Translators target cellphone memory cards

STMicroelectronics announced two 6bit level translators—available in the tiny 3-by-3mm μTFBGA25 package—intended for interfacing the 1.8V or 2.5V signals of cellphones and other products with the nominal 3.3V levels used by plug-in memory cards. The ST6G3238E includes ESD protection circuits that provide up to 8kV protection on the memory port, enabling direct connection to the external card slot.

An integrated 40-ohm series resistor on each card-side input aids EMI noise reduction, while on-chip pull-up resistors are provided on the card detect and write protect detection inputs. ESD protection on the microprocessor port is 2kV. The company claims that these two devices are the first single-chip level translator solutions on the market for cellphones and related products.

High memory density, physically small memory cards, such as the SD, Mini-SD and MMC formats, are increasingly common features of cellphones, set-top boxes and PDAs. The new ST6G3238E is a compact device for building the interface to an external card, with contact ESD protection and card detection. Propagation delay is 4.4ns (max) for 2.3V/3.0V translation, and quiescent current is 20μA (max) on each side of the interface.

Controlled by a command line and with clock synchronization, the level translators are designed to support two-way asynchronous communication of up to 3+1 bits of bi-directional data between the different voltage systems. Input/output protection is provided when the device is powered down.

The ST6G3238E is available in volume now in a 0.5mm-ball-pitch μTFBGA25 package. Pricing for the device is 90 cents in quantities of 10,000 pieces.