I'd like to read data from a SD card using a microcontroller (through SPI protocol). Looking for a slot for the SD card, I saw two different boards.
This one has apparently a digital buffer and other components
This one on the other hand looks like is only a direct connection to the SD card pins.
Why is a digital buffer needed in case? I didn't really get in general what digital buffers are used for.
Alternatively, would the second board be enough?
Why is a digital buffer needed in case? I didn't really get in general what digital buffers are used for.
Good question.
A buffer simply provides an amplification. Ask yourself: What happens if the output impedance of the sender's pin is not low enough? Or, what happens if the input impedance of the receiver's pin is not high enough?
In such cases, a buffer eliminates the potential problems with its very high input and very low output impedances.
Additionally (after seeing tlfong01's comment), HC4050 acts as a hi-to-low logic-level translator/converter. This means, as can be seen from the datasheet, that the IC can convert high voltage (up to 15V) logic level to low voltage (up to Vcc, mostly 3V or 5V) levels. This allows the user to use the breakout board with 5V-logic devices (e.g. older 8051s). That's why the breakout board has a 5V input and a 3V linear regulator (The regulator's output goes directly to the 4050).
Alternatively, would the second board be enough?
Could be, unless you keep the traces long. Remember that SPI is suitable for the devices sharing the same board. And also SPI does not like long traces as the speed increases.
The board without buffer can be used to connect to a MCU board that runs at 3.3V supply and IO pin voltages, as it is nothing more than a electromechanical interface board.
The board with the buffer, it is difficult to say what it is good for. It has an onboard 3.3V regulator, and the level shifter, so that the card can (in theory) be powered and connected to a 5V MCU board. Except that the problem is that the data out from card to 5V MCU is still 3.3V, which may or may not be enough for the 5V MCU to read it in properly. The buffer also has a push-pull output, which is not in line with how SD cards should be initialized first with open-drain output mode. So, it might work but it might not always work with all cards or all 5V MCUs.
