Description
Logic level converters are very useful circuits used to convert digital signals from one voltage level to another. Without a logic level converter, using a 3.3V accessory with a 5V microcontroller (or vice versa) would require special care and attention to ensure no higher voltage signals were going to lower voltage inputs.
This specific logic level converter is easy to use, bi-directional, and can even detect the direction of travel. The breakout uses TXB0108 bi-directional logic level shifting chipset and is compatible with SPI, and TTL Serial. Since this chip is a special bi-directional level shifter it does not have strong output pins that can drive LEDs or long cables, it’s meant to sit on a breadboard between two logic chips!
Please Note: This breakout is not compatible with I2C due to the strong pull-up resistors confusing the auto detection feature on the chip. If you must use pull-up resistors in your circuit, they should be at least 50K ohm. The 100K ohm built into the Arduino are fine.