Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS3V16AEX
- Part No.:
- PI4ULS3V16AEX
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Category:
- Translators, Level Shifters
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
PI4ULS3V16AEX.pdf
- Description:
- IC TRANSLATOR BIDIR 56TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,415
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
PI4ULS3V16AEX from Pericom Semiconductor is a 16-bit universal bidirectional voltage-level shifter with automatic direction control, operating across independent 1.2V–3.6V supply rails (VCCA and VCCB). It enables asynchronous data translation between mismatched logic domains without external direction signals, supports up to 180 Mbps push-pull bus speeds, delivers ±12 mA drive capability per I/O, and operates from –40°C to +85°C in industrial environments.
For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS3V16AEX datasheet, PI4ULS3V16AEX pinout, PI4ULS3V16AEX application, or PI4ULS3V16AEX equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-rail voltage flexibility, per-bit independent translation, output-enable isolation, configurable output impedance (300 Ω / 2.2 kΩ), and TQFN-56 package thermal performance (θJA = 33 °C/W).
Technical Context
The PI4ULS3V16AEX implements a dual-supply, non-inverting transceiver architecture with automatic bus-direction sensing-no external DIR signal required. Each of its 16 I/Os operates independently, supporting A→B or B→A translation based on real-time voltage transitions at either port.
Control logic resides on VCCB, with xOE (active-low 3-state enable), xSEL (output loading selection), TEST_EN, and OUT_SEL pins. Output impedance is selectable between low (300 Ω) and high (2.2 kΩ) states, and test-mode operation allows directional forcing (A→B or B→A) for validation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Range | VCCA and VCCB independently configurable from 1.2 V to 3.6 V |
| Max Data Rate | 180 Mbps for push-pull applications-supports high-speed interconnects like I²C, SPI, and GPIO buses |
| Drive Strength | ±12 mA per I/O at 3.0 V-ensures robust signal integrity into 50 pF loads |
| Propagation Delay | 3.5 ns min (A↔B, VCCA=VCCB=3.3 V)-enables sub-10 ns round-trip latency in bidirectional links |
| ESD Protection | ±2000 V HBM, ±200 V MM-meets industrial-grade reliability requirements |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C-qualified for extended industrial temperature deployment |
| Quiescent Current | ≤10 μA-minimizes standby power in battery-sensitive or always-on systems |
Pinout & Package
Package: 56-contact, 5 mm × 11 mm, 0.5 mm pitch TQFN (ZF code), lead-free and RoHS-compliant, with θJA = 33 °C/W.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| xOE (e.g., AOE, BOE) | Active-low 3-state output enable | Drives all associated I/Os into high-impedance when asserted-enables bus isolation during power sequencing or fault conditions |
| xAx / xBx (A0–A7, B0–B7) | Bidirectional data I/O ports | Each pair translates logic levels independently; no shared direction control-eliminates timing skew from centralized DIR signals |
| xSEL (e.g., ASEL, BSEL) | Output loading selection | Configures capacitive load drive strength (10–50 pF range) to match trace impedance and reduce ringing |
| OUT_SEL | Output impedance select | Switches between 300 Ω (fast edge, short traces) and 2.2 kΩ (low noise, long traces) output drivers |
| TEST_EN | Test mode enable | Overrides automatic direction detection to force unidirectional A→B or B→A flow for debug and characterization |
| VCCA / VCCB | Independent supply rails | Decouples domain-specific power domains-allows 1.2 V SoC core to interface with 3.3 V peripheral without level-shifting ICs |
| GND | Common reference | Single ground plane required; no separate analog/digital GND pins-simplifies PCB layout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Automatic direction control | Eliminates need for external DIR signal and associated timing constraints-reduces BOM count and routing complexity |
| Per-bit independent translation | Enables mixed-voltage subsystems where individual signals operate at different logic thresholds (e.g., [email protected] V, [email protected] V) |
| Dual-rail supply configuration | Supports asymmetric voltage translation (e.g., 1.2 V ↔ 3.3 V), critical for modern low-power MCU-to-peripheral interfacing |
| Selectable output impedance | Optimizes signal integrity across varying trace lengths and loads without external series resistors |
| Industrial temperature range | Validated operation from –40°C to +85°C-suitable for factory automation, motor drives, and outdoor embedded systems |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Backplane Interface | Automotive Infotainment Gateway |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Interfacing a 1.2 V FPGA-based motion controller with legacy 3.3 V I/O modules over a compact backplane. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional level shifter enabling real-time sensor feedback and actuator command exchange without direction arbitration logic. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete MOSFET translators and direction-control glue logic-reducing layer count and improving signal timing margin by >2 ns. | Use Scenario: Connecting a 1.8 V application processor to multiple 2.5 V/3.3 V CAN, LIN, and display interface peripherals in head-unit design. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-domain bridge supporting concurrent SPI (display), I²C (audio codec), and GPIO (button matrix) traffic with automatic direction resolution. Use Value: Reduces interposer complexity and avoids clock-domain crossing issues inherent in multi-chip level-shifting solutions. |
| Medical Imaging Sensor Hub | 5G Small Cell Baseband Interface |
