SparkFun Breadboard Power Supply USB - 5V/3.3V

The SparkFun Breadboard Power Supply USB - 5V/3.3V is a straightforward power supply kit that provides a regulated 3.3V output from any USB port. With a fuse for protection and 2.54mm headers mounted on the base of the PCB, it's designed for easy insertion into a breadboard. The pins labeled 5V/GND and 3.3V/GND plug directly into the power lines for convenience.

When using this board with a breadboard, careful orientation is required to prevent the unused power and ground pins from shorting if they're inserted into a breadboard row. By positioning the board so that the unused power pins are off the side of the breadboard, or orienting the board sideways, both 5V and 3.3V can be utilized simultaneously.

The board complies with USB v2.0 specifications, which dictate a maximum of 500mA at 5V. The inbuilt fuse restricts the current to this limit. Additionally, the board features a useful On/Off switch.

The product comes as a bag of parts kit, which can be easily assembled by following the silkscreen indicators and using basic soldering skills. The resistor sizes will need to be determined by reading the resistor bands or using a multimeter.

The kit includes a USB type B connector, a TO-220 Voltage Regulator (LM317 1.5A max current), a PTC Resettable Fuse, capacitors of various sizes, a power LED, an SPDT Slide Switch, four 2.54mm header pins, resistors of different sizes, and a bare PCB with silkscreen indicators.

With dimensions of 3.175cm x 3.175cm, the SparkFun Breadboard Power Supply USB - 5V/3.3V is compact and easy to use. It's perfect for powering breadboard projects and its USB connectivity makes it universally compatible.

The product also comes with a schematic for reference, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for a reliable, portable power supply.