I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) was developed by Philips Semiconductor (now known as NXP Semiconductor) in 1982.
I2C: A Brief Overview
I2C is a serial communication protocol widely used for connecting low-speed peripheral ICs to processors and microcontrollers. It offers a simple, two-wire interface, requiring only a serial data line (SDA) and a serial clock line (SCL).
Key Features of I2C
- Two-Wire Interface: Simplifies hardware design and reduces pin count.
- Addressing: Supports addressing multiple devices on the same bus.
- Master-Slave Architecture: One or more master devices control communication with slave devices.
- Low Speed Communication: Designed for communication between ICs on the same board, not for high-speed data transfer.
Philips Semiconductor's (NXP Semiconductor) Role
Philips Semiconductor (now NXP Semiconductor) introduced I2C as a standardized way to communicate between different ICs within electronic devices. Its simplicity and versatility quickly made it a popular choice, and it has since become an industry standard. NXP Semiconductor continues to maintain and develop the I2C specification.
I2C Today
I2C remains a prevalent communication protocol in a wide range of applications, including:
- Embedded systems
- Consumer electronics
- Industrial automation
- Sensor networks
Because of its relatively easy implementation and standardized nature, I2C continues to be a very important and helpful communication protocol.
