Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Sparkfun Voltage-Level Translator - TXB0104 Breakout — Parallax Forums

Sparkfun Voltage-Level Translator - TXB0104 Breakout

Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
edited 2013-09-25 12:53 in General Discussion
Sparkfun is now selling a Voltage level breakout board - allows for universal low-voltage bidirectional translation between any of the 1.2-V, 1.5-V, 1.8-V, 2.5-V, 3.3-V, and 5-V

Read the comments about some potential issues...

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11771

TXB0104.jpg
TXB0104.jpg
600 x 600 - 177K

Comments

  • ercoerco Posts: 20,256
    edited 2013-09-19 13:08
    Duane should be on this like stink on a monkey. I think this may be the ticket for his S2/PING merger.
  • GordonMcCombGordonMcComb Posts: 3,366
    edited 2013-09-20 15:30
    Just as a BTW, while this board seems new, Sparkfun has sold this type of bidirectional voltage converter for several years. I've suggested these to Parallax and would like to see something like this added to their lineup. It's not always possible to use just a current limiting resistor, or as convenient to wire up FETs or some or other solution with discretes.

    Not thrilled at SF didn't add at least one little hole for a 4-40 screw for those of us not mounting this thing to a breadboard. Some applications require hard-mounting (e.g. quadcopters). I'd suggest leaving a hole open for a screw.

    -- Gordon

    On edit: I'll note that 2 of Sparkfun's 12 top sellers are logic level voltage converters. Somebody apparently wants these.
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2013-09-20 15:56
    The Stingray uses TXB0108's and the S2 uses 74GTL2003.
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2013-09-20 16:29
    erco wrote: »
    Duane should be on this like stink on a monkey. I think this may be the ticket for his S2/PING merger.

    Well, I stink like a monkey but I don't think this (my stink or the TXB0104) will help the S2/Ping issue. The problem is caused by the S2's level translator.
  • ratronicratronic Posts: 1,451
    edited 2013-09-20 16:51
    Duane my guess is the return output pulse from the Ping doesn't have enough current to properly switch the translator from output to input. I haven't tried the Ping with the S2 after seeing all of your troubles!
  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2013-09-20 16:59
    Sparkfun's shipping rates are pretty screwy!!

    I put 2 of these in my shopping cart and USPS shipping was $7.75.

    If I change it from 2 to 3 boards, shipping jumps to $10.19 !!!!!

    These boards are the size of a quarter and sell for $3.95 - why would shipping jump by $2.44 for one more board???

    Changing the order to 15 boards and shipping is still only $10.19. Strange shipping policy!
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2013-09-21 04:22
    I put 4 of those in my cart and shipping was $9.48 for USPS Priority which was actually less than the "Economy" option. Since they already ship via USPS, there is no excuse for them to not offer First Class Parcel or even Standard Post as an option. Shipping for 3 of those boards could be under $3.00


    edit: Actually, I have to agree...
    Sparkfun's shipping rates are pretty screwy!!

    They do offer First Class, but for some reason it wasn't an option for that board. I tried one board of a different type and First Class was $3.69 - still kind of high, but better.
  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2013-09-25 12:37
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    I put 4 of those in my cart and shipping was $9.48 for USPS Priority which was actually less than the "Economy" option. Since they already ship via USPS, there is no excuse for them to not offer First Class Parcel or even Standard Post as an option. Shipping for 3 of those boards could be under $3.00


    edit: Actually, I have to agree...



    They do offer First Class, but for some reason it wasn't an option for that board. I tried one board of a different type and First Class was $3.69 - still kind of high, but better.

    I called Sparkfun and told them that ordering this board would not show USPS 1st class as a mailing option.

    I told her my suspicion was that the weight or size was not correct in the ordering system and caused the issue.

    I was right and it has been corrected!
    Hello Ron,

    Looks like we had the weight and dimensions off in our back office system. You should be able to order with USPS first class mail now. I just tested it on my account and the option does show up. Let me know if you are still unable to.


    Have a great day!


    Best Regards,
    Joelle Paxton

    Customer Service Representative
    SparkFun Electronics
  • Beau SchwabeBeau Schwabe Posts: 6,566
    edited 2013-09-25 12:42
    If someone has one of these boards, would you mind doing a frequency test and posting your results? I have seen issues near the 250kHz range and above with rise times.

    Thanks ... just curious
  • Ron CzapalaRon Czapala Posts: 2,418
    edited 2013-09-25 12:53
    Beau Schwabe (Parallax) wrote: »
    If someone has one of these boards, would you mind doing a frequency test and posting your results? I have seen issues near the 250kHz range and above with rise times.

    Thanks ... just curious

    This Sparkfun link states
    The TXB0104 is a bi-directional signal level shifter made by Texas Instruments. It features four channels of input/output signals and an output enable line that allows the signal lines to be placed in a high impedance mode when they are unneeded.
    Depending on the high and low side voltages, the bandwidth on the individual signal channels can range from 20Mbps up to 100Mbps, making the TXB0104 suitable for higher speed signals such as SPI

    https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/txb0104-hookup-guide
Sign In or Register to comment.