The Velleman VMA410 is an Arduino® compatible 3.3 V / 5 V TTL Logic Level Converter Module, designed to facilitate communication between devices operating at different voltage levels. This module is particularly useful for integrating 3.3 V sensors with 5 V microcontrollers, or vice versa, ensuring proper signal integrity and preventing damage due to voltage incompatibility.
Function Description:
The VMA410 module acts as a bidirectional logic level shifter, allowing signals to be converted between 3.3 V and 5 V TTL logic levels. It features two independent channels, each equipped with a voltage divider and a MOSFET shifter. This design enables both high-to-low and low-to-high voltage level conversion.
For signals traveling from the low-voltage side (e.g., 3.3 V) to the high-voltage side (e.g., 5 V), the signal should be input at the TXI pin. The module will convert this signal to the higher voltage and output it on the TXO (transmit output) pin. This conversion is handled by the MOSFET circuit, which is specifically designed to shift signals from low to high voltage.
For signals strictly traveling from the high-voltage side to the low-voltage side, the RXI pin should be used as input. The module's voltage divider circuit will then shift the signal down to the lower voltage, outputting it on the RXO pin.
The module offers flexibility for high-to-low voltage conversion, allowing the use of either the bidirectional channel (TXI/TXO) or the voltage divider (RXI/RXO). However, the bidirectional channel is essential for low-to-high conversions.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Voltage Compatibility: Arduino® 3.3 V / 5 V TTL logic levels.
- Channels: Two independent channels.
- Low Side (3.3 V): 2 inputs and 2 outputs.
- High Side (5 V): 2 inputs and 2 outputs.
- Other Connections: V low (3.3 V), V high (5 V), pass-through GND.
- Dimensions: 15 x 16 x 15 mm.
- Pin Configuration: The module features twelve pins, six on each side, which are grouped into three for each channel. The middle section of the board is dedicated to high and low voltage inputs and ground connections.
Pin Descriptions:
- RXI (High-voltage input): This pin receives a high-voltage signal from a high-voltage device. The signal is then shifted down by the voltage divider and sent to the low-voltage device via the RXO pin.
- RXO (Low-voltage input): This pin outputs the low-voltage signal that has been shifted down from the RXI input by the voltage divider.
- TXI (Low-voltage input/output): This pin is part of the MOSFET circuit and interacts with the TXO pin on the high side. It is bidirectional but primarily responsible for shifting signals from low to high voltage.
- TXO (High-voltage input/output): This pin is part of the MOSFET circuit and interacts with the TXI pin on the low side. It is bidirectional, outputting the high-voltage signal that has been shifted from low to high.
- HU (High Voltage Input): Connects to the high voltage supply (e.g., 5V).
- LV (Low Voltage Input): Connects to the low voltage supply (e.g., 3.3V).
- GND (Ground): Common ground connection for both high and low voltage sides.
Usage Features:
- Easy Integration: Designed for straightforward use with Arduino® and similar microcontroller platforms.
- Bidirectional Conversion: Supports signal conversion in both directions (3.3 V to 5 V and 5 V to 3.3 V), offering versatility for various projects.
- Clear Pin Labeling: Pins are clearly labeled (TXO, RXI, HU, GND, RXI, TXO on the high side; TXI, RXO, LV, GND, RXO, TXI on the low side) for easy identification and connection.
- Compact Design: Its small dimensions make it suitable for projects with limited space.
- Voltage Supply Requirement: It is crucial to supply voltage to all four middle pins (HU, LV, and both GNDs) for the module to function correctly. For example, to convert 3.3 V to 5 V, connect 5 V to the HV side and 3.3 V to the LV side, ensuring both are properly grounded.
Maintenance Features:
- General Care: Keep the device away from rain, moisture, splashing, and dripping liquids. It is intended for indoor use only.
- Temperature Acclimatization: Do not switch on the device immediately after it has been exposed to changes in temperature. Allow it to reach room temperature to prevent damage.
- No User Modifications: All modifications to the device are forbidden for safety reasons and will void the warranty.
- Cleaning: Cleaning and user maintenance should not be performed by children without supervision.
- Disposal: The product should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. It must be taken to a specialized company for recycling or returned to your distributor or a local recycling service, adhering to local environmental rules.
- Documentation: Keep the user manual for future reference. In case of doubt, consult the manual or contact your local waste disposal authorities.
- Warranty: The product is covered by a 24-month warranty on production flaws and defective material from the original date of purchase. Damage caused by improper handling, negligence, or use contrary to instructions is not covered. Repairs after warranty expiration are subject to shipping costs.