What is a bidirectional logic level converter?

A logic level converter (or shifter) is an 'electronic bridge' that converts a lower voltage signal to a higher voltage signal going one way, and then a higher voltage signal to a lower voltage signal going the other way, making it bidirectional.

Why do I need a bidirectional logic level converter?

In short, whenever you have two devices with two different operating voltages, like 3.3V and 5V, that need to communicate with each other, you need a logic level converter to ensure the higher voltage device can detect the lower voltage signal, and to avoid damaging the lower voltage device with the higher voltage signals.

Sample applications:

You want to communicate between a 5V Arduino microcontroller and a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, whose operating voltage is 3.3V using the I2C bus. Another potential application is the use of a 16x2 character LCD with a Raspberry Pi (see product photos above).

How do I use a logic level converter?

You can follow the documentation link below or click this link to read Sparkfun's amazing tutorial on the subject: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/bi-directional-logic-level-converter-hookup-guide

Other important details:

• The logic level converter is breadboard-compatible.
• Male headers are included, but not pre-soldered
• Ships from Canada

Bulk ordering discounts: