Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX

Overview

PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX from Diodes Incorporated is an 8-bit bidirectional voltage-level translator IC for open-drain and push-pull interfaces, supporting up to 100 MHz down-translation and 40 MHz up/down translation at 50 pF load. It operates with independent reference voltages (VREFA: 0.95–4.5 V; VREFB: 1.8–5.5 V), features 8 Ω typical ON-state resistance at 3.3 V → 1.8 V, and enables flexible channel-by-channel voltage pairing (e.g., 1.2 V ↔ 3.3 V and 2.5 V ↔ 1.8 V) in industrial I²C, SMBus, and MDIO systems.

For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX datasheet, PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX pinout, PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX application, or PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX equivalent, key selection criteria include bidirectional translation without DIR pin, EN-controlled high-impedance isolation, flow-through TSSOP-20/VQFN-20 pinout, 8 kV HBM ESD rating, and support for hot insertion in mixed-voltage embedded control buses.

Technical Context

The device implements passive MOSFET-based bidirectional translation with no direction control logic-voltage translation direction is determined dynamically by relative port voltages and pull-up configurations. Each of the eight A/B channel pairs functions as a voltage-clamped pass switch, where conduction occurs when either port is pulled low, enabling seamless I²C clock/data arbitration across voltage domains.

EN is referenced to VREFB and must be pulled high via 200 kΩ resistor to enable translation; when EN = low, all A/B ports enter high-impedance state. The internal switch architecture ensures minimal signal distortion via low Ron (≤10 Ω) and controlled propagation delay (tPLH/tPHL ≤ 2.2 ns at CL = 30 pF), critical for timing-sensitive serial bus interoperability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX is packaged in a 20-pin VQFN (2.5 mm × 4.5 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with wettable flanks and thermal pad. Pin numbering follows standard JEDEC top-view orientation; package supports reflow soldering and automated optical inspection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TXS0108E and PCA9306, PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX uniquely delivers DIR-free operation, per-channel voltage configurability, EN-controlled isolation, and superior speed-flexibility trade-off-making it optimal for next-generation mixed-voltage embedded control buses requiring dynamic interoperability.

Availability

PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation controllers, telecom line card interfaces, automotive body electronics gateways, and IoT sensor hubs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and mixed-voltage environments.

Supply support for PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX 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-reliability power management, signal integrity, and interface solutions for industrial, computing, and communications markets.

The PI4ULS5V108 belongs to Diodes' ULS (Ultra-Low Skew) level translation product line, designed specifically for high-speed, bidirectional voltage domain bridging in resource-constrained embedded systems where pin count, power, and timing margin are critical.

FAQ

Can PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX translate between 1.0 V and 5.0 V in the same channel?

Yes. With VREFA = 1.0 V and VREFB = 5.0 V, the device supports bidirectional translation between those rails. The A-side output is clamped to VREFA (1.0 V), while the B-side output reaches up to VREFB (5.0 V) when driven by external pull-ups. This configuration is validated in the datasheet's voltage pairing table and supports open-drain operation with appropriate pull-up sizing.

What happens to the A/B ports when EN is pulled low?

When EN is low, all A and B port pins enter a true high-impedance state-neither sourcing nor sinking current-with off-state capacitance of only 4 pF. This isolates the two voltage domains completely, preventing leakage, contention, or unintended signal coupling during power sequencing or system sleep modes.

Is the VQFN-20 package (ZBA) pin-to-pin compatible with the TSSOP-20 (L) version?

No. Although both packages contain 20 pins with identical signal assignments, the ZBA (VQFN) uses a 2.5 mm × 4.5 mm footprint with 0.5 mm pitch and center thermal pad, while the L (TSSOP) uses a 173 mil wide body with 0.65 mm pitch and no thermal pad. PCB layout and soldering profiles differ significantly-designers must use package-specific footprints.

Does PI4ULS5V108ZBAEX require external pull-up resistors on both sides?

Yes-external pull-ups are mandatory on the higher-voltage side (typically B-side) to establish logic HIGH levels. The A-side may omit pull-ups if driven by a totem-pole source, but open-drain A-side drivers require them. Pull-up values depend on sink current, node capacitance, and target frequency; recommended minimums range from 172 Ω (15 mA sink) to 2.16 kΩ (3 mA sink) per datasheet tables.