SparkFun XBee Explorer USB

This is a simple to use, USB to serial base unit for the Digi XBee line. This unit works with all XBee modules including the Series 1 and Series 2.5, standard and Pro version. Plug the unit into the XBee Explorer, attach a mini USB cable, and you will have direct access to the serial and programming pins on the XBee unit.

The highlight of this board is an FT231X USB-to-Serial converter. That’s what translates data between your computer and the XBee. There’s also a reset button, and a voltage regulator to supply the XBee with plenty of power. In addition, there are four LEDs that’ll help if you ever need to debug your XBee: RX, TX, RSSI (signal-strength indicator), and power indicator.

This board also breaks out each of the XBee’s I/O pins to a pair of breadboard-compatible headers. So if you want to make use of the XBee’s extended functionality, you can solder some header pins into those, or even just solder some wire.

Notes

• There is no XBee included with this Explorer USB.
• This board cannot source the power required for the Cellular XBee line. It will only work with the 802.15.4 variants.

Resources

• Schematic
• Eagle Files
• X-CTU Software
• XBee Introduction and Buying Guide
• XBee and X-CTU Hookup Guide
• XBee WiFi Hookup Guide
• GitHub (Design Files)