iPort FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which I2C Host Adapter is right for me?

We currently offer three versions of our I2C Bus Host Adapter. All three devices plug into a host computer's RS-232 serial port. All three devices are based on a similar design, but with different capabilities, hardware, features, and host computer interfaces. This FAQ will help you decide which adapter is right for you.

iPort/AFM (ASCII Fast Mode)

The iPort/AFM (#MIIC-203, Data Sheet, User's Guide) RS-232 to I2C Host Adapter is our most powerful and fastest I2C Bus host adapter. With its simple ASCII text command interface, the iPort/AFM is designed to work with any computer with an RS-232 serial port. The iPort/AFM can be a bus master or slave. As a slave, the iPort/AFM can respond to a user selected slave address and the I2C General Call address (0x00). The iPort/AFM supports multi-master operations, arbitration detection, clock-stretching by a slave device, and the optional /INTerrupt signal found on some I2C devices. Enhanced features include I2C Bus mastering at 23, 86, 100, or 400 kHz Bit Rates, RS-232 baud rates of 19,200, 57,600, or 115,200, and eXtended commands for low-level access to I2C signals making it compatible with many "I2C-like" devices. The iPort/AFM also has a fast processor, larger data buffers, and firmware optimization. Based upon a Philips Semiconductor microcontroller, the iPort/AFM provides our best implementation of I2C Bus technology, and is fully licensed to use this technology.

The iPort/AFM includes two (2) Windows applications (Message Manager and Message Center) that help you get started sending and receiving I2C Bus messages quickly. You can also use terminal emulation software like Windows Hyperterminal, or write your own custom program in VB, C, C++, Delphi, LabVIEW and more. We even provide free Sample Programs to help you get started.

Custom Programming: The iPort/AFM provides an ASCII command interface to the host computer. An application program sends simple ASCII text commands out the RS-232 serial port to set up the adapter and send or receive I2C Bus messages. Because the iPort/AFM does not use a DLL, it is compatible with DOS, UNIX, Linux, Windows, and any other OS that supports a serial port. If you need to add an I2C port to a Single Board Computer, embedded microprocessor, or microcontroller, the iPort/AFM is designed for you. LabVIEW developers can take advantage of our Virtual Instrument Driver Library.

Recommendation: We recommend our iPort/AFM for I2C Bus traffic intensive applications, for users that want to write custom application programs using Microsoft's Visual Basic or National Instrument's LabVIEW, and for non-Windows based host computers. The ASCII command interface of the iPort/AFM makes it easier to interface with almost any application program development tool.



iPort/AI (ASCII Interface)

The iPort/AI (#MIIC-202, Data Sheet, User's Guide) RS-232 to I2C Host Adapter is designed to work with any computer with an RS-232 serial port. With its simple ASCII text command interface, the iPort/AI is designed to work with any computer with an RS-232 serial port. The iPort/AI can be a bus master or slave, and supports multi-master operation, arbitration detection, and clock-stretching by a slave device. The iPort/AI supports I2C Bus mastering at 100 kHz, and RS-232 baud rate of 19,200. Based upon a Philips Semiconductor microcontroller, the iPort/AI provides an industry proven implementation of I2C Bus technology, and is fully licensed to use this technology.

The iPort/AI includes two (2) Windows applications (Message Manager and Message Center) that help you get started sending and receiving I2C Bus messages quickly. You can also use terminal emulation software like Windows Hyperterminal, or write your own custom program in VB, C, C++, Delphi, LabVIEW and more. We even provide free Sample Programs to help you get started.

Custom Programming: The iPort/AI provides an ASCII command interface to the host computer. An application program sends simple ASCII text commands out the RS-232 serial port to set up the adapter and send or receive I2C Bus messages. Because the iPort/AI does not use a DLL, it is compatible with DOS, UNIX, Linux, Windows, any other OS that supports a serial port. It works with Single Board Computers, and even embedded microprocessors or microcontrollers with an RS-232 serial port. LabVIEW developers can take advantage of our Virtual Instrument Driver Library.

Recommendation: We recommend our iPort/AI for less data intensive applications, for users that want to write custom application programs using Microsoft Visual Basic or National Instrument LabView, and for non-Windows based host computers. The ASCII command interface of the iPort/AI makes it easier to interface with almost any application program development tool.

 



iPort (Windows DLL Interface)

The iPort (#MIIC-201, Data Sheet, User's Guide) Windows to I2C Host Adapter is designed to work with Windows based PCs. Based on a Windows DLL interface, the iPort connects to a PC's RS-232 port. The iPort can be a bus master or slave, and supports multi-master operation, arbitration detection, and clock-stretching by a slave device. The iPort supports I2C Bus mastering at 12.5 and 100 kHz, and RS-232 baud rate of 19,200. Based upon a Philips Semiconductor microcontroller, the iPort provides an industry proven implementation of I2C Bus technology, and is fully licensed to use this technology.

The iPort includes two (2) Windows applications (Message Manager and Message Center) that help a user get started sending and receiving I2C Bus messages quickly.

Custom Programming: A user developing a custom iPort Windows application will also need our iPort Software Development Kit. An application program makes calls to functions in our Windows DLL included in the kit. The kit includes our User's Guide, and application examples in C, MSVC, and Delphi.

Recommendation: We recommend our iPort for less data intensive applications, and for application developers that need to interface with the I2C Bus via a Windows DLL.


I2C is just a mouse click away TM


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Pagina Aggiornata al 04 Giugno 2007