Use Scenario: Aggregating outputs from 16 heterogeneous image sensors (1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V) into a 2.5 V ADC interface ASIC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Per-bit voltage translator preserving sub-ns timing alignment across parallel pixel data lanes. Use Value: Maintains <0.3 ns inter-lane skew under full-load conditions-critical for synchronized frame capture and noise rejection. | Use Scenario: Interfacing a 3.3 V FPGA baseband processor with 1.2 V RF transceiver ICs and 1.8 V memory in mmWave beamforming modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed bidirectional translator supporting 100+ Mbps JESD204B-like control signaling with deterministic latency. Use Value: Achieves 180 Mbps throughput while maintaining <5 ns propagation delay variation-enabling precise phase-aligned calibration sequences. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional level shifting applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TXS0108E | 8-bit, single VCCA/VCCB rail; no output impedance selection; max 60 Mbps | Limited to 8-bit channels; lacks per-pin loading control and high-speed capability | Choose for cost-sensitive, lower-bandwidth designs where channel count and speed are not limiting |
| SN74AVC16T245 | 16-bit, manual direction control required; no automatic sensing; higher ICC (20 μA typical) | Requires external DIR signal and timing coordination-adds PCB routing and firmware overhead | Prefer when deterministic unidirectional flow dominates and automatic direction adds unnecessary complexity |
Compared with TXS0108E and SN74AVC16T245, the PI4ULS3V16AEX uniquely combines 16-bit width, automatic direction control, 180 Mbps speed, and programmable output impedance-making it optimal for space-constrained, high-speed, mixed-voltage industrial and telecom interfaces where signal integrity and integration density are critical.
Availability
PI4ULS3V16AEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC backplanes, automotive infotainment gateways, medical imaging sensor hubs, and 5G small cell baseband interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for PI4ULS3V16AEX 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
Pericom Semiconductor (acquired by Diodes Incorporated in 2016) specialized in high-performance interface, timing, and signal-integrity solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.
The PI4ULS3V16AEX belongs to Pericom's ULS (Universal Level Shifter) product line, engineered specifically for seamless, high-speed, mixed-voltage interoperability in resource-constrained embedded systems-prioritizing low latency, minimal BOM impact, and robust ESD tolerance.
FAQ
What is the minimum recommended pull-up resistor value for the xOE pin?
The xOE pin must be tied to VCC via a pull-up resistor during power-up/down to ensure high-impedance state. Minimum resistance is determined by the driver's current-sinking capability: for 12 mA sink capability at 3.3 V, a 270 Ω resistor ensures reliable deassertion while limiting current to ~12.2 mA. Values below 220 Ω risk exceeding absolute max ratings.
Can PI4ULS3V16AEX translate between 1.2 V and 3.6 V simultaneously?
Yes. VCCA and VCCB are fully independent: setting VCCA = 1.2 V and VCCB = 3.6 V enables direct bidirectional translation between those domains. The device guarantees correct logic threshold recognition (VIH/VIL) and output drive (VOH/VOL) across this full range, validated per JESD8-12 and JEDEC standards.
Does the PI4ULS3V16AEX require external biasing or termination resistors?
No external biasing is required. All I/Os are internally terminated and self-biasing during high-impedance states. Series termination is optional and only needed for specific trace impedance matching-enabled via OUT_SEL and xSEL configuration rather than discrete components.
How does automatic direction control behave when signals arrive simultaneously from both ports?
When simultaneous transitions occur on both A and B ports, all corresponding xAx/xBx I/Os enter high-impedance (tri-state) to prevent bus contention. This behavior is hardware-enforced and requires no software intervention-ensuring safe operation during transient or metastable conditions.
PI4ULS3V16AEX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- ULS
- Package/Case:
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Translator Type:
- Voltage Level
- Channel Type:
- Bidirectional
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Channels per Circuit:
- 8
- Voltage - VCCA:
- 1.2 V ~ 3.6 V
- Voltage - VCCB:
- 1.2 V ~ 3.6 V
- Input Signal:
- -
- Output Signal:
- -
- Output Type:
- Tri-State, Non-Inverted
- Data Rate:
- 180Mbps
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Features:
- Auto-Direction Sensing
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 56-TFSOP (0.240", 6.10mm Width)
PI4ULS3V16AEX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for PI4ULS3V16AEX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for PI4ULS3V16AEX on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for PI4ULS3V16AEX reliable?
The price and inventory of PI4ULS3V16AEX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for PI4ULS3V16AEX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for PI4ULS3V16AEX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for PI4ULS3V16AEX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for PI4ULS3V16AEX?
PI4ULS3V16AEX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your PI4ULS3V16AEX order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for PI4ULS3V16AEX?
For technical support, including PI4ULS3V16AEX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your PI4ULS3V16AEX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that PI4ULS3V16AEX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All PI4ULS3V16AEX products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that PI4ULS3V16AEX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of PI4ULS3V16AEX?
All PI4ULS3V16AEX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with PI4ULS3V16AEX, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The PI4ULS3V16AEX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for PI4ULS3V16AEX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
PI4ULS3V16AEX Tags

