Bi-directional level translator connects memory cards with low voltage chips
Communication, consumer, and computing system applications including smartphone handsets, notebooks, SD/MicroSD card readers, wireless access points, and 5G femtocells can connect with low voltage processors, using the PI4ULS3V4857 from Diodes.
The SD 3.0-compliant bidirectional level translator has the capacity to translate a 1.2V to 1.8V host side voltage into a memory card voltage signal of either 1.8V or 3.0V and vice versa. This allows SD 3.0 memory cards, which have shorter transfer times than other data storage, to be used with low voltage microprocessors, SoCs, and ASICs.
The translator’s clock rate is up to 208MHz, enabling the PI4ULS3V4857 to support the fastest SD card interface currently available, the SD 3.0 SDR104. This 6bit device is also suitable for SDR50 (100MHz), SDR25 (50MHz), DDR50 (50MHz), and SDR12 (25MHz) operation. Backward compatibility means that it can handle legacy SD 2.0 high-speed (50MHz) and default-speed (25MHz) modes.
Eliminating the need for an external level shifter saves board space and the integral 100mA LDO voltage regulator and EMI filters reduce the system component count and bill of materials costs, says Diodes. The translator also includes 8kV electro-static discharge (ESD) protection to contribute to long-term operation.
The PI4ULS3V4857 is supplied in a small footprint, 20-ball WLCSP package.
Diodes provides semiconductor products to companies in the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Its product portfolio consists of discrete, analogue, and mixed-signal products and packaging technology. It provides application-specific solutions and solutions-focused sales, coupled with worldwide operations of 28 sites, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and customer service.
