We have been using the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter with the Flash Center Software to program a Flash device in a Flash SOIC-8 Socket Board. The Flash SPI device has 3.3V voltage level signals.  As we now have 1.8V devices to work with, we are considering the Level Shifter Board (TP240610) so that 1.8V devices can be programmed in the socket. Is this the best solution, or are there other devices that could be easier to use for working with various SPI Flash devices that have 3.3V and 1.8V logical voltage level signals?

Thanks for your questions! We have two recommendations for you.

For greater flexibility, we recommend our Flash SOIC-8 Socket Board - 10/34 (TP282310), which supports multiple SPI signal logic levels, including 1.8V and 3.3V logical signal levels.

Figure 1: Flash SOIC-8 Socket Board – 10/34

For even greater flexibility, we  recommend the Promira Serial Platform with one of our SPI Active Applications.  In addition to its built-in level shifting, which eliminates the need for level shifting boards, the Promira platform provides up to 200mA to target devices, High-Speed USB connectivity as well as Ethernet connectivity and much more. You can upgrade the features by purchasing more advanced SPI and I2C Active Applications that are appropriate for your current requirements.

Figure 2: Promira Serial Platform

Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• Cheetah SPI Host Adapter User Manual

• Flash Center Software User Manual

• Flash Socket Board User Manual

• Flash Socket Board - 10/34 User Manual

• Level Shifter Board User Manual

• Promira Serial Platform I2C/SPI Active User Manual

We hope this answers your questions. If you have other questions about our serial platforms, board accessories or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com, or if you already own one of our devices and have a technical question, please submit a request for technical support.