Question from the Customer:
I have the I2C Development Kit and I am trying to use Flash Center Software to program an I2C target device, Macronix MX25U6435F. I checked the datasheet and found its power input is 1.8V. I’m concerned the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter can only output 5V. According to the datasheet, this I2C device can withstand up to 5.5V, but I really do not want to push its limits. Can you confirm that the Aardvark adapter is suitable for programming this device? Are there other options I can use?
Response from Technical Support: Thanks for your question! We understand your concern about programming the MX25U6435F I2C device: the Aardvark adapter delivers 5V to the connected downstream device, and for the chip MX25U6435F, the ideal operating voltage range is 1.65 to 2.0 V. We have two options for you: one is adding the Level Shifter Board to your setup; another is using our advanced Promira Serial Platform instead of the Aardvark adapter. |
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Level Shifter and Voltage Level Support
To power up the target device through Aardvark adapter without potentially stressing the device, we recommend using the Level Shifter. The Level Shifter allows you to provide the appropriate voltage level to the target device.
Programmable Voltage Regulator and Down-Shifting Logic Levels
The Level Shifter has an on-board regulator allows you to specify the power voltage for downstream devices to 1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.0 V, and 3.3 V. In addition, it can also downshift to all the standard logic levels from 1.2 V to 3.3 V.
Promira Serial Platform Supports Built-in Programmable Voltage and Logic Levels and More
If you want the level shifting to take place within the I2C Host Adapter, and not add an external device, we recommend using the Promira Serial Platform, which supports your system requirements. The level shifting range is 0.9V – 3.3V. In addition to the built-in control for power and signal levels, the Promira platform provides up to 200mA for the downstream target(s). For more information about the features, please refer to the Promira platform product page.
For your convenience, here is a table to so you can quickly compare the features of the Aardvark adapter and the Promira platform, as well as other Total Phase tools.
Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:
- Promira Serial Platform I2C/SPI Active User Manual
- Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter User Manual
- Level Shifter Board User Manual
- Flash Center Software User Manual
We hope this answers your questions. If you have other questions about our host adapters or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com. You can also request a demo that is specific for your application.