Bughopper
The Arduino Bughopper is a compact USB-to-UART debug accessory designed to bring remote debugging capabilities to compatible target boards via their JCTL 2.54 mm debug connector. Built around the FT230XQ USB-to-UART bridge, it provides a reliable serial link between your development machine and the target board without occupying the board's main USB port. An onboard level translator automatically adapts signal levels between the Bughopper and the target board, ensuring compatibility regardless of the target's operating voltage.
Downloadable resources
The Arduino Bughopper is a compact USB-to-UART debug accessory built around the FT230XQ bridge IC. It connects to compatible target boards through their JCTL 2.54 mm debug connector, providing a dedicated serial debug channel without occupying the board's main USB port. Onboard ESD protection, automatic voltage level translation and status LEDs make it a reliable tool for remote debugging, firmware logging and continuous UART monitoring.
FT230XQ USB-to-UART Bridge
The FT230XQ converts USB traffic from your development machine into a standard UART serial link (TXD/RXD), enabling real-time debug logging and serial communication with the target board at baud rates from 300 bps up to 3 Mbps.
Automatic Voltage Level Translation
An onboard bidirectional level translator automatically bridges the +3.3 VDC host logic domain and the target board's voltage domain, ensuring reliable signal integrity regardless of the target operating voltage.
ESD-Protected USB Lines
ESD diodes protect the USB data lines against electrostatic discharge, safeguarding both the Bughopper and the connected target board from damage during insertion and normal use.
Dual Output Connectors
The board provides two physical connection options: a female 2.54 mm 2×5 header (J2) for direct connection to JCTL header and a male 1.27 mm 2×5 header (J3) for compact ribbon cable setups, offering flexible integration into any workspace or enclosure.
USB-C® Connectivity
A USB-C® connector provides a modern, reversible connection to the host development machine, supplying the +5 VDC required to power the board and its internal +3.3 VDC logic.
Four Status LEDs
Four onboard LEDs provide at-a-glance visibility of the system state: a green LED indicates +3.3 VDC power, a red LED confirms the target board is powered and connected, and two yellow LEDs indicate serial activity on the TXD and RXD lines respectively.
Auxiliary GPIOs
Four auxiliary GPIO lines (CBUS0–CBUS3) are available as open-drain signals on the output connectors, allowing the FT230XQ to send control signals to the target board preventing back-powering.