Diodes Incorporated's Bidirectional Potential Translator Links SD 3.0 Memory to Low-Voltage Processing Hardware

     Diodes Incorporated announces the PI4ULS3V4857, an SD 3.0 compliant bidirectional potential converter for communications, consumer and computing system product applications including smartphones, laptops, SD/MicroSD card readers, wireless network access points and 5G FemtoCell ( Femtocell base stations).

     The PI4ULS3V4857 can convert 1.2V to 1.8V host side voltage to 1.8V or 3.0V memory card voltage signal, or vice versa. As a result, SD 3.0 memory cards can be used with the latest low-voltage microprocessors, SoCs and ASICs with significantly reduced transfer times compared to other data storage solutions.

     The frequency of PI4ULS3V4857 reaches 208MHz, which can support the fastest SD card interface, which is SD 3.0 SDR104. This 6-bit device is also suitable for SDR50 (100MHz), SDR25 (50MHz), DDR50 (50MHz) and SDR12 (25MHz) operation. Backward compatibility means it can also handle legacy SD 2.0 high-speed (50MHz) and default speed (25MHz) modes.

     There is no need for external potential translators, which saves a lot of board space. A built-in 100mA LDO regulator and electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter help further reduce system component count and limit bill-of-materials costs. The converter unit also incorporates 8kV Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection to ensure long-term operation. The PI4ULS3V4857 is currently available in a small 20-ball WLCSP package.