Philips MIIC-201D/U manual

compatible, not SMBus compatible. Some features of the SMBus protocol not supported include time-outs, device reset, and Packet Error Check byte processing. The non-supported SMBus features may, or may not, permit the use of the I2C adapter in your SMBus application. Consult the MCC FAQ web page and SMBus Specification for details.

4 ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Precautions

Electrostatic discharge is defined as the transfer of charge between bodies at different electrical potentials. Electrostatic discharge can change the electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device, degrading or destroying it. Electrostatic discharge also may upset the normal operation of an electronic system, causing equipment malfunction or failure.

When connecting the I2C adapter to a host computer and a target system, extreme care must be taken to avoid electrostatic discharge. Failure to follow ESD protection procedures when using the I2C adapter could damage the host computer, I2C adapter, or the target system, and void product warranty coverage.

4.1Host Computer Grounding

Case 1 - Desktop and Single-board Computers. The chassis on a desktop or single-board host computer must be connected to earth ground to comply with safety regulations. If the computer chassis is NOT connected to earth ground for some reason (i.e., use of a two-prong power mains plug), the host computer power supply ground will float to some unknown voltage potential.

Case 2 - Laptop Computers. Laptop computers present special ESD problems. Most laptop computers use an external double-insulated mains power supply which is NOT connected to the mains earth ground. This means that the laptop chassis is floating at some unknown voltage potential.

In either case, upon connection to the I2C adapter and the target system, the host computer will discharge energy through its serial port to the I2C adapter, and on to the target system. This discharge could damage the host computer, I2C adapter, and the target system.

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