For NeoPixel, it might work if the wire is short. The 8 bit bus to some LCDs is just one example (though most libraries never read anything back from displays).

The LVX is perfect if you have a regular 5V Arduino and you need to send a signal to something that might be damaged by 5V.Īdafruit also sells a bidirectional TXB0108 converter, which is perfect for situations where you have relatively short wires and the signals need to change directions. It's supposed to be powered by 3.3V (or less) and it's able to receive a 5V signal at its input. You can get them at Digikey and other places.Īdafruit sells a 74LVX245 chip, but that one is meant to convert the other way. if anyone from Adafruit support is reading this).

I couldn't find a 74HCT245 in Adafruit's store (hint. The HCT ones are meant to be powered by 5V, but they're able to properly receive 3.3V or even 2.5V signals at their inputs and of course translate it up to 5V at the output. With a large number, the varying power consumption causes small voltage changes on the ground wire, which can lead to signal issues.Ī 74HCT245 chip (or any '74HCT' logic chip) works great.

Usually NeoPixels work ok with the 3.3V signal, but a 5V signal is more reliable, especially if you have more than a few inches of wire or a large number of NeoPixels.

Teensy wire library