ADG3308/ADG3308-1
THEORY OF OPERATION
The ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 level translators allow
the level shifting necessary for data transfer in a system where
multiple supply voltages are used. The device requires two
supplies, VCCA and VCCY (VCCA ≤ VCCY). These supplies set the
logic levels on each side of the device. When driving the A pins,
the device translates the VCCA compatible logic levels to VCCY
compatible logic levels available at the Y pins. Similarly, because
the device is capable of bidirectional translation, when driving
the Y pins the VCCY compatible logic levels are translated to the
VCCA compatible logic levels available at the A pins. When
EN = 0, the A1 pin to the A8 pin and the Y1 pin to the Y8 pin
are three-stated. When EN is driven high, the ADG3308/
ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 go into normal operation mode and
perform level translation.
INPUT DRIVING REQUIREMENTS
To ensure correct operation of the ADG3308/ADG3308-1/
ADG3308-2, the circuit that drives the input of the device
should be able to ensure rise/fall times of less than 3 ns when
driving a load consisting of a 6 kΩ resistor in parallel with the
input capacitance of the ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2
channel.
OUTPUT LOAD REQUIREMENTS
The ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 level translators are
designed to drive CMOS-compatible loads. If current-driving
capability is required, it is recommended to use buffers between
the ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 outputs and the load.
ENABLE OPERATION
LEVEL TRANSLATOR ARCHITECTURE
The ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 provide three-state
operation at the A I/O pins and the Y I/O pins by using the
enable (EN) pin, as shown in Table 4.
The ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 consist of eight
bidirectional channels. Each channel can translate logic levels
in either the A→Y or the Y→A direction. They use a one-shot
accelerator architecture, ensuring excellent switching charac-
teristics. Figure 39 shows a simplified block diagram of a
bidirectional channel.
Table 4. Truth Table
EN
Y I/O Pins
A I/O Pins
0
1
High-Z1
High-Z1
Normal operation2
Normal operation2
V
V
CCA
CCY
1 High impedance state.
2 In normal operation, the ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 perform level
translation.
T1
T2
6kΩ
When EN = 0, the ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 enter
into three-state mode. In this mode, the current consumption
from both the VCCA and VCCY supplies is reduced, allowing the
user to save power, which is critical, especially in battery-
operated systems. The EN input pin can only be driven with
U1
U2
P
Y
A
ONE-SHOT GENERATOR
N
V
CCY compatible logic levels for the ADG3308, whereas the
ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 can be driven with either VCCA- or
CCY compatible logic levels.
U4
U3
6kΩ
V
POWER SUPPLIES
T4
T3
For proper operation of the device, the voltage applied to the
VCCA must always be less than or equal to the voltage applied
to VCCY. To meet this condition, the recommended power-up
sequence is VCCY first and then VCCA. The ADG3308/ADG3308-1/
ADG3308-2 operate properly only after both supply voltages
reach their nominal values. It is not recommended to use the part
in a system where, during power-up, VCCA may be greater than
Figure 39. Simplified Block Diagram of an
ADG3308/ADG3308-1/ADG3308-2 Channel
The logic level translation in the A→Y direction is performed
using a level translator (U1) and an inverter (U2), whereas the
translation in the Y→A direction is performed using the U3
inverter and U4 inverter. The one-shot generator detects a rising
or falling edge present on either the A side or the Y side of the
channel. It sends a short pulse that turns on the PMOS transistors
(T1 and T2) for a rising edge, or the NMOS transistors (T3 and
T4) for a falling edge. This charges/discharges the capacitive load
faster, resulting in fast rise and fall times.
V
V
CCY due to a significant increase in the current taken from the
CCA supply. For optimum performance, the VCCA and VCCY pins
should be decoupled to GND as close as possible to the device.
The inputs of the unused channels (A or Y) should be tied to
their corresponding VCC rail (VCCA or VCCY) or to GND.
Rev. C | Page 16 of 20