Diodes Incorporated PI4ULS5V201TAEX

Overview

PI4ULS5V201 from Diodes Incorporated (acquired Pericom Semiconductor) is a 1-bit bidirectional auto-sensing level shifter supporting independent 1.2 V to 5.5 V supplies on A and B ports, delivering 20 Mb/s push-pull or 2 Mb/s open-drain data rates with integrated 10 kΩ pull-up resistors and no direction-control pin required. It enables I²C/SMBus voltage translation between mismatched logic domains in mobile phone baseband-PMIC interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the PI4ULS5V201 datasheet, PI4ULS5V201 pinout, PI4ULS5V201 application, or PI4ULS5V201 equivalent, key selection criteria include dual-rail supply flexibility (VCCA/VCCB = 1.2–5.5 V), guaranteed 20 Mb/s push-pull timing, EN-controlled tri-state operation, and integrated pull-ups eliminating external components in I²C bus designs.

Technical Context

The PI4ULS5V201 implements an auto-sensing architecture using one-shot circuits to detect input edge transitions and dynamically control signal direction without external control logic. Its dual-supply design allows VCCA and VCCB to operate at unequal voltages - e.g., 1.8 V ↔ 3.3 V or 1.2 V ↔ 5.5 V - while maintaining rail-to-rail compatibility.

Each I/O channel includes internal 10 kΩ pull-up resistors referenced to its respective supply (VCCA for A port, VCCB for B port), enabling direct use in open-drain systems like I²C. The EN pin, referenced to VCCA, provides overvoltage-tolerant tri-state control with sub-1 µA leakage in disabled mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Available in two compact packages: SOT23-6L (lead pitch 0.95 mm) and UDFN1.2×1.6-8L (0.4 mm pitch, 0.5 mm height). Both support reflow-compatible lead-free assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TXS0102DCUR and PCA9306DCUR, the PI4ULS5V201 uniquely combines 5.5 V B-port support, integrated 10 kΩ pull-ups, and EN-controlled tri-state - making it optimal for compact, battery-powered I²C systems requiring wide voltage range and bus isolation.

Availability

PI4ULS5V201 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for I²C bus translation, mobile baseband–PMIC interfacing, and camera module voltage bridging requiring stable component supply across automotive infotainment, industrial IoT sensors, and consumer handheld platforms.

Supply support for PI4ULS5V201 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-performance interface solutions into its broad analog and mixed-signal portfolio.

The PI4ULS5V201 belongs to Pericom's ULS (Ultra-Low Skew) level translator family, designed specifically for low-latency, low-power bidirectional voltage translation in portable and battery-operated electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between VCCA and VCCB?

The PI4ULS5V201 supports any combination within 1.2 V to 5.5 V per rail - including 1.2 V on VCCA and 5.5 V on VCCB, or vice versa. Absolute maximum ratings specify ±0.3 V beyond either supply, but functional operation is fully guaranteed across the full 1.2–5.5 V range on both sides without derating.

Can the internal 10 kΩ pull-up resistors be disabled or bypassed?

No - the 10 kΩ pull-ups are permanently integrated and cannot be disabled. However, they can be effectively reduced in value by connecting external pull-up resistors in parallel; for example, a 20 kΩ external resistor yields ~6.7 kΩ net pull-up strength.

Does the EN pin require a pull-up resistor?

No - the EN pin has internal biasing and is overvoltage tolerant up to 5.5 V regardless of VCCA. When left floating, EN defaults to high due to internal weak pull-up; however, best practice is to tie it directly to VCCA for deterministic operation.

Is the PI4ULS5V201 suitable for UART level shifting?

Yes - its 20 Mb/s push-pull capability exceeds typical UART speeds (up to 3 Mbps for high-end implementations), and its auto-sensing architecture handles asynchronous full-duplex signals without direction control. Ensure both ends use push-pull drivers, not open-drain.