// i3c cafe · reference
I3C Tools
Reference.
A comprehensive guide to hardware tools for I3C development, debugging, and validation. From protocol exercisers to USB host adapters, find the right tool for your project.
// the landscape
There are just a few hardware tools currently on the market for I3C development — the bulk of which are tailored for the tall task of IP verification and silicon-validation. However, as I3C-capable devices make their way onto dev kits and into the hands of firmware developers and embedded systems teams, a market for tools more suitable for traditional development and debugging will grow and test equipment vendors will follow.
// protocol exercisers
Protocol Exercisers
Products in this category can be used to emulate I3C devices and behave as an I3C controller or I3C Target. These devices typically include the ability to intentionally inject errors in order to test how other devices handle test cases. Usually, they also have software support which can provide careful timing analysis to ensure behavior is in accordance with the specification even at the physical layer.
// prodigy
PGY-I3C-EX-PD-Lite
I3C Protocol Analyzer and Exerciser
Available on DigiKey
// prodigy
PGY-I3C-EX-PD
I3C Protocol Analyzer and Exerciser
Available on DigiKey
// introspect
SV4E-I3C
I3C Test and Debug Module
// oscilloscopes
Oscilloscopes with I3C Decode Options
Most of the household names in the oscilloscope industry have developed support for MIPI I3C Trigger and Decode and make it available via software unlock. Information is sparse around these sorts of products, so it's definitely best to check in with your favorite test equipment distributor to find out the details.
// keysight
D9010MPLP Low Speed MIPI Protocol Decode/Trigger Software
Available from TEquipment
// tektronix
4-SRI3C & 5-SRI3C MIPI I3C Serial Analysis
Available from TEquipment
// lecroy
HDO4K-I3CBUS TDI3C Trigger and Decode Option
Available from TEquipment
Note: The prices listed are for the I3C decoding license only and are in addition to the base price of the oscilloscope.
// logic analyzers
Logic Analyzers
Products in this category can be used to observe/record the transactions on an I3C bus, decode the data, and provide a level of analysis suitable for firmware development and debugging. However, these devices are unable to actively participate on the I3C bus — they cannot perform the functions of an I3C controller nor as an I3C target. These can be used to aid in timing analysis, but the primary use is for observing the data being transferred on the bus, and not necessarily the performance of the physical layer of the protocol.
// saleae
Logic Pro 8
// saleae
Logic Pro 16
Note: At this time, the Saleae Logic software does not include protocol decoding support for I3C. Binho has developed an I3C Basic Protocol Analyzer Plugin for Saleae Logic which is available for purchase separately with several licensing tiers.
// usb host adapters
USB Host Adapters
Products in this category are used to actively participate on the I3C bus, either as an I3C Controller or I3C Target. These devices allow you to control I3C devices directly from your computer, making them ideal for development, testing, and automation.
// signal craft technologies
Scout SC4420 Serial Bus Controller
Available from Signal Craft Technologies
* Official product pricing is not published. MIPI-I3C support is sold as an optional feature unlock in addition to the base cost of the device. The MSRP listed represents an estimation of the total amount paid for the product including I3C support.
// binho · our product
Binho Supernova
USB Host Controller with a world-class user experience: cross-platform GUI application, full-featured Python module, and C/C++ SDK for direct integration into 3rd-party applications.
// choosing a tool
Choosing the Right Tool
Protocol Exercisers
For silicon validation and comprehensive testing
Oscilloscopes
For signal integrity and physical layer analysis
Logic Analyzers
For passive monitoring and protocol decode
USB Host Adapters
For active control and development work
// newsletter
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