What is it?

Buffered level shifter in a Pi Zero form factor offering 16 tri-state bus buffer gates. Uses 4x SN74AHCT125N with per chip power selection of 3.3V or 5V. Can also be used as a standard non-inverting buffer at 3.3V, 5V, etc.

Each gate is unidirectional, but our PCB offers bi-directional operation by allowing the combination of 3.3V and 5V outputs across two ICs at the respective voltages.

Dimensions of the board edge and all screw holes are identical to that of a Raspberry Pi Zero for easy mounting above or below any Raspberry Pi or similarly shaped units.

Why did you make it?

Allows users of Raspberry Pi, ESP32, Arduino, ect to interface their main units with peripherals of a different voltage.
Designed particularly for DIY BlueRetro.

What makes it special?

Unlike the popular passive level shifters, this unit offers a buffer that ensures that the output side has strong current, avoiding issues with longer wires, high capacitive loads, pull-down resistors, signal integrity, transition time, etc. Particularly useful for scenarios where the output needs to drive something that requires larger amounts of current, such as LEDs or MOSFETs, or where wiring or cables goes beyond 10cm, such as with game controller cables, or sensors on the end of aux cables or similar.

Options

PCB Only

The bare PCB with no components attached. Useful if you plan to solder wires directly without using pin headers, or if you want to configure the board and the number of ICs yourself, and you already have SN74AHCT125N units.

PCB Only + SN74AHCT125N (Unsoldered)

The bare PCB with SN74AHCT125N ICs included but not soldered on. Each SN74AHCT125N unit offers 4 gates. Useful if you plan to solder wires directly without using pin headers, or if you want to configure the board and the number of ICs yourself.

Complete board (Soldered)

The full PCB with all 4 IC's and all 6 sets of 2x8 pin headers soldered on. Also includes 20 solid jumper caps for solder-less configuration. Useful for scenarios where soldering is not desired and simple push fit Dupont pin headers are used.

NOTES

• Full diagram, schematic and configuration instructions available with documentation
• VAT and handling fees may apply on arrival in some countries
• Typically 3 working days dispatch time, dispatched Monday - Thursday