8-Channel Bi-Directional Level Shifter Module (Red PCB)

SKU: FA2011-2
PCB Color

Red
Number of Channels

8
High Side Voltage (HV)

2.5V to 5.5V
Low Side Voltage (LV)

1.2V to 3.6V
Conversion Type

Bidirectional (MOSFET-based)
Internal Pull-up

10kΩ on all channels
Dimensions

Approx. 28mm x 15mm
Pin Pitch

2.54mm (0.1 inch)
The 8-Channel Bi-Directional Logic Level Shifter (Red PCB Edition) is a robust and essential interface module designed for high-density digital communication. This board allows for safe, high-speed data transfer between devices operating on different logic voltages, such as connecting a 5V industrial controller to a 3.3V or 1.8V high-performance processor.
Product Description
The 8-Channel Bi-Directional Level Shifter is a high-density voltage translator optimized for systems requiring multiple data lines, such as SPI, parallel interfaces, or complex sensor arrays. Built on a distinctive red PCB, this module utilizes high-speed N-channel MOSFETs with integrated pull-up resistors to provide 8 independent channels of bidirectional shifting.
Unlike smaller 2-channel or 4-channel modules, this 8-channel version is designed to handle entire data buses in a single, compact footprint. It effectively bridges the gap between different power domains (e.g., 5V, 3.3V, 2.8V, and 1.8V), protecting sensitive low-voltage microcontrollers like the Raspberry Pi or ESP32 from the higher voltages used by older legacy systems or 5V Arduino components. The bidirectional nature of the circuitry means it automatically adapts to data flowing in either direction, making it ideal for asynchronous communication and complex digital logic.
Key Features
  • High Channel Density: 8 independent channels provide enough capacity for a full SPI bus plus additional control signals (like Reset or CS).
  • True Bidirectional Capability: No direction-control signal is required; the hardware automatically senses the flow of data.
  • Wide Voltage Range: Supports stepping between voltages as high as 5V and as low as 1.8V.
  • Integrated Pull-Ups: Features onboard 10kΩ pull-up resistors on every channel to ensure clean signal transitions for I2C and GPIO.
  • Safety Isolation: Prevents “back-powering” where a high-voltage pin accidentally powers a low-voltage rail through internal protection diodes.
  • Prototyping Ready: Standard 2.54mm (0.1″) pin spacing for easy use with breadboards or standard ribbon cables
Usage Instructions
  1. Power Setup: Connect the HV pin to your higher voltage source (e.g., 5V) and the LV pin to your lower voltage source (e.g., 3.3V).
  2. Grounding: Connect the GND pin to the common ground of both systems. Crucial: Both systems must share a common ground for the logic levels to be referenced correctly.
  3. Data Wiring: Connect the high-voltage signals to the HV1–HV8 pins and the corresponding low-voltage devices to the LV1–LV8 pins.
  4. Direction: Simply send data; the module will automatically step the voltage up or down based on which side is driving the signal
Q: Can I use this for 1.8V logic devices?

Yes. As long as you provide 1.8V to the LV pin and a higher voltage (like 3.3V or 5V) to the HV pin, the module will shift the logic accordingly.

Q: Does this work with I2C communication?

Yes, the onboard 10kΩ pull-up resistors make this module very effective for I2C (SDA and SCL) as well as standard GPIO and UART.

Q: Is there a specific "input" or "output" side?

No. Each channel is bidirectional. You can send data from LV to HV or HV to LV at any time.

Q: Why are my 3.3V signals showing as 5V on the other side?

This is correct—that is the “stepping up” function. If you are seeing 5V on a pin that should be 3.3V, check that your HV and LV power connections aren’t swapped.

Q: Is this module suitable for high-speed SPI (above 20MHz)?

While this MOSFET-based shifter is excellent for standard speeds, very high-speed SPI may experience signal rounding due to the pull-up resistors. For ultra-high-speed applications, we recommend active IC-based shifters like the TXB0108.

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