4 layers36 × 50.2 mm
Racer
StuckAtPrototype/Racer
These are structured into their own files. I could have used submodules, but decided against it.
83 parts3.8kApache-2.0
2 layers18.8 × 18.4 mm
4-Channel Level Shifter
domesticmouse/4-Channel-Level-ShifterThis board is a 4-channel bidirectional logic level converter designed to safely interface between different voltage domains (typically 3.3V and 5V).
- Size
- 18.8 × 18.4 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 16
- Nets
- 11
- Pads
- 44
- Tracks, vias
- 63, 22
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 7 May 2026
- Updated
- 8 May 2026
Overview
4-Channel Level Shifter is an open-source printed circuit board by domesticmouse, from the domesticmouse/4-Channel-Level-Shifter repository on GitHub, published under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 licence. It is a 2-layer board of 18.8 × 18.4 mm with 16 parts on 11 nets, routed with 63 tracks and 22 vias.
It is built around the BSS138. Its parts include 8 resistors, 4 transistors, 2 capacitors and 2 connectors. It belongs with the interfaces and adapters boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.md4-Channel Bidirectional Level Shifter
Overview
This board is a 4-channel bidirectional logic level converter designed to safely interface between different voltage domains (typically 3.3V and 5V). It is based on the Adafruit 4-channel I2C-safe Bi-directional Logic Level Converter. See the Adafruit learn documentation on converting I2C data lines between 3.3V and 5V for context on this circuit.
Technical Specifications
- Core Logic: 4x BSS138 N-channel MOSFETs.
- Pull-up Resistors: 10kΩ on all input/output signal lines.
- Voltage Range:
- LV (Low Voltage): Typically 1.8V to 3.3V.
- HV (High Voltage): Typically up to 5V (limited by MOSFET Vgs/Vds).
- Decoupling: 100nF ceramic capacitors on both power rails for noise suppression.
Pinout
J1 (High Voltage Side)
| Pin | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5V | High Voltage Power Rail (e.g., 5V) |
| 2 | HV1 | Channel 1 High Side |
| 3 | HV2 | Channel 2 High Side |
| 4 | HV3 | Channel 3 High Side |
| 5 | HV4 | Channel 4 High Side |
| 6 | GND | Ground |
J2 (Low Voltage Side)
| Pin | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.3V | Low Voltage Power Rail (e.g., 3.3V) |
| 2 | LV1 | Channel 1 Low Side |
| 3 | LV2 | Channel 2 Low Side |
| 4 | LV3 | Channel 3 Low Side |
| 5 | LV4 | Channel 4 Low Side |
| 6 | GND | Ground |
PCB Features
- Form Factor: Approximately 18.8mm x 18.4mm.
- Signal Integrity: Solid ground planes on both layers with stitching vias.
- Usability: Silkscreen labeling for all channels and power pins.
Usage Guide
- Power: Connect your low-voltage supply to 3.3V and your high-voltage supply to 5V.
- Ground: Connect GND to your common system ground.
- Logic: Connect your 3.3V logic signals to the LVn pins; the corresponding HVn pins will provide the 5V shifted output (and vice-versa for bidirectional signals).
Board render
Developed as a KiCad 10 project.
Parts
16| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 10kΩ | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm_HandSolder | R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 |
| 4 | BSS138 | Package_TO_SOT_SMD:SOT-23 | Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4 |
| 2 | 100nF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.08x0.95mm_HandSolder | C1, C2 |
| 1 | 3.3V side | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x06_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2 |
| 1 | 5V side | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x06_P2.54mm_Vertical | J1 |
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Questions
How big is the 4-Channel Level Shifter PCB?
It measures 18.8 × 18.4 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the 4-Channel Level Shifter use?
16 parts, built around the BSS138. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the 4-Channel Level Shifter KiCad files?
From the domesticmouse/4-Channel-Level-Shifter repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is 4-Channel-Level-Shifter.kicad_pcb and its schematic 4-Channel-Level-Shifter.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the 4-Channel Level Shifter design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the CERN-OHL-S-2.0 licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).