I have a digital output from a 3.3v device that I would like to make 5v tolerant - i.e be able to connect it to either a 3.3v OR 5v MCU.
I could technically connect the output directly to the Arduino Uno (or a 3.3v MCU) without any problems. The problem with the output is that the VOH minimum is 3v, while the VIH for the Arduino Uno is 3v - so there is no margin for error.
So I will need to shift this output up to 5v (if so required). I have considered 3 options:
1) a part like this - MC74VHC1GT125 - would do the trick. 2) Use an optocoupler - like the HCPL-181 3) Use a bi-directional level shifter using a MOSFET and 2 resistors - like in this Philips AN97055 note
Takes a wide variety of input voltages (3v in our case), and translates it to the Vcc reference voltage (which may be 3.3v or 5v depending on our MCU of choice)
The output from the optocoupler can be tied to the Vcc reference voltage, so it will work with either 3.3v or 5v MCU
The output side of this (connected to the MCU input) can be pulled up to the Vcc reference voltage, and so is again tolerant of 3.3v or 5v MCU and will pull up to the appropriate level
3 looks very attractive as I am already using a couple of MOSFETs (BSS138) in my design (for the I2C lines), for simplifying the BOM.
However, I see that it seems to be mainly used for open drain/collector configurations like I2C pins - a digital output pin is not an open drain/collector type.
My question is - can the bi-directional level shifter shown in the Philips note above be used in the uni-directional case of a digital output pin with no ill-effects?
If so, what does say, the MC74VHC1GT125 or another specifically designed level shifter IC, offer in terms of advantages over this approach? And how does the optocoupler approach compare?
I have scoured the internet quite a bit, but am left deeply yearning for more clarity and understanding!
Thanks! Sridhar