Optimizing Single Board Computers (SBC) Systems Using Logic and Translation

1

Functional Block Diagram

Simplified Block Diagram for Single Board Computers shows a simplified single board computer block diagram to illustrate the logic and translation use cases. Each red block has an associated use-case document. Links are provided in Table 1-1 and Table 1-2. For a more complete block diagram, see the interactive online end equipment reference diagram for single board computers.

Figure 1-1 Simplified Block Diagram for Single Board Computers

Logic and Translation Use Cases

Each use case links to a separate document that provides additional details including a block diagram, design tips, and part recommendations. The nearest block and use-case identifiers are listed to match up exactly to the use cases shown in the provided simplified block diagram.

Table 1-1 Logic Use Cases

Nearest Block	Use-Case Identifier	Use Case
Point-of-Load Regulators	Power Good Combination	Combine Power Good Signals
Housekeeping	Fault Combination	Use Fewer Inputs to Monitor Error Signals
User Interface	Indicator LED	Drive Indicator LEDs
User Interface	Output Expansion	Increase the Number of Outputs on a Microcontroller
Clocking	Buffer	Redrive Digital Signals

Table 1-2 Translation Use Cases

Nearest Block	Use-Case Identifier	Use Case
Network Interface	RGMII	Translate Voltages for RGMII
Network Interface	MDIO	Translate Voltages for MDIO
Input/Output Interface	SPI	Translate Voltages for SPI
	I2C	Voltage Translation for I2C Interface Modules
	GPIO	Translate Voltages for GPIO

Voltage Translation for I2C Interface Modules

It is common to see single board computers providing at least one I2C interface to connect external sensors or other modules. These external components can operate at a different voltage than the primary system controller. The addition of a voltage level translator protects low-power system controllers and ensures accurate communication to the peripheral module.

Figure 1-2 Example I2C Voltage Translation Block Diagram

Typically operates at 100 kbps, 400 kbps, or 3.4 Mbps
Requires auto-bidirectional, open-drain compatible voltage translators
Translators enable communication when devices have mismatched logic voltage levels
Prevents damage to devices that cannot support higher voltage inputs
Improves data rates and signal integrity over discrete translation solutions
Protects controller while peripheral is not connected
Need additional assistance? Ask our engineers a question on the TI E2E™ Logic Support Forum

Table 1-3 Recommended Parts

Part Number	Automotive Qualified	Voltage Translation Range	Features
LSF0102-Q1	✓	0.95 V to 5.5 V to 0.95 V to 5.5 V	Auto-bidirectional with open-drain support Flexible design with external pull-up resistors See Understanding the LSF family of bidirectional, multi-voltage level translators for detailed design instructions
LSF0102		0.95 V to 5.5 V to 0.95 V to 5.5 V
TXS0102-Q1	✓	1.65 V to 3.6 V to 2.3 V to 5.5 V	Auto-bidirectional with open-drain support One-shot edge accelerators improve signal integrity Internal 10-kΩ pull-up resistors reduce external component count
TXS0102		1.2 V to 3.6 V to 1.65 V to 5.5 V

For more I2C translation devices, browse through the online parametric tool where you can sort by desired voltage, channel numbers, and other features.

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