Available Level Shifters Differences

Other Miscellaneous
1

SparkFun offers several level shifters, among them are:

  1. SparkFun Logic Level Converter - Bi-Directional (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12009).

  2. SparkFun Voltage-Level Translator Breakout - TXB0104 (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11771).

Could someone please tell me what’s the big difference between those two lever shifters? When would I want to use one and one would I want to use the other?

Thanks.

2

One uses discreet parts, the other uses an IC. Avoid the TXB0104 if you’re level shifting I2C.

3

Ok, fair enough, but why offer two level shifters if they are basically the same (I doubt anybody will care if the breakout board uses discreet parts or an IC)? Why not just retire the TXB0104 since the other appears to be better and its definitely cheaper?

Thanks.

4

The TXB works all the way down to 1.2V; customers are still buying both versions regularly…both will likely stay in our catalog for the forseeable future