Logic - Translators, Level Shifters

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
MAX3376EEKA+T

MAX3376EEKA+T

Analog Devices, Inc.

MAX3375 ESD_PROTECTED, 1 MICROAM

18491

MAX3343EEBE-T

MAX3343EEBE-T

Analog Devices, Inc.

USB LEVEL TRANSLATOR

15000

LTC1045CSW#TRPBF

LTC1045CSW#TRPBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR UNIDIRECTIONAL 20SOIC

0

MAX3373EEBL-T

MAX3373EEBL-T

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL LOW-VOLT LEVEL TRANSLATOR

9019

MAX3377EEUD

MAX3377EEUD

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL LOW-VOLT LEVEL TRANSLATOR

8781

ADG3308BCPZ-REEL

ADG3308BCPZ-REEL

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR BIDIRECTIONAL 20LFCSP

2610

ADG3233BRJZ-REEL7

ADG3233BRJZ-REEL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR BIDIRECTIONAL SOT23-8

541

MAX13005EEBE+T

MAX13005EEBE+T

Analog Devices, Inc.

LOW-VOLTAGE LEVEL TRANSLATOR

2500

MAX3002EBP

MAX3002EBP

Analog Devices, Inc.

INTERFACE CIRCUIT, BICMOS, PBGA2

13967

MAX3012EBP

MAX3012EBP

Analog Devices, Inc.

8-CH LEVEL TRANSLATOR

219

MAX9181EXT-T

MAX9181EXT-T

Analog Devices, Inc.

LOW-JITTER, LOW-NOISE LVPECL-TO-

2500

ADG3301BKSZ-REEL7

ADG3301BKSZ-REEL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR BIDIRECTIONAL SC70

15941

MAX3001EEUP

MAX3001EEUP

Analog Devices, Inc.

8-CH LEVEL TRANSLATOR

14948

MAX3001EEWP+T

MAX3001EEWP+T

Analog Devices, Inc.

35 MBPS, 8-CH LEVEL TRANSLATOR

9400

MAX3391EEBC

MAX3391EEBC

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL LOW-VOLT LEVEL TRANSLATOR

4829

LTC1045CSW#PBF

LTC1045CSW#PBF

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR UNIDIRECTIONAL 20SOIC

896

ADG3123BRUZ

ADG3123BRUZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR UNIDIR 20TSSOP

0

MAX3372EEBL

MAX3372EEBL

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL LOW-VOLT LEVEL TRANSLATOR

1772

ADG3304BRUZ-REEL

ADG3304BRUZ-REEL

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR BIDIRECTIONAL 14TSSOP

0

ADG3300BRUZ

ADG3300BRUZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC TRNSLTR BIDIRECTIONAL 20TSSOP

395

Logic - Translators, Level Shifters

1. Overview

Logic translators and level shifters are semiconductor devices that enable signal compatibility between circuits operating at different voltage levels. These ICs ensure reliable data transmission by converting logic signals from one voltage domain to another, maintaining signal integrity in mixed-voltage systems. Their importance has grown with the proliferation of low-voltage CMOS technologies and multi-rail power architectures in modern electronics.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Single-direction translatorsUnidirectional voltage conversion with isolationSPI interface between 3.3V FPGA and 1.8V sensors
Bi-directional translatorsAutomatic direction detection, dual-voltage I/OI2C bus bridging between 5V microcontroller and 2.5V EEPROM
Multi-channel level shiftersParallel conversion of multiple signals (4-32 channels)Memory interface between SoC and DDR4 SDRAM modules
Direction-controlled translatorsExternal control pin for signal direction selectionUART level conversion in industrial communication modules

3. Structure and Composition

Typical devices feature a monolithic CMOS structure with dual power supply inputs (VCCA and VCCB). Physical components include:

  • Dual-supply MOSFET pairs for voltage translation
  • Integrated clamp circuits for ESD protection
  • Direction control logic (for bidirectional types)
  • Channel-specific enable/disable circuitry

Common package types: TSSOP (14-48 pins), QFN (20-64 pins), WLCSP (1.5 1.5mm ultra-compact).

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterSignificance
Voltage range (1.2V-5.5V)Determines compatibility with different logic families
Conversion rate (100Mbps-1.2Gbps)Limits maximum operating frequency
Channel count (1-32)Impacts system integration density
Propagation delay (2-20ns)Affects timing critical applications
Quiescent current (1-100 A)Power efficiency in battery-powered systems

5. Application Areas

Key industries include:

  • Telecommunications: 5G baseband processors interfacing with RF front-ends
  • Industrial automation: PLC modules connecting 24V sensors to 3.3V MCUs
  • Consumer electronics: Smartphone PMIC to application processor communication
  • Automotive systems: CAN-FD transceiver voltage adaptation
  • IoT devices: Sensor hub interfacing between different voltage rail components

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Features
TI (Texas Instruments)TXB01088-channel, 1.2-3.6V to 1.65-5.5V translation, auto-direction detection
NXP SemiconductorsLTC28503.3/5V dual supply, 15kV ESD protection, RS485/UART interface
ON SemiconductorNXU4084-channel, 0.9-5.5V range, sub-1ns propagation delay
STMicroelectronicsL6470Stepper motor driver with integrated level shifting for industrial automation

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

  • Match supply voltage ranges with source/target systems
  • Ensure conversion rate meets timing requirements
  • Choose appropriate channel density to minimize PCB area
  • For bidirectional buses, select devices with automatic direction sensing
  • Consider thermal performance for high-current applications
  • Evaluate ESD protection levels for industrial environments

8. Industry Trends

Development directions include:

  • Voltage scaling down to 0.8V core operation
  • Integration with signal conditioning functions
  • Increased adoption of capacitive isolation technology
  • Advanced packaging (3D TSV, fan-out WLP)
  • Protocol-aware smart translation (I3C, PCIe 6.0)
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