SparkFun Forums

[franktokarz]

For the SparkFun USB to Serial Breakout - FT232RL BOB-12731 programming pod, we are powering the programming of our parts through an external power supply, rather than the power rail provided from within the programming pods themselves.
The external power supply likely will have a slightly different voltage than the internal supply and we will be trying to program our part while that rail isn’t connected to anything.

Could you confirm that this would not damage or malfunction the programming pods?
Considering what is in this programming pod, we wouldn’t want to create any sort of mismatch or break the bit rail or prevent programming when trying to program that part while that rail isn’t connected to anything.
Thank you,
Frank Tokarz | Electrical Engr
Northrop Grumman Corporation | Mission Systems
C: 224- 625-6577 | Frank.Tokarz@ngc.com

[TS-Russell]

I'm not sure what is being asked exactly, but here's the schematic https://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Bre ... ut_v37.pdf

I'm guessing you're asking if it's fine to run the board without using it's on-board regulator at all, right? I'd guess it's fine as long as the voltage range/performance is similar/better (AKA 'clean')