimenter shield is an Arduino shield that lets you do all kinds of experiments with video.

• Overlay text and graphics onto a video signal from a camera, DVR, DVD player, VCR or any other source of composite video.
• Capture low-res video image frames for display or video processing. Give your Arduino the gift of sight!
• Perform object detection for computer vision projects.
• Decode closed captioning or XDS (extended data services) data embedded in television broadcasts.
• Works with NTSC (North America) or PAL (rest of the world) television standards.
• Uses digital pins 2, 6, 7, 8, and optionally 9. Uses analog pin 2.

All of these capabilities are demonstrated on the projects page.

This shield isn't soldered.

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Hackvision is a simple, retro gaming platform based on Arduino technology that you can assemble and connect to your TV. You can write your own games and make your own controllers!

Features

• NO Arduino is required. Based on Arduino technology so you can write your own games and upload them using the Arduino IDE. All you need is a USB to TTL serial cable or adapter.
• Connects directly to your TV with standard RCA connections. One for audio, one for composite video. Works with NTSC or PAL (Europe, Africa, Asia, South America) TVs.
• Integrated button controller right on the PCB.
• Pre-loaded with 2 games: Space Invaders and Pong (requires paddle controllers). UPDATE: now available with Asteroids!
• You can write your own games!
• Other controllers supported: Wii nunchuk, SuperNES, or paddle controllers you can make from a potentiometer and button. Or invent your own.
• Software libraries for game development and controller support.
• High score files stored in EEPROM so they are retained even with power off.
• All unused pins broken out to pads for your hacking pleasure.
• Non-conductive adhesive foam pad protects the bottom of the board from your fingers.
• All through-hole components. Kit can be assembled in 30-45 min. Fully assembled and tested units will also be available.
• Makes a great gift!

Technical Specs

• ATmega328 microcontroller with Arduino bootloader
• Monochrome composite video
• Resolution is 136x96 pixels (You can control this in your own games)
• Requires 9V power supply with center-positive 2.1mm barrel plug

This shield isn't soldered.

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The 'mini-Bully' is a simple breakout for the very powerful 16-bit PIC24HJ64 microcontroller. The board has a 3.3V regulator and runs a serial bootloader developed by Mississippi State (the 'Bull Dogs'). The mini-Bully comes fully assembled as shown without connectors populated so that you can solder in any connector or wire with any orientation you need. No programmer required, only a serial connection provided by the USB-to-Serial (TTL) cable such as the FTDI Basic board listed below.

PIC24 code examples that are compatible with the mini-Bully and source code for the bootloader can be found here.

Features:

• PIC24HJ64GP502, 64K flash, 8K RAM, 40MIPs from internal PLL, DMA, 5 timers, 2 UARTS, 2 SPI, ECAN, I2C, RTCC, 10/12 bit ADC, analog comparator
• Low-voltage board needs no interfacing circuitry to popular 3.3V devices and modules (GPS, accelerometers, sensors, etc)
• Program using serial/USB connection off board
• Supports auto-reset
• 3.3V regulator
• Reverse polarity protected
• DC input 3.3V up to 12V
• On board Power/Status LED

Dimensions: 0.17 x 0.83 x 1.55" (4.2 x 21 x 39.5mm)

Documents:

• Schematic
• Bootloader
• Firmware
• PIC24HJ64 Datasheet
• Video Tutorial
• A good tutorial showing Kalman Filter stabilization using mini-Bully and the SparkFun 5DOF

The VS1053 is a great MP3 decoder, and with this breakout board, it's easy to drop it into any project. The VS1053 is capable of decoding Ogg Vorbis/MP3/AAC/WMA/MIDI audio and encoding IMA ADPCM and user-loadable Ogg Vorbis. Can drive 30 Ohm headphones with no additional power supply..

Note: We discovered an obscure issue with these boards. The TEST pin needs to be tied in to IOVDD or else some erratic behavior in certain circumstances. For our remaining stock, we tied these pins together with a jumper wire, as seen in the pictures. We have a new version which fixes this issue.

Features:

• Separate Audio and Digital 3.3V supplies
• Onboard 12.288MHz oscillator

Dimensions:

• 1.55x1.2"
• 1.1" between headers

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• Datasheet (VS1053)
• MIDI Code Example
• Example configuration code
• MP3 Decoding Example Sketch

Have you ever needed to know if a voltage coming from a sensor is within a specific voltage window? This little breakout board allows you to hook up an analog signal, define your voltage window, and it will tell you (digitally - HIGH or LOW) if your input is inside or outside the window.

You can define the upper and lower limits of the voltage window by adjusting to trim pots on the board. Power it up with 5Vs, set your limits, and you'll be ready to go!  It accepts voltages from 0V to 5V. Now you don't need to set up thresholds in code.

This also frees up an ADC for another sensor that may require more than a voltage threshold or window. Another advantage to this little guy is that it's analog, so that means it's virtually instant (10 microseconds). It is also useful in audio applications when you need to define peaking voltages on an AC signal and you want to analyze peaks on both the top and bottom sides of the sound wave.

Documents:

• Schematic
• Eagle Files

The smallest and easiest to use serial conversion circuit on the market! This board has one purpose in life - to convert RS232 to TTL and vice versa (TX and RX). This will allow a microcontroller to communicate with a computer. Shifter SMD is powered from the target application and can run at any voltage! That's right - power the board at 5V and the unit will convert RS232 to 5V TTL. Power the board at 2.8V and the Shifter board will convert RS232 to 2.8V CMOS TTL. Includes two indicator LEDs for TX and RX. Runs from 300bps up to 115200bps.

Unit comes fully assembled and tested as shown. You can either solder a 4-pin header or individual wires.

Documents: Schematic
Dimensions: 1.25x1.15"