Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS3V16AE

Overview

PI4ULS3V16AE from Diodes Incorporated (acquired Pericom Semiconductor) is a 16-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 (e.g., 1.8V MCU ↔ 3.3V peripheral), delivers ≤7 ns propagation delay at 3.3V/3.3V, supports 180 Mbps push-pull bus speeds, and features 12 mA drive capability per I/O.

For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS3V16AE datasheet, PI4ULS3V16AE pinout, PI4ULS3V16AE application, or PI4ULS3V16AE equivalent, this device is selected for high-speed, low-voltage bidirectional translation in space-constrained industrial and embedded systems where manual direction control is impractical and supply rail flexibility is required.

Technical Context

The PI4ULS3V16AE implements dual-rail, non-inverting transceiver architecture with separate VCCA (1.2V–3.6V) and VCCB (1.2V–3.6V) supplies, enabling true universal level shifting without external direction signals. Its automatic direction sensing operates by detecting dominant edge transitions on either port, tri-stating conflicting outputs to prevent bus contention.

It integrates configurable output impedance selection (300 Ω / 2.2 kΩ), test mode enable (TEST_EN), and per-port output-enable (OE) with power-up high-impedance safety via pull-up. Timing skew is guaranteed ≤0.3 ns between same-bank outputs, and ESD protection meets ±2000V HBM and ±200V MM.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 56-pin TQFN (5 mm × 11 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, ZF code), lead-free and RoHS-compliant, thermal resistance θ_JA = 33 °C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TXS0108E and SN74AVC16T245, the PI4ULS3V16AE uniquely combines 16-bit width, automatic direction, 180 Mbps speed, and dual-rail configurability-enabling simpler, more reliable, and higher-performance level-shifting in compact, multi-voltage embedded systems.

Availability

PI4ULS3V16AE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile memory interface, industrial sensor hub, automotive infotainment link, and programmable logic interconnect applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for PI4ULS3V16AE 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 and integrates its high-speed interface portfolio into broad mixed-signal solutions for computing, communications, and industrial markets.

The PI4ULS3V16AE belongs to Pericom's ULS (Ultra Low Skew) level shifter family, engineered specifically for high-density, multi-voltage SoC interconnects where automatic direction control, minimal propagation delay, and rail-to-rail voltage flexibility are mandatory.

FAQ

Does PI4ULS3V16AE require external direction control signals?

No. The device uses internal circuitry to detect dominant edge transitions on either port and automatically enables translation in the appropriate direction. This eliminates the need for an external DIR pin, simplifying PCB routing and firmware design. Conflicting simultaneous inputs force both sides into high-impedance state to prevent bus contention, as confirmed in the truth table and functional description.

What is the maximum capacitive load supported at 180 Mbps?

The 180 Mbps rating applies to push-pull bus operation with ≤50 pF total load capacitance, including trace, probe, and receiver input capacitance. This value is validated in the "Outputs Loading Selection" table where xSEL configuration L/L yields CL ≤ 50 pF. Exceeding this load degrades signal integrity and reduces achievable data rate, as shown in timing characterization tables.

Can VCCA and VCCB operate at different voltages simultaneously?

Yes. VCCA and VCCB are fully independent and rated 1.2V–3.6V each. The device supports asymmetric configurations such as VCCA = 1.2V (sensor interface) and VCCB = 3.3V (legacy peripheral), with verified timing performance across all combinations in the datasheet's tPD and fmax tables.

Is PI4ULS3V16AE compatible with I²C open-drain buses?

No. The PI4ULS3V16AE is designed for push-pull CMOS/TTL signaling only. Its automatic direction control relies on active driving of both logic states, and it lacks built-in weak pull-ups or open-drain emulation. For I²C, dedicated devices like PCA9306 or TXS0102 are required.