Adapter, Breakout Boards

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
BOB-13021 SparkFun	SPARKFUN RJ45 MAGJACK BREAKOUT	324
BOB-15035 SparkFun	ATX POWER CONN BREAKOUT BOARD	24
BOB-10031 SparkFun	USB MICROB PLUG BREAKOUT	686
BOB-12941 SparkFun	SPARKFUN SD/MMC CARD BREAKOUT	96
BOB-00496 SparkFun	SOIC TO DIP ADAPTER - 28-PIN	28
BOB-15100 SparkFun	USB-C BREAKOUT	571
BOB-13994 SparkFun	SSOP TO DIP ADAPTER - 16-PIN	65
BOB-00497 SparkFun	SSOP TO DIP ADAPTER - 8-PIN	81
BOB-00500 SparkFun	SSOP TO DIP ADAPTER - 28-PIN	58
BOB-09540 SparkFun	SPARKFUN FULL-BRIDGE MOTOR DRIVE	24
BOB-13099 SparkFun	SPARKFUN ROTARY SWITCH POTENTIOM	0
BOB-09966 SparkFun	USB MINI-B BREAKOUT	99
BOB-08891 SparkFun	GAS SENSOR BREAKOUT BOARD	15
BOB-00717 SparkFun	SOT23 TO DIP ADAPTER	1489
BOB-12700 SparkFun	SPARKFUN USB TYPE A FEMALE BREAK	362
BOB-13773 SparkFun	CHERRY MX SWITCH BREAKOUT	192
BOB-13878 SparkFun	LOAD SENSOR COMBINATOR	1
BOB-13005 SparkFun	SPARKFUN TRS JACK BREAKOUT - 1/4	0
BOB-00716 SparkFun	RJ45 BREAKOUT	159
TOL-09419 SparkFun	MICROSD CARD SNIFFER	103

Adapter, Breakout Boards

1. Overview

Adapter and breakout boards are essential components in electronic prototyping and fabrication. Adapters enable connectivity between incompatible interfaces, while breakout boards (BOBs) simplify the use of complex integrated circuits (ICs) by breaking down their pins into user-friendly layouts. These products accelerate development cycles, reduce design complexity, and facilitate testing in modern electronics, IoT, and embedded systems.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Level Shifter Adapters	Convert voltage levels between circuits (e.g., 3.3V 5V)	Sensor interfacing with MCUs
Protocol Converters	Bridge different communication protocols (I2C/SPI/UART)	Industrial automation systems
Power Adapters	Regulate and convert power supply voltages	Embedded device power management
Module Breakout Boards	Expose IC/module pins with onboard passive components	WiFi/Bluetooth module integration
Shield Adapters	Stackable boards for Arduino/Raspberry Pi expansion	Rapid prototyping platforms

3. Structure and Components

Typical adapter/breakout board assemblies include: - PCB Substrate: FR4 or flexible materials with copper traces - Connectors: Headers, sockets, or wireless interfaces - Active Components: Voltage regulators, level shifters, or protocol ICs - Passive Components: Resistors, capacitors, and crystal oscillators - Mounting Hardware: Standoffs, screws, or adhesive pads

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Voltage Range	Operational voltage limits (e.g., 2.7V-5.5V)	Ensures component compatibility
Current Capacity	Maximum current handling (mA/mA)	Prevents thermal damage
Signal Integrity	Impedance matching and noise reduction	Guarantees reliable data transfer
Form Factor	Physical dimensions and mounting patterns	Determines system integration
Protocol Support	Supported communication standards	Defines interface compatibility

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smart home devices, wearables
Industrial: PLCs, sensor networks
Automotive: CAN bus interfaces, ADAS prototyping
Medical: Diagnostic equipment, biosensors
Telecom: RF module integration, 5G testbeds

6. Leading Manufacturers & Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
Adafruit	Feather M4 Express	ARM Cortex-M4 with LiPo support
SparkFun	Thing Plus - RP2040	Raspberry Pi Pico-based breakout
STMicroelectronics	STEVAL-MKI109V3	MEMS sensor adapter board
Seeed Studio	XBee3 Breakout	Zigbee/WiFi/BLE multi-protocol
TI Instruments	BOOSTXL-PGA460	Ultrasonic sensing adapter

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations include: - Electrical Compatibility: Match voltage/current requirements with host system - Interface Requirements: Verify pinouts and communication protocols - Thermal Management: Check power dissipation ratings - Scalability: Assess stackability and expandability options - Cost Efficiency: Balance performance vs. budget constraints

Example: For IoT sensor networks, prioritize low-power adapters with I2C/SPI interfaces and RoHS compliance.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include: - Miniaturization for wearable and mobile applications - Integration of AI/ML accelerators on breakout boards - Development of high-speed adapters ( 10 Gbps) for 5G and edge computing - Adoption of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes - Growth of modular "click board" ecosystems for rapid prototyping