I2C
Inter-Integrated Circuit.
I2C is a two-wire synchronous serial bus (SDA + SCL) with open-drain signaling and pull-up resistors. Four standardized speed modes from 100 kbps to 3.4 Mbps.
// protocol
About I2C.
I2C was introduced by Philips (now NXP) in 1982 and is the most widely deployed low-speed embedded bus. The standard is published as NXP UM10204. It uses two signals — SDA (data) and SCL (clock) — both open-drain and held high by external pull-up resistors.
Four standardized speed modes are defined: Standard mode at 100 kbps, Fast mode at 400 kbps, Fast-mode Plus (Fm+) at 1 Mbps, and High-Speed mode (Hs-mode) at up to 3.4 Mbps. Higher modes use the same signaling but tighter timing and, for Hs-mode, a different bus-master arbitration arrangement.
I2C supports both 7-bit and 10-bit addressing, multi-controller operation, and clock stretching (a target can hold SCL low to slow the controller). Common applications include sensors, EEPROMs, RTCs, displays, ADCs, and configuration interfaces across nearly every embedded product line.
at a glance
- max rate
- 3.4 Mbps (HS)
- spec
- NXP UM10204 (originated at Philips, 1982)
- topology
- 2-wire (SDA + SCL)
- signaling
- open-drain + pull-ups
- modes
- 100 kbps · 400 kbps · 1 Mbps · 3.4 Mbps
- addressing
- 7-bit, 10-bit
// product support
I2C on the Binho lineup.
Current support status for each Binho USB host adapter. Specifications below are taken directly from each product page.
Binho Supernova
SupportedUSB host adapter with I3C, I2C, SPI, and UART support.
- role
- Controller
- max clock
- 1 MHz
- addressing
- 7-bit
- features
- clock stretching, configurable pull-ups
- voltage
- 1.2V to 3.3V
Binho Pulsar
SupportedMulti-protocol USB host adapter for I2C, SPI, UART, RS-485, CAN-FD, 1-Wire.
- role
- Controller
- max clock
- 1 MHz
- addressing
- 7-bit
- features
- clock stretching, configurable pull-ups
- voltage
- 1.2V to 3.3V
Binho Nova
SupportedFirst-generation multi-protocol USB host adapter for I2C, SPI, UART, 1-Wire.
- role
- Controller
- max clock
- up to 3.4 MHz
- features
- multi-protocol shared pins
Questions about I2C?
Talk to us.
From product selection to integration details — our team works with I2C daily and is happy to help.