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Zener Diodes

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AtomSoft

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Can i use a Zener on a data line? What would be better...

I want to drop some SPI lines down to 3.3v (3.6v max) can i use zeners to simply drop the voltage of a HIGH ? and Low being low already...

Or is using a BUFFER a MUST... which is better and why?
 
A Zener clamp at the listener input requires a resistance in series with the data line between the sender and the listener. That will slow down the signalling a bit. Does that matter? It might, depending on the data rates.
 
Yeah, I'd use a potential divider, or level shifters. Zeners require a decent amount of current, and it'll load your SPI bus.
 
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