Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS3V16ZFE

Overview

PI4ULS3V16ZFE 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 ↔ 3.3V), delivers up to 90 Mbps push-pull bus speed, provides 12mA drive capability per I/O, and operates across –40°C to +85°C for industrial embedded interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS3V16ZFE datasheet, PI4ULS3V16ZFE pinout, PI4ULS3V16ZFE application, or PI4ULS3V16ZFE equivalent, this page details its dual-rail level-shifting architecture, timing-critical skew performance (≤0.25 ns), output impedance selection (300 Ω / 2.2 kΩ), and isolation behavior under concurrent bidirectional traffic - all critical for high-speed mixed-voltage SoC interconnects.

Technical Context

The PI4ULS3V16ZFE implements true bidirectional translation without external direction control by detecting signal transitions on either port and enabling the corresponding path. Its dual-supply architecture (VCCA and VCCB independently configurable from 1.2V to 3.6V) supports asymmetric voltage translation such as 1.2V ↔ 2.5V or 1.8V ↔ 3.3V in both directions.

It features four control inputs (xOE, xSEL, TEST_EN, OUT_SEL) powered by VCCB, enabling dynamic output impedance selection (300 Ω low-Z or 2.2 kΩ high-Z), test-mode routing (A→B or B→A), and 3-state isolation. All 16 I/Os operate with independent bit-level translation and auto-tristate during simultaneous A/B activity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 56-pin TQFN (5 mm × 11 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, ZF code), lead-free and RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation.

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 PI4ULS3V16ZFE uniquely combines 16-bit automatic direction sensing, dual independent supplies, and selectable output impedance - making it optimal for high-density, mixed-voltage, and timing-critical embedded interconnects where control pin count and signal integrity are constrained.

Availability

PI4ULS3V16ZFE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and mobile SoC interconnects requiring stable component supply, extended temperature operation, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for PI4ULS3V16ZFE 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 solutions into a broad portfolio of analog and mixed-signal ICs serving industrial, computing, and communications markets.

The PI4ULS3V16ZFE belongs to Pericom's ULS (Ultra-Low Skew) level-shifter family, designed specifically for high-speed, mixed-voltage SoC-to-peripheral bridging in space-constrained and thermally demanding embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended pull-up resistor value for the xOE pin during power-up?

The xOE pin must be tied to VCC through a pull-up resistor to ensure high-impedance state at power-up. Minimum resistance is determined by the driver's current-sinking capability: for typical 4mA sink strength, a 10 kΩ resistor limits current to 0.33 mA at 3.3V, satisfying JESD78 latch-up immunity while ensuring fast deassertion. Values below 4.7 kΩ risk excessive current draw.

Can PI4ULS3V16ZFE translate between 1.2V and 5V logic domains?

No. Absolute maximum ratings limit VCCA and VCCB to –0.5V to +4.6V, but recommended operating range is strictly 1.2V to 3.6V per rail. Applying 5V violates specification and risks permanent damage. For 1.2V ↔ 5V translation, a two-stage approach (e.g., 1.2V→3.3V then 3.3V→5V) or dedicated 5V-tolerant shifter like NLSX5014 is required.

How does the device behave when both A and B ports receive valid signals simultaneously?

When transitions occur on both sides at once, all AX and BX pins enter high-impedance state automatically - preventing bus contention and current shoot-through. This behavior is inherent to the internal arbitration logic and requires no external intervention, making it ideal for hot-plug or asynchronous reset scenarios.

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

Yes, the exposed pad is internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a solid copper thermal pad on the PCB with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3mm diameter) to an inner ground plane. Failure to connect it degrades thermal performance (θJA rises from 33°C/W to >60°C/W), risking junction temperature exceedance above 125°C under sustained 12mA per pin loading.