Logic converters

To get over this obstacle you need a device that can shift 3. This is called logic level shifting. Level shifting is a dilemma so common we designed a simple PCB assembly to make interfacing devices a little easier: the Bi-Directional Logic Level Converter.

The SparkFun bi-directional logic level converter is a small device that safely steps down 5V signals to 3. Though they're share the same shape and size, this bi-directional logic level converter shouldn't be confused with the more "uni-directional" version.

It's perfect for level-shifting between devices that are sharing a data wire, like I 2 C or a one-wire interface. We'll examine the schematic and board layout -- explaining what each pin on the board does. At the end we'll go over some hookup examples to show how you might hook the board up for various interfaces. If you take a peek at the board's schematic , you'd find that the bi-directional logic level converter let's shorten that to BD-LLC is actually a very simple device.

There is basically one level-shifting circuit on the board, which is repeated four times to create four level-shifting channels. A 0V signal on one end remains a 0V signal on the other. One row contains all of the high voltage e. The pins are labeled on both the bottom and top sides of the board, and organized into groups.

Let's look closer at some of the pin groups:. Supplying a steady, regulated voltage to both of these inputs is required. For example, if you're interfacing from 5V to 3. There are four separate data channels on the BD-LLC, each capable of shifting data to and from high and low voltages.

This made it possible to use a wider variety of chips without consulting logic voltage before purchase. Great board to have in my candybox. Works as expected. Quick and easy! Soldered the headers for prototyping and the thing can plug into a breadboard just fine no matter which side of the PCB you solder your pin headers. Pretty cool!

Used this board on 2 different projects. Absolutely no hitches or problems!!! Highly recommend it. Always works perfectly. Works fine, as advertised and as expected.

I don't expect any problems. I would recommend this product from sparkfun. This is nerve-saver, no need to ''play'' with resistors, but resistors have benefit of taking small space if only 1 or 2 lines are needed.

Works great for level shifting UART in my case. Well thought out pin layout for breadboarding. Also, having the schematic available is very handy.

This essential building block is achieved with just one transistor and two resistors with the help of the internal diode. It simply works very well with a small footprint. This is a great converter to go from 3. Bought 2 for use in a dual SPI sensor project, Both level shifters worked just as advertised. Cheap insurance as a go-between on arduino projects. This converter was exactly the thing to get the two talking. Very easy to use: just solder in the headers, hook up the two levels e.

In this world of 3. Pretty simple to use, and if you aren't driving LEDs or counting on tri-state logic it works well. I found it useful to talk to 5V SPI interfaces from a 3. The screen required 3. Using this bi-directional board was very simple to make the necessary connections between pins on the redboard and OLED board. Works just as advertised, quick shipping, good value.

The board is a high quality PCB, and the workmanship is great. Need Help? Mountain Time: Shopping Cart 0 items.

Product Menu. Today's Deals Forum Desktop Site. All Categories. Development Single Board Comp. Quantity discounts available. Favorited Favorite Wish List. Description Features Documents If you've ever tried to connect a 3. Favorited Favorite 5. An overview of the Bi-Directional Logic Level Converter, and some example circuits to show how it works. Favorited Favorite Highest Logic Level last updated about 5 years ago We have tested this logic level converter more for 5V logic on the high side.

Core Skill: Soldering This skill defines how difficult the soldering is on a particular product. Core Skill: Programming If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it.

Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. Comments 48 Reviews Comments Looking for answers to technical questions? Log in or register to post comments. Log in to post comments. After taking a look into the Hookup-Guide, it turns out: Yes. Could I also use this to convert 5v signals to 1.

This looks like it will work in a 24 volt to 5 volt application. Is that correct? I'll probably hack something like this together myself. Do you have a good recommendation for a converter that works with 12V to 5V and vice versa?

Customer Reviews 4. Currently viewing all customer reviews. Showing results with star rating. Show All. I use it to interface 3. And vice versa! Good price. Just as described. Straightforward and intuitive. Data sheet easily found on the website. Haven't had any issues so far. This works well for my needs. Works flawlessly. Works just as expected about 5 years ago by Member verified purchaser Makes connecting to 3.

My enduser says, "They work! Exactly what it says on the tin about 5 years ago by Member verified purchaser It was easy to solder, and worked exactly as needed for the project I was working on. Easy and Straightforward about 5 years ago by Member verified purchaser Purchased this level shifter for a 5V to 3V I2C connection and it worked out of the box without a hitch.

Works great about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser Performed as expected, got my project back on track, thanks! Works great!!! Works great! Used it to connect a 5V Photo-Interrupter to a 3. Excellent product about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser The product does exactly what it claims, i. Great about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser Works fine. No problems. Great little interfaces about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser If you're working between 3.

The Price is Right about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser Caution, object in the picture is much smaller that it appears. It works! Perfect in Performance and Simplicity about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser I wish all components were like this one! The Four independent channels make it universal! Wish I had it a long time ago.. Worked as stated about 4 years ago by Kerns verified purchaser Used 3 to bump up the signal lines from my smoothie board to some external drivers.

It works perfectly, easy to use, great operation. Nice little converter board about 4 years ago by Member verified purchaser I am glad that it can handle many different conversion voltages. Cheap and convenient about 3 years ago by HadleyRille verified purchaser Works exactly as advertised. Fast and convenient for prototyping. Very satisfied. Work great and got here fast! Solved the problem about 3 years ago by Member verified purchaser Worked as advertised and simplified project!

Works without even thinking about it. Since most logic converters will be used between communication buses like USART, I2C etc it is important for the logic converter to switch fast enough transition speed to match up with the baud rate of the communication lines. Assuming that our communication line is operating at a speed of baud rate bits per second, then it means it turns and off only 1,15, in one second.

So we can very well use our device for high baud rate communication as well. In the above schematic, two additional tactile switches are introduced. Also, a multimeter is attached to check the logic transition. By pressing SW1 , the low side of the MOSFET changes its state from high to low and the logic level converter is working as a low voltage to high voltage logic level converter.

On the other hand, by pressing SW2 , high side of the MOSFET changes its state from high to low and the logic level converter is working as a high voltage to low voltage logic level converter.

Both are in Logic 1 state. The circuit certainly has some limitations. Also, the minimum logic voltage is 1. Less than 1. For lower voltage than 1. As discussed in the introductory part, incompatible voltage level in digital electronics is a problem for interfacing and data transmission. Therefore, a level converter or level shifter is required to overcome the voltage level related errors in the circuitry.

Due to the availability of wide range logic level circuits in the electronics market and also for the different voltage level microcontrollers, logic level shifter has an incredible use case.

Several peripherals and legacy devices which work based on I2C, UART, or audio codec , need level converters for communication purposes with a microcontroller. There are lots of manufacturers provide integrated solutions for logic level conversion. It is one of the most common logic level converters IC which converts microcontroller logic voltage 5V to 12V.

We have already used MAX with PIC and few other microcontrollers earlier to interface a microcontroller with computer. Energy Measurement. ARM9 Embedded Processors. Professional Service Partners. Software and Tools. Sample Center. Products and Supply Chain. Community Investment and Engagement.