Lantronix DSTni-EX manual Block Diagram, I2C Background, Theory of Operation

Models: DSTni-EX

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Block Diagram

Block Diagram

Figure 3-1shows a block diagram of the DSTni I2C controller.

Figure 3-1. DSTni I2C Controller Block Diagram

Theory of Operation

I2C Background

The I2C bus is a popular serial, two-wire interface used in many systems because of its low overhead. Capable of 100 KHz operation, each device connected to the bus is software addressable by a unique address, with a simple master/slave protocol.

The I2C bus consists of two wires, serial data (SDA), and a serial clock (SCL), which carry information between the devices connected to the bus. This two-wire interface minimizes interconnections, so integrated circuits have fewer pins, and the number of traces required on printed circuit boards is reduced.

The number of devices connected to the same bus is limited only by a maximum bus capacitance of 400 pF. Both the SDA and SCL lines are bidirectional, connected to a positive supply voltage via a pull-up resistor. When the bus is free, both lines are HIGH. The output stages of devices connected to the bus must have an open-drain or open-collector to perform the wired-AND function.

Each device on the bus has a unique address and can operate as either a transmitter or receiver. In addition, devices can also be configured as masters or slaves.

A master is the device that initiates a data transfer on the bus and generates the clock signals to permit that transfer.

Any other device that is being addressed is considered a slave.

The I2C protocol defines an arbitration procedure to ensure that if more than one master simultaneously tries to control the bus, only one is allowed to do so and the message is not

corrupted. The arbitration and clock synchronization procedures defined in the I2C specification are supported by the DSTni I2C controller.

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Lantronix DSTni-EX manual I2C Background, Theory of Operation, 1. DSTni I2C Controller Block Diagram