Linear Technology Corporation introduces I2C bus address converters without additional software coding

     Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTC4316 / LTC4317 / LTC4318 series of I2C/SMBus address converters that enable multiple dependent devices with the same address, such as temperature sensors, to communicate individually with the main device. Without creating conflict. Address conflict occurs when slave devices with the same hardwired address are placed on the same bus. Traditional solutions have always used I2C multiplexers or switches, with software or pins to select the slave device to be addressed.

     The LTC4316-18 is a transparent solution that eliminates the need for I2C multiplexers and switches. The LTC4316 / LTC4317 / LTC4318 does not require any software setup or ENABLE control lines, allowing the master to call the slave directly with uniquely translated addresses configured by external resistors.

     The address converter provides easy address extension for I2C and SMBus systems and provides voltage level conversion for 2.5V, 3.3V and 5V buses. Bus pin ±4kV HBM ESD, 1V precharge, and interference filtering make these address converters robust enough for on-board plug-out applications. The pass-through mode enables the user to temporarily disable address translation, allowing the main device to perform general call addressing. In addition, the blocking bus timer monitors whether the SCL line remains low or high for more than 30ms, terminating the address translation and reconnecting SDAIN to SDAOUT in case of any blocking bus.

     The LTC4316 is single (single input/single output) in a 10-lead 3mm x 3mm DFN and 10-lead MSOP package. The LTC4317 "Y" configuration (single input/dual output) comes in a 16-lead 5mm x 3mm DFN package. The LTC4318 dual (dual input/dual output) is available in a 20-lead 4mm x 4mm QFN package.