What are Translators & Level Shifters?

Logic translators and level shifters convert signals between different logic levels or voltage ranges, enabling communication between components with different voltage requirements. They let digital circuits with different standards talk to each other and can also make signals stronger or isolate them for reliable long-distance data transmission. They are used in computers, data conversion, and industrial control systems, telecom equipment, and automotive electronics.

What are level shifters and why are they used?

Level shifters let different voltage blocks work together in a system on a chip (SoC). They are used in multi-supply voltage designs to convert digital signals from a lower power supply to a higher one. They ensure signals transition accurately and have the correct drive strength.

What are voltage translators and what is their purpose?

Voltage translators fix voltage differences between parts in a system. They can also translate signals between lower-power processors and other devices in ADAS systems. Voltage translators can work in both directions, changing higher input voltages to lower output voltages or vice versa. Some models are unidirectional or bidirectional and optimized for low power consumption.