Description
7Semi Bidirectional Voltage Level Translator Breakout PCA9306 I2C
The 7Semi Bidirectional Voltage Level Translator Breakout PCA9306 I2C is a compact and efficient module designed to safely interface devices operating at different logic levels. Based on the PCA9306 dual bidirectional voltage-level translator IC, it allows I²C and other open-drain signal lines to communicate between two voltage domains. The module supports automatic bidirectional translation without requiring a direction control pin, making it ideal for connecting 1.2V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V devices in mixed-voltage systems.
Technical Specifications:
- IC: PCA9306 Dual Bidirectional Voltage-Level Translator
- Interface Type: I²C and SMBus compatible
- Channels: 2 (SDA and SCL)
- Logic Compatibility: Supports 1.2V to 5V on both sides
- Supply Voltage (VREF1): 1.0V to 3.6V (lower voltage side)
- Supply Voltage (VREF2): 1.8V to 5.5V (higher voltage side)
- Communication Speed: Up to 400kHz (Standard/Fast I²C mode)
- Direction Control: Automatic (bidirectional, no control pin needed)
- Pull-up Resistors: Onboard pull-ups for stable operation
- Current Drive Capability: Up to 20mA per channel
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- Board Type: Compact breakout with 2.54mm pitch header pins
- Power Indicator: Onboard LED for power status
Features:
- Enables safe bidirectional communication between devices with different voltage levels
- Fully compatible with I²C and SMBus protocols
- Supports wide voltage translation range from 1.2V to 5V
- Automatic direction sensing—no control pin required
- Compact breakout board with clearly labeled pins
- Ideal for interfacing 3.3V microcontrollers with 5V peripherals
- Integrated pull-up resistors for reliable signal integrity
- Low power consumption and high signal integrity
- Compatible with Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi
- Plug-and-play design simplifies mixed-voltage system development
Applications:
- I²C bus voltage level shifting between 3.3V and 5V systems
- Communication between modern low-voltage sensors and older 5V controllers
- Embedded system and IoT hardware interfacing
- Microcontroller and peripheral device integration
- Robotics and automation systems requiring mixed-voltage logic
- Prototyping and development boards
- Consumer and industrial electronic devices
- Safe signal translation in data communication lines
- Mixed-voltage testing and debugging setups
- Educational and research electronics projects