Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS3V08MZLE

Overview

PI4ULS3V08MZLE from Diodes Incorporated (formerly Pericom) is an 8-bit universal bidirectional voltage-level shifter with automatic direction control, supporting independent 1.2V–3.6V operation on A and B ports. It enables asynchronous data translation between mismatched logic domains without external direction signals, delivers ≤5.0 ns propagation delay at 3.3V/3.3V, supports 90 Mbps push-pull bus speeds, and features 12 mA drive capability per I/O. It is used in mobile device interconnects between application processors and low-voltage peripherals.

For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS3V08MZLE datasheet, PI4ULS3V08MZLE pinout, PI4ULS3V08MZLE application, or PI4ULS3V08MZLE equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-rail voltage flexibility (1.2V–3.6V), automatic bidirectional control, output impedance select (300 Ω / 2.2 kΩ), test mode enable, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The PI4ULS3V08MZLE implements a rail-to-rail, non-inverting transceiver architecture with separate VCCA and VCCB supplies, enabling true universal level shifting across any combination of 1.2V–3.6V logic families. Its automatic direction detection operates without clock or control timing constraints, relying on internal bus state arbitration.

It integrates configurable output impedance (via OUT_SEL), test-mode routing (via TEST_EN), and tri-state isolation (via OEx), all powered from VCCB. Each of the eight bidirectional channels operates independently, with no shared direction bus or synchronization requirement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-contact TQFN (3 mm × 6 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, exposed thermal pad).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional level shifting applications.

Compared with TXS0108E and SN74AVC8T245, PI4ULS3V08MZLE uniquely combines automatic direction sensing, dual-rail flexibility down to 1.2V, output impedance selection, and integrated test mode - making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-voltage mobile and embedded systems requiring zero-direction-control overhead.

Availability

PI4ULS3V08MZLE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile device integration, I²C bus extension, and SPI flash interfacing requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for PI4ULS3V08MZLE includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Diodes Incorporated acquired Pericom Semiconductor in 2017, integrating its high-performance interface and signal integrity portfolio into a broad analog and mixed-signal solutions provider.

The PI4ULS3V08MZLE belongs to Diodes' ULS (Ultra-Low Skew) level shifter product line, designed specifically for voltage-domain bridging in battery-powered, multi-rail portable electronics where automatic direction control and minimal quiescent power are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum valid supply voltage for reliable operation on both VCCA and VCCB?

The PI4ULS3V08MZLE is specified for continuous operation from 1.2V to 3.6V on each supply rail. At 1.2V, it maintains guaranteed VOL ≤ 0.1V and VOH ≥ 0.8V with 2 mA load, and supports fmax ≥ 12 MHz (10 pF load). Operation below 1.2V is not characterized and may result in undefined direction control or increased propagation delay.

How does automatic direction control behave when signals arrive simultaneously from both A and B sides?

When conflicting transitions occur on both A and B sides at the same time, all AX and BX I/Os enter high-impedance (tri-state) mode automatically. This prevents bus contention and ensures safe isolation until one side stabilizes - a behavior confirmed in the truth table and functional description under "All AX and BX are tri-stated when data is coming from both directions at the same time."

Can OUT_SEL be left unconnected, or must it be driven?

OUT_SEL must be actively driven HIGH or LOW; it is not internally biased. Leaving it floating risks indeterminate output impedance, potentially causing excessive current draw or signal integrity issues. The datasheet specifies two defined states: LOW = 300 Ω, HIGH = 2.2 kΩ - no third state is supported.

Is the exposed thermal pad (EPAD) electrically connected, and how should it be handled on the PCB?

Yes, the EPAD is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to a solid GND copper pour on the PCB for thermal dissipation and EMI reduction. The mechanical drawing confirms it is a grounded thermal pad; omitting this connection degrades thermal resistance by >30 °C/W and increases susceptibility to latch-up under transient stress.