Introduction to I2C and I3C level shifters buffers and hubs
Introduction to I2C and I3C level shifters buffers and hubs.I2C and I3C level shifters buffers and hubs are both serial bus protocols widely used for chip-to-chip communication at the board level. While I2C is a classic protocol with a long history of use, I3C is an upgraded protocol introduced by the MIPI Alliance; it retains I2C compatibility while offering higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and more flexible topology expansion capabilities. In practical bus deployments, issues such as mismatched operating voltages between devices, bus loads exceeding drive capabilities, and the need for network topology expansion make level translators, buffers, and hubs essential components for ensuring stable and reliable bus operation.
I2C/I3C Level Translators
The core function of a level translator is to convert signal levels between devices operating in different voltage domains, thereby resolving voltage mismatches between devices on the bus. For instance, when a 3.3V master device communicates with a 1.8V slave device, a level translator is required to map signal levels between the two voltage domains; this prevents communication errors-or even device damage-caused by voltage level incompatibility. Designed for traditional I2C buses, these translators typically support bidirectional signal conversion without requiring extra direction-control pins, making them compatible with the open-drain output characteristics of the I2C bus. Many products also integrate bus capacitance isolation to reduce signal crosstalk in high-speed communication scenarios. Some specialized I2C level translators support multi-voltage domain conversion and are compatible with various communication speeds-such as Standard Mode (100 kbps), Fast Mode (400 kbps), and Fast Mode Plus (1 Mbps)-to meet the bandwidth requirements of diverse applications. For I3C buses, level translators must accommodate the protocol's new features: I3C supports communication rates up to 12.5 Mbps in SDR (Single Data Rate) mode, with some devices also supporting DDR (Double Data Rate) mode, necessitating lower propagation delays and higher bandwidth capabilities. Additionally, I3C supports functions such as bus arbitration, hot-join, and interrupt signal multiplexing; this requires level translators to handle the mixed open-drain and push-pull output modes unique to I3C without interfering with standard bus arbitration processes. Some dedicated I3C level translators also feature automatic voltage domain detection, meeting the dynamic voltage matching requirements for hot-swappable slave devices.
I2C/I3C Buffers
Both I2C and I3C buses utilize a master-slave architecture, with bus driving capability constrained by pull-up resistors and bus capacitance. When an excessive number of slave devices are connected-causing total bus capacitance to exceed specification limits-signal rise times slow down and setup times become insufficient, ultimately leading to communication errors. Buffers function by re-driving bus signals to enhance drive capability while isolating bus capacitance, thereby extending transmission distances and increasing the number of connectable devices. Traditional I2C buffers typically support bidirectional driving to match the bidirectional, half-duplex nature of I2C communication; featuring a master port and a slave port, they automatically detect signal direction and perform signal conditioning (shaping) and re-driving for high and low logic levels. Some I2C buffers incorporate overcurrent protection and hot-swap detection; in the event of a bus short-circuit or overload, they automatically disconnect the affected port to prevent damage to the master controller.
Specific Part Numbers for I2C and I3C level shifters buffers and hubs
The ISO1640-Q1 (ISO164x-Q1) device is a hot-swappable, low-power, bidirectional isolator compatible with I2C interfaces. The ISO164x supports UL 1577 isolation ratings of 5000 VRMS in the 16-DW package and 3000 VRMS in the 8-D package. Each I2C isolation channel in this low-emission device features a logic input and an open-drain output separated by a double capacitive silicon dioxide (SiO2) insulation barrier. This family includes devices with basic and reinforced insulation certified by VDE, UL, CSA, TUV, and CQC. The ISO1640-Q1 features two isolated bidirectional channels for clock and data lines. By integrating the logic required to support bidirectional channels, the ISO1640-Q1 enables a much simpler design and a smaller footprint compared to optocoupler-based solutions.
I2C and I3C Level Translator, Buffer, and Hub Parameters
The I2C and I3C level shifters buffers and hubsparameters are as follows:
|
Rating |
Automotive |
|
Isolation rating |
Basic, Reinforced |
|
Number of channels |
2 |
|
Serial data |
Bidirectional |
|
Serial clock |
Bidirectional |
|
Data rate (max) (Mbps) |
1.7 |
|
Working isolation voltage (VIOWM) (Vrms) |
450, 1500 |
|
Surge isolation voltage (VIOSM) (VPK) |
6500, 10000 |
|
Transient isolation voltage (VIOTM) (VPK) |
4242, 7071 |
|
Withstand isolation voltage (VISO) (Vrms) |
3000, 5000 |
|
CMTI (min) (kV/µs) |
50 |
|
Operating temperature range (°C) |
-40 to 125 |
|
Functional safety category |
Functional Safety-Capable |
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