4 Channel 5-3v IIC I2C Level Conversion Module

4 Channel IIC I2C Logic Level Converter Module (5V to 3.3V) is an indispensable tool for bridging the gap between digital systems operating at different voltage levels, particularly when using the I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication protocol. This module employs a MOSFET-based design to bi-directionally translate logic signals between a high-voltage side (HV, typically 5V) and a low-voltage side (LV, typically 3.3V), ensuring seamless compatibility between modern 3.3V sensors and older 5V microcontrollers like Arduino Uno. Therefore, you can connect devices with disparate operating voltages without risking damage to sensitive ICs due to voltage incompatibility. Furthermore, its four independent channels make it highly versatile for managing multiple I²C buses or other bi-directional protocols like SMBus.

Key Features:

• Bi-Directional Translation: Features a design using MOSFETs to actively translate signals in both directions (HV to LV and LV to HV) automatically.
• Four Channels: Offers 4 independent pairs of signal lines, allowing conversion for two full I²C buses (SDA and SCL) simultaneously.
• Wide Voltage Range: The high voltage side (HV) supports 5V systems, while the low voltage side (LV) supports 3.3V, 2.8V, or 1.8V logic.
• Small Form Factor: The compact breakout board design makes it easy to integrate into prototyping breadboards and final PCB assemblies.
• High Speed Compatibility: Handles standard I²C speeds (up to 400 kHz Fast Mode) effectively, ensuring communication reliability.

Technical Specifications:

• High Voltage Side (HV): 5 V DC maximum
• Low Voltage Side (LV): 1.8 V to 3.6 V DC (Typically 3.3 V)
• Number of Channels: 4 (Bi-directional)
• Supported Protocols: I²C, TWI, SMBus, and other open-drain or push-pull low-speed protocols.
• Logic Chipset: Utilizes BSS138 N-Channel MOSFETs (or equivalent)
• Minimum Operating Voltage Differential: Requires HV ≥ LV + 0.3 V for stable operation.

Mechanical Specifications:

• Module Type: PCB Breakout Board
• Mounting: Pin headers suitable for breadboard or through-hole soldering.
• Material: FR4 PCB
• Pin Pitch: 2.54 mm (0.1 inch) standard breadboard compatible spacing.

Dimensions:

• Board Length: ≈ 15.5 mm
• Board Width: ≈ 13.5 mm
• Board Height (excluding headers): ≈ 2 mm
• Weight: ≈ 1 g (Extremely lightweight)

Pinout and Wiring:

• HV: Connect the 5V power supply rail (High Voltage reference).
• LV: Connect the 3.3V power supply rail (Low Voltage reference).
• GND: Connect to the common ground shared by both HV and LV systems.
• HV1, HV2, HV3, HV4 (High Voltage Pins): Connect these to the 5V side signal lines (e.g., 5V Arduino SDA and SCL).
• LV1, LV2, LV3, LV4 (Low Voltage Pins): Connect these to the 3.3V side signal lines (e.g., 3.3V sensor/device SDA and SCL).
• Wiring Note: Always connect the HV and LV power pins to their respective voltage rails before applying any signal.

Datasheet Reference:

• Refer to the SparkFun Logic Level Converter Guide (Typical BSS138 Implementation)

Commonly Used in:

• Arduino Projects: Integrating newer 3.3V sensor shields (like gyros, barometers) with 5V Arduino Uno or Mega boards.
• Raspberry Pi Interfaces: Connecting 5V peripheral modules to the 3.3V GPIO pins of a Raspberry Pi.
• Embedded Systems Prototyping: Essential for verifying component compatibility when mixing ICs from different voltage families.

Applications:

• I²C Communication: Translating SDA and SCL lines between 3.3V and 5V microcontrollers and peripherals.
• SPI Signal Translation: Can translate MISO/MOSI/SCK lines in push-pull mode, however, dedicated buffers are often better for high-speed SPI.
• Serial UART Conversion: Adapting RX/TX lines, consequently, enabling communication between voltage-mismatched serial devices.

Equivalent Models:

• TXS0104E (Dedicated IC): A high-speed, dedicated 4-bit bi-directional voltage level shifter often used in surface-mount designs.
• SparkFun Logic Level Converter: A popular, functionally identical module based on the same MOSFET principle.
• CD4050 / 74HC4050 (Unidirectional): Buffer ICs that can handle 5V to 3.3V conversion in one direction (HV to LV), in contrast, this module handles both directions.

Package Includes:

• 1 x 4 Channel IIC I2C Level Conversion Module (5V ↔ 3.3V)