WCMCU-401 Logic Level Shifter Module – 4-Channel Voltage Converter for Arduino/Raspberry Pi

SKU: FA2011-0-0
Module Type

4-Channel Bidirectional Logic Level Shifter
High Voltage (HV) Range

3V – 5.5V
Low Voltage (LV) Range

1.8V – 3.6V
Channels

4
Logic IC (Typical)

TXB0104 or similar MOSFET-based design
Dimensions

Approx. 15mm x 11.5mm
Pin Pitch

2.54mm (0.1") Standard Header
Operating Temperature

-40°C to +85°C
The WCMCU-401 Logic Level Shifter Module is an essential interface tool designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between electronic components operating at different voltage levels, such as connecting a 5V Arduino to a 3.3V Raspberry Pi or sensor. This 4-channel bidirectional voltage converter allows safe and reliable communication without the risk of damaging sensitive low-voltage components.
Product Description
The WCMCU-401 Logic Level Shifter Module (often utilizing the TXB0104 or similar MOSFET-based design) provides a safe and reliable solution for interfacing systems that operate at different logical voltages. In modern DIY electronics, microcontrollers frequently use 5V logic while many modern sensors and single-board computers (like the Raspberry Pi) use 3.3V logic. Directly connecting these can damage the lower- voltage device. The WCMCU-401 module prevents this damage by automatically translating the signals between two voltage domains.
This module features four independent channels that are fully bidirectional, meaning they can convert signals from High Voltage (HV) to Low Voltage (LV), and vice versa, simultaneously and automatically. This makes it highly versatile for common communication protocols like I2C, SPI, and general-purpose input/output (GPIO) lines. Its simple design requires only connecting the respective high and low voltage sources to the board; no manual direction control pins are necessary for basic operation. Whether you are a hobbyist integrating a new sensor into your project or a business prototyping complex multi-voltage systems, the WCMCU-401 ensures your components communicate safely and efficiently.
Features
  • Bidirectional Voltage Translation: Automatically converts signals in both directions (HV to LV and LV to HV) across four independent channels.
  • Wide Voltage Compatibility: Supports high voltages from 3V to 5.5V and low voltages from 1.8V to 3.6V (specific ranges may vary by exact component, typically 5V/3.3V compatible).
  • 4 Independent Channels: Allows simultaneous level shifting for up to four data lines.
  • Easy Integration: Designed with standard 0.1″ (2.54mm) pitch header pins for easy breadboard or PCB mounting.
  • No Direction Control Required: The module automatically senses the direction of data flow, simplifying wiring and coding requirements.
  • Compact Design: Small footprint makes it easy to integrate into space-constrained projects.
Usage
The WCMCU-401 module is vital when connecting components with mismatched operating voltages.
  1. Power Connections: Connect the higher voltage source (e.g., 5V from Arduino) to the HV pin. Connect the lower voltage source (e.g., 3.3V from Raspberry Pi) to the LV pin.
  2. Ground Connections: Ensure both ground references are connected to the GND pin on the module.
  3. Signal Connections: Connect the data lines from the high-voltage device to the HV1 through HV4 pins.
  4. Signal Routing: Connect the corresponding data lines from the low-voltage device to the LV1 through LV4 pins.
  5. Operation: The module is now ready to safely translate digital signals between the two systems
Q: Can I connect a 5V sensor directly to my 3.3V Raspberry Pi using this module?

Yes, absolutely. You would connect 5V to the HV pin, 3.3V to the LV pin, and the sensor’s data line to one of the HV channels, and the corresponding Raspberry Pi GPIO pin to the linked LV channel

Q: Does this module work with analog signals?

No, this is a logic (digital) level shifter module. It is designed for discrete HIGH/LOW digital signals used in communication protocols like I2C, SPI, or UART. It will not work for converting variable analog voltage levels.

Q: How fast are the data transmission speeds supported by this shifter?

Speed depends on the specific internal chip used (e.g., TXB0104). These modules typically support standard data rates for typical microcontroller applications, often handling up to 100 Mbps for push-pull applications, which is sufficient for most Arduino/Raspberry Pi communications

Q: Does the module require manual setup to know which direction the signal is flowing?

No, the module is fully bidirectional and automatically detects the direction of data flow on each channel independently. This makes integration simple as you don’t need extra GPIO pins to control direction

Q: Can I use this for power conversion, like stepping 5V power down to 3.3V?

No, this module is strictly for logic signals, not for supplying power to an entire circuit or device. Use a dedicated voltage regulator (like an AMS1117 3.3V regulator) for power conversion

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