Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX

Overview

PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX from Diodes Incorporated is a 4-bit bidirectional auto-sensing level translator for push-pull applications, supporting independent dual supplies (VCCA = 0.9–2.0 V, VCCB = 1.65–3.6 V), 140 Mb/s data rate at 2.25–3.6 V/1.65–2.0 V, 100 pF capacitive drive, and 3-state enable control. It enables voltage translation between low-voltage I/O domains (e.g., 1.2 V/1.8 V processors) and higher-voltage peripherals (e.g., 3.3 V sensors or displays) in portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX datasheet, PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX pinout, PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX application, or PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX equivalent, key selection criteria include supply voltage independence, guaranteed 140 Mb/s operation under defined load conditions, EN-controlled 3-state behavior, overvoltage-tolerant I/O pins, and UQFN-12 (ZMA) package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX implements auto-sensing bidirectional translation using one-shot edge-detection circuits per channel, eliminating need for direction-control signals. Each of its four A/B channel pairs operates independently, with input thresholds dynamically scaled to respective supply rails (VIHA = 2/3×VCCA, VIHB = 2/3×VCCB).

It supports non-preferential power-up sequencing and power-off protection: I/O pins enter high-impedance state when either VCCA or VCCB drops to 0 V. The EN pin-referenced to VCCA and overvoltage tolerant-asserts 3-state on both ports simultaneously, reducing total supply current to ≤6 µA in disabled mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 12-pin UQFN (ZMA), 2.0 mm × 1.6 mm × 0.55 mm, 0.4 mm pitch, wettable flank, RoHS-compliant and halogen-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TXS0104E and NLVSX4373MUTAG, the PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX uniquely supports VCCA > VCCB operation, delivers 140 Mb/s performance with 100 pF drive, and integrates 2 kV system-level ESD - making it optimal for compact, high-reliability portable designs requiring full voltage-domain flexibility.

Availability

PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone baseband interfaces, wearable sensor hubs, portable display subsystems, and USB-C alternate mode controllers requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX 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 is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-performance, energy-efficient solutions for consumer, computing, communications, and industrial markets.

The PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX belongs to Diodes' ULS (Ultra-Low-Voltage Signal) translator family, designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered portable electronics requiring flexible, high-speed, and robust voltage-domain bridging.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCCA voltage required for reliable operation with VCCB = 3.3 V?

The PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX specifies VCCA ≥ 0.9 V across the full operating temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). At VCCB = 3.3 V and VCCA = 0.9 V, input thresholds scale to VIHA = 0.675 V (min) and VILA = 0.225 V (max), ensuring valid logic recognition. DC characteristics-including VOLA ≤ 0.2 V and VOHA ≥ 0.81 V-are guaranteed under these conditions per DS41826 Rev 3-2.

Can the EN pin be driven by a 1.8 V GPIO when VCCA = 1.2 V?

Yes. The EN pin is referenced to VCCA and has overvoltage tolerance up to 2.6 V. When VCCA = 1.2 V, VIH(EN) = 0.9 V (min) and VIL(EN) = 0.4 V (max), so a 1.8 V GPIO meets VIH with 0.9 V margin and remains within absolute maximum rating (−0.5 V to +2.6 V). No level-shifter is needed for EN control.

Does the device support hot-swapping when VCCB is powered but VCCA is off?

Yes. Power-off protection ensures that when VCCA = 0 V (even if VCCB = 3.3 V), all A-side I/Os and internal circuitry enter high-impedance state. B-side I/Os remain high-Z due to internal isolation, preventing back-powering or contention. This behavior is validated per DS41826 Section "Power Supply Guidelines" and Maximum Ratings table.

How does the 100 pF capacitive drive capability translate to real-world trace length?

At 140 Mb/s with 100 pF load, the PI4ULS3V304AZMAEX maintains <8 ns rise/fall times on B-side outputs. Assuming typical FR-4 PCB trace capacitance of ~1.5 pF/cm, this supports up to ~66 cm of single-ended trace length before signal integrity degrades. For controlled-impedance routing (e.g., 50 Ω), practical limit is ~15–20 cm at 140 Mb/s, confirmed by timing simulations in DS41826 Figure 7 application circuit.