SparkFun FTDI Basic Breakout 3.3V

Breakout board for the FTDI FT232RL USB-to-serial IC. The pin layout corresponds to standard FTDI cables and works with original Arduinos as well as 3.3V Arduino clones. The adapter can also be used for all other serial applications. This version of the board is delivered with female headers.

The main advantage of this board is that the DTR pin is brought out instead of the RTS pin. The DTR connection allows the Arduino to be automatically reset during the upload of a sketch. This eliminates the tedious manual resetting, which is especially convenient when a reset button is not planned or available in the project.

The advantages over FTDI cables include the ability to monitor serial communication via LEDs, as well as the reset feature. A potential downside is that an additional USB cable with a mini-B connector is required.

As an extra feature, the board can be switched from 5V to 3.3V (Power & IO Level) by disconnecting a jumper!.