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Level converter
SparkFun Logic Level Converter, bi-directional (BOB-12009), 4 channels by SparkFun ↗
Turns a 5 V signal into 3.3 V and back, on four wires, so a Micro:bit can talk with 5 V sensors and modules.
2Use it
| Pin or leg | What it is for |
|---|---|
| HV | the high voltage: 5 V |
| LV | the low voltage: 3.3 V, from the Micro:bit's 3V or the regulator's OUT |
| GND (two) | GND, shared by both sides |
| HV1-HV4 | the 5 V side of each signal |
| LV1-LV4 | the 3.3 V side of the same signal |
- HV to 5 V, LV to 3.3 V, GND to GND: it needs both voltages to know what to turn into what.
- A signal on HV1 comes out on LV1 at 3.3 V, and a signal on LV1 comes out on HV1 at 5 V.
- Ultrasonic sensor: Echo to HV1, LV1 to the Micro:bit pin. Trig may go straight: 3.3 V is enough for it.
- HM-10 or another 5 V serial module: its TXD to HV2 and LV2 to the Micro:bit's receive pin; the other way through HV3 and LV3.
Good to know: Good for slow signals: Echo, buttons, serial and I2C. Not for the data of a long LED strip, which is too fast for its pull-up resistors. Kitronik no longer sells it (their 4608 was this board); Electrokit has this one and the Adafruit 757, which works the same way. Solder pin headers in first.
The idea behind it, step by step: 5 V parts with a Micro:bit
Used in
No project uses it yet.
3Facts
| Channels | 4, each works both ways |
|---|---|
| High side (HV) | 5 V |
| Low side (LV) | 3.3 V (down to 1.8 V) |
| Inside | 4 BSS138 transistors with 10 kΩ pull-up resistors |
| Size | about 16 × 13 mm |