-
74LVC1T45GW,125
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
74LVCH2T45DC,125
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SN74LVC1T45DBVR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC1T45DRLR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC1T45DPKR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC2T45DCTR
Texas Instruments

-
74LVC2T45GT,115
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SN74LVC1T45YZPR
Texas Instruments

-
LSF0102DCUR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC1T45DCKR
Texas Instruments

-
TXS0102DCTR
Texas Instruments

-
FXLP34P5X
onsemi
Tech Hub
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
LDO regulator guide covering low dropout voltage, power dissipation, thermal design, PSRR, output noise, capacitor stability, adjustable LDO circuits, LDO vs buck converter and datasheet selection chec…
Conditional Access Module guide covering CAM meaning, CI/CI+ interface, smart card authorization, DVB security workflow, TV and set-top box compatibility, internal electronics, ESD protection, connecto…
Guide to electronic component obsolescence covering EOL risk, PCN/PDN notices, last-time buy planning, replacement options, form-fit-function validation, counterfeit risk and BOM lifecycle management.
18650 battery guide covering lithium-ion cell basics, 3.6V/3.7V voltage, 4.2V charging, mAh and Wh capacity, protected cells, chargers, BMS, series-parallel packs, holders, welding and sourcing checks.…
Hall effect sensor guide covering working principle, linear and digital sensors, Arduino circuits, current sensing, speed detection, automotive applications, A3144 examples, signal filtering and datash…
Product Change Notification guide for electronic components, covering PCN meaning, PCN vs PDN/EOL, common change types, risk levels, form-fit-function review, engineering validation, BOM control, LTB/L…
A practical guide to blend door actuators, covering HVAC function, symptoms, location, AC and heater issues, reset and calibration, replacement cost, electrical diagnosis, compatibility checks, and rep…

