I2C Mini Core

I2C Mini Core

This product consists of a USB-to-I²C bridge, capable of transmitting and monitoring I²C traffic. It is extremely compact, measuring just 1.8×1.8 cm.

It features a micro USB connector, a Qwiic connector on the I²C side and 0.1″ pins for a breadboard or pin header. It is fully compatible with I²CDriver, and, just like I²CDriver, is an open-source tool for controlling I²C devices. It offers first-class Python 2/3, C/C++ and command-line tools, and its GUI works on Windows, Mac and Linux.

This product includes an I2CMini Core board and a jumper.

Features and specifications of the I2CMini Core

• Open hardware: the design, firmware and all tools are licensed under the BSD licence
• High-speed transfer: extended I²C transfers at 400 and 100 kHz
• I²C pull-ups: programmable I²C pull-up resistors with automatic tuning
• Dual I²C ports: 0.1″ pin header and a standard Qwiic connector
• Jumper: colour-coded Qwiic jumper included for instant connection
• 3.3 V output: output levels are 3.3 V; all are 5 V-tolerant
• Supports all I²C features: 7-bit and 10-bit I²C addressing, clock stretching, bus arbitration
• Rugged components: uses an FTDI USB serial adapter and a Silicon Labs automotive-grade EFM8 controller
• Usage report: records operating time, temperature and the CRC of all traffic
• Flexible control: GUI, command-line, C/C++, and Python 2/3 host software provided for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Maximum output current: 270 mA
• Device current: up to 25 mA
• Dimensions: 6.1×4.9×0.6 cm
• Computer interface: USB 2.0, micro USB connector

The I²CMini is the ideal product for IoT and drone applications, as it effectively isolates your SBC from the I²C bus.

No special drivers need to be installed because this product features a standard FTDI USB-to-serial chip for communication with the PC and a separate 3.3V power supply for I²C sensors and peripherals. The I²CMini works well with Windows, Linux and Mac. To connect to peripherals, the I²CMini features a four-pin header on the I²C side. You can solder a 0.1″ header directly onto it.

This product also features a Sparkfun Qwiic-compatible connector. This means you can set up I²C networks without any soldering.

The software allows you to control the I²CMini via:

• a GUI
• a command line
• C and C++ using a single source file
• Python 2 and 3, using a module

The I²CMini can both transmit data and synchronise communication on the I²C bus and, for both I²C lines, features the same programmable pull-up resistors.

Possible uses

• The I²CMini, with its simple open-source hardware and software design, is the ideal interface for connecting an I²C peripheral to a CPU via USB.
• You can control the I²C hardware directly using simply your preferred PC tools, and do so quickly: you can easily calibrate a wide range of devices, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes or magnetometers.
• As it is extremely compact, the I²CMini is the ideal product for your small-scale projects.
• The I²CMini can control your sensors or peripherals. It features a simple interface that ensures maximum portability and sustainability and does not require the installation of any special drivers. This means that the code for the I²CMini works on any platform.