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electronics Mar 30, 2026 ◯ 1 min read

Electronics: Using a Logic Level Shifter

electronicshardwareguide

Connecting a 5V sensor (like an Arduino) directly to a 3.3V microcontroller (like an ESP32) can destroy the pins.

1. Bidirectional Shifters

Use a MOSFET-based bidirectional shifter for I2C or SPI. These allow data to flow both ways.

2. Wiring

3. Signal Pins

Connect your 3.3V signal to the LV1..4 side and your 5V signal to the corresponding HV1..4 side.

4. Testing

Check the voltage on the 'LV' side with a multimeter while sending a signal. It should never exceed 3.3V.