Bidirectional level translation for mixed-voltage buses
The MAX13030EETE+ is a 6-channel bidirectional voltage level translator from Analog Devices, designed to bridge ICs operating on different supply rails without an external direction signal. It handles data rates up to 100Mbps, which covers SPI, I2C, and UART interfaces running at typical clock speeds. The A-side supply (VCCA) spans 1.62 V to 3.2 V, while the B-side (VCCB) covers 2.2 V to 3.6 V. This means a 1.8 V microcontroller on the A-side can talk directly to a 3.3 V peripheral on the B-side — no extra level-shifter IC or resistor divider needed.
Supply rails and output drive
The translator supports both open-drain and push-pull output types on each channel. Open-drain mode is the natural fit for I2C or wired-OR buses where multiple drivers share a line; push-pull gives the full rail-to-rail swing for SPI or GPIO signals where speed matters. On-chip power-supply decoupling is integrated into the die, reducing the external capacitor count. The 16-WQFN exposed-pad package (4x4 mm) provides a low thermal resistance path to the PCB ground plane — the pad should be soldered to a copper pour for best heat transfer and electrical ground reference.