Supporting the Connected World with Next-Generation Logic Level Translators

In today's technology-driven world, the interoperability of electronic devices is key. From automotive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) to data centers and industrial automation, modern electronic circuits must support high-speed communication between various components.

High-speed logic level translators (sometimes referred to as voltage translators or level shifters) are essential for modern electronics, enabling seamless communication between components operating at different voltage levels. But with many of today's solutions failing to keep pace with the latest technical demands, new solutions are needed. This is where the onsemi Treo Platform and its new-level translator product families come in, designed to meet today's technical demands head-on.

The Rising Need for Level Translators in Modern Electronics

Historically, 5 V was commonly used as the standard for early CMOS technology and legacy transistor-transistor logic (TTL), making device interfacing in embedded electronics relatively simple. However, modern electronics are all about doing more with less and devices are shrinking, while expectations for power efficiency and performance are growing.

These demands have meant many integrated circuits (ICs have transitioned from 40 nm to smaller nodes, such as 10 nm and 7 nm, and reduced their system voltages moving downwards from 5 V.

A decrease in system voltage contributes to a reduction in power usage by minimizing energy consumption - given that, in digital ICs, power dissipation is a function of the supply voltage squared. Switching a transistor from a low state of 0 V to a high state of 1.2 V or 1.8 V also consumes less energy than a 0 V to 5 V transition.

Furthermore, lower voltage components not only produce less heat, cutting down on thermal management concerns, but they also make it possible to use smaller transistors. This allows designers to reduce die size or incorporate additional transistors, thus enhancing performance.

Overcoming Today's Translation Challenges

Traditional voltage translation often relied on discrete transistors or basic CMOS ICs. However, these established methods are struggling to keep pace with the requirements of modern electronics, such as autonomous vehicles, where real-time and precise translation between low-voltage components like sensors and control systems is crucial.

The T30LMXT3V4T245 and T30LMXT3V4T244 level translators are among the first product lines from onsemi to utilize the new Treo Platform, based on the 65 nm BCD semiconductor process technology. These products are designed to effectively address the latest market demands.

Unmatched Speed

Modern logic-level translators need to be able to handle high-speed protocols for fast, two-way communication across different voltage levels without delays or signal integrity issues. To maintain synchronization for high-speed interfaces such as 100 Mbps SPI, many level translators on the market use a feedback clock, which leads to higher CPU/GPIO and power consumption (Figure 1).

The T30LMXT3V4T245 supports data rates up to 400 Mbps, allowing smooth handling of high-speed protocols like SPI. It guarantees signal integrity through precise voltage level conversion at high speeds, eliminating the need for a feedback clock and thus decreasing design complexity and power consumption. The speed capability provided by onsemi's latest level translators will also benefit more complex automotive and industrial designs, where there is a growing need to incorporate Gigabit Ethernet.

To reach 1 Gbps speeds, an RGMII interface is usually needed, sending 4 bits of data simultaneously at 250 Mbps using a 125 MHz clock with double data rate (DDR) signaling. But to support these high-speed signal translations and to handle different voltage levels between Ethernet physical layers (PHY) and medium access controls (MAC), it is crucial to have high-performance level translators (Figure 2).

The T30LMXT3V4T245's performance is designed for industrial automation and automotive ADAS systems that rely on high-speed Gigabit networks for quick and dependable performance in executing autonomous tasks, even with wider voltage translations.

A critical advantage of onsemi's BCD process, which underpins the Treo Platform, is its exceptional performance at lower operating voltages. While many 5 V devices can technically support lower voltages, such as 1.8 V, they often slow down considerably. Similarly, 3.3 V devices will fare better at 1.8 V but lose efficiency at 1.2 V and below.

However, the Treo Platform excels in these low-voltage ranges, delivering fast translation speeds, even at reduced voltages like 1.8 V and 1.2 V, making the T30LMXT3V4T245 perfect for high data-rate applications like Gigabit ethernet that require low-voltage support without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Ensuring Reliable Operation

Treo's 65 nm BCD technology means the T30LMXT3V4T245 can operate at temperatures between -40^oC and 125^oC. This ensures long-lasting performance in challenging environments.

The Treo Platform provides efficient power control and reduces parasitic impacts through strategic resistive and capacitive management. Its architecture incorporates advanced isolation techniques for reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) and enhanced durability.

Furthermore, Treo's inherent low-noise design and precise low-voltage CMOS technology allow for more accurate low-noise switching between logic levels compared to current solutions. This is especially critical in wider-level translations, such as between 1.2 V to 5 V, where there is an increased chance of signal degradation due to noise being amplified.

Conclusion

In a world where electronic devices are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, the importance of reliable and efficient voltage translation cannot be overstated.

By harnessing onsemi's groundbreaking Treo Platform, the T30LMXT3V4T245 and T30LMXT3V4T244 set a new standard in logic translation technology, delivering unparalleled speed, energy efficiency, and thermal durability for electronic systems of the present and the future.

Visit our Treo Platform solutions page for more information, and download our two whitepapers TND6464 and TND6465 to explore more of Treo's capabilities.

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