Data Sheet ADG3231
Rev. C | Page 9 of 12
THEORY OF OPERATION
The ADG3231 is a single-channel level translator designed on a
submicron process that is guaranteed to operate over the 1.65 V
to 3.6 V supply range. The device can be used in applications
requiring communication between digital devices operating
from multiple supply voltages. The logic levels on each side of
the device are set by the two supply voltages, V
CC1
for A, and
V
CC2
for Y. The signal path is unidirectional, meaning data can
flow only from A to Y.
The ADG3231 can operate with any combination of V
CC1
and V
CC2
supply voltages within the 1.65 V to 3.6 V range,
allowing the part to perform either up (V
CC1
< V
CC2
) or down
(V
CC1
> V
CC2
) level translation.
By limiting the current delivered into the load, for example,
~1.7 mA with V
CC2
= 3.6 V, the output stage is protected against
current overload, which can occur when the Y pin is
accidentally shorted to the V
CC2
or GND rails.
The short-circuit protection circuitry works by limiting
the output current when the output voltage exceeds
V
OL
(A = 0 logic) or is less than V
OH
(A = 1 logic) threshold
values specified for the V
CC2
supply voltage used.
Figure 18 shows a typical application for the ADG3231 where
the device performs level translation from V
CC1
-compatible
levels to V
CC2
-compatible levels to allow proper communication
between the two digital devices, DEVICE 1 and DEVICE 2.
SIGNAL OUTPUT
V
CC2
DEVICE 2
SIGNAL INPUT
DEVICE 1
ADG3231
A
GND
Y
V
CC2
V
CC1
V
CC1
03298-021
Figure 18. Typical Application of the ADG3231 Level Translator
