
Philips
Semiconductors
P82B96
I2C Buffer Chip
Description
The P82B96 is a bipolar IC designed to extend the application
possibilities of I2C and similar derivative bi-directional busses such
as SMBus and DDB.
Providing true 'buffer' functionality to enable interconnection
of several I2C or similar busses it effectively overcomes the I2C
specification limitation of 400 pF max. bus capacitance.
Using analog techniques, 82B96 can also 'split' the special bi-direction-
al bus signals into two conventional uni-directional data streams, allow-
ing their transmission via any desired medium, or re-combine two such
data streams to restore the original bi-directional I2C signal.
Its wide guaranteed operating supply voltage range of 2 V to 15 V,
and its ability to process or level-shift logic signals anywhere within
that range, can achieve big improvements in noise margin.
Ten times increase in sink capability of its buffered outputs (to 30 mA)
allows decreased bus pull-ups for better impedance matching over long
runs of low cost twisted-pair cabling.
Simple interfacing to low cost opto-couplers allows galvanic isolation
of parts of an I2C system to meet safety requirements for control
equipment connected to the mains supply, telephone wiring, or for
medical monitoring equipment.
Reliability in distributed bus systems having separate power supplies
is enhanced by the 82B96 'bus release' feature that prevents system
'hang-ups' by releasing all connected busses if its supply voltage is
removed. Bus disconnection, coupled with its low supply current
(1 mA) and 15 V tolerant I/Os, will prove useful in resolving many
of the problems inherent in "hot plugging" or "plug and play" bus
applications.
The P82B96 is offered as a dual buffer in 8-pin DIL or SO packag-
ing, complementing Philips Semiconductors' existing range of devices
for I2C/SMBus system design.
Features
Dual, bi-directional buffer in 8-pin DIL/SO
I2C bus compatible
Wide supply voltage range 2 - 15 V
Can handle, or level shift, logic signals in the range 2 - 15 V
Releases connected busses if supply fails
Low power supply current, 1 mA
Can split I2C into two unidirectional Tx and Rx data
signals, or recombine these
Simple interfacing to opto-couplers to provide safety
isolation of the bus
X10 bus impedance transformation option
Applications
Building large or distributed I2C bus systems for
automation/control
Transmit I2C signals over twisted pair cabling
Galvanic/safety (opto) isolation of sections of I2C bus
Interface between logic devices or busses on
different voltages
Hot-plugging bus interface protection
Interfacing SMBus to I2C
I2C signalling via differential bus hardware
Prevent bus 'hang-up' by isolating devices or modules
if supply fails
Sending I2C signals over RF links
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