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Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C)

maker

I2C is a multi-master, multi-slave, packet-switched, single-ended, serial communication bus.

expanded

I2C is commonly used for communication between microcontrollers and peripheral devices to transfer data over short distances with minimal pin usage. It allows multiple devices to share the same bus and supports up to 7-bit addressing, which enables connection of up to 127 devices using unique addresses.

examples

An I2C bus connecting a microcontroller to a temperature and humidity sensor module.

This configuration is often used in environmental monitoring systems where accurate readings are required without significant overhead in pin count.

I2C bus interfacing an OLED display module with a Raspberry Pi.

Frequently utilized in prototyping and DIY projects where efficient data transmission is needed for graphical display without consuming multiple pins on the Raspberry Pi.

related terms

Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is a synchronous serial communication protocol used for short-distance communication, primarily in embedded systems.
Integrated Circuit (IC)
An Integrated Circuit (IC) is a set of electronic circuits on a small flat piece (chip) of semiconductor material, usually silicon.
Master In Slave Out (MISO)
MISO is a communication line used in SPI protocol to transfer data from the slave device to the master device.
Master Out Slave In (MOSI)
MOSI is a unidirectional communication line used in SPI communication protocols for transmitting data from the master to the slave device.
Internet of Things (IoT)
A network of interconnected physical devices that can collect and exchange data using embedded sensors, software, and other technologies.