AN883

AN883 LOW-COST I2C LEVEL TRANSLATOR 1. Introduction This applications note discusses a low-cost circuit for I2C level translation. This circuit was developed for the Si701x, Si702x, and Si703x humidity sensors but will work in many applications. This circuit provides I2C level translation from a higher voltage supply, such as 5 V, to a lower voltage, supply such as 1.8 or 3.3 V. In addition, the optional emitter follower circuit provides a low-voltage power supply rail from the higher 5 V supply. Note that some devices allow for higher voltage tolerance on I2C inputs. For example, the Si7034 has a 3.3 V tolerant I2C interface, so the level translation is only required for 5 V I2C designs. 2. Circuit The basic circuit is shown in Figure 1. 5V Optionally replace with LDO 1.8V U3 VCC SCL SDA GND 4 3 2 1 R1 4.7K R2 4.7K R6 10K R7 6.65K D3 BAS16X Q3 MMBT3904 R8 10K R3 4.7K R4 4.7K D1 BAS40 D2 2 SCL 4 SDA 5 VSS 1 VDD U1 Si7034 6 NC NC 3 C1 0.1uF BAS40 Q2 MMBT3904 1.8V R...