In a method and system for translating voltage levels to interface electronic devices, a voltage translator is operable to perform the translation of voltage levels of the bi-directional signals exchanged between the electronic devices in accordance with an open-drain mode of operation and in accordance with a push-pull mode of operation. The voltage translator includes edge-rate accelerators to detect signal transitions and includes configurable resistors to provide a direct current (DC) drive current and a DC bias to hold desired voltage levels. The voltage translator is operable in the open-drain mode to detect a presence of an electronic device, and is operable in the push-pull mode upon the detection of the electronic device.