Communications bridge for remotely connected I2C, SPI sensors
The DS28E18 1-Wire-to-I2C/SPI bridge resides at a remote SPI or I2C sensor and allows the sensor to be controlled by just two wires coming from the host system. The device, says the company, reduces complexity and provides the industry’s lowest cost solution for building networks of remotely connected I2C and SPI sensors.
“As sensors become more prevalent in a number of applications, so does the need to extend connectivity over longer distances,” says Scott Jones, managing director, Embedded Security at Maxim Integrated. “To cost effectively extend the operating distance for serial interface devices invokes a great deal of complexity, but using 1-Wire protocol greatly simplifies these networks with simpler software and fewer cables and ICs.”
Currently, most designers use serial interfaces to connect remote sensors in industrial and remote monitoring applications. However, the most popular protocols are costly and complex because they require up to five external switch extenders to reach devices at distances as long as 100 meters. In addition, some of the interfaces widely deployed today require six cables for connecting multiple extended sensors to a host microcontroller.
The DS28E18 enables both power and communications on a single wire, using the company’s 1-Wire protocol to link with I2C or SPI peripheral devices over 100 meters with only two wires. The solution, says the company, eliminates up to five extender and switch ICs, significantly reducing connection costs and software complexity. In addition, only one programmable I/O port from the host microcontroller is necessary to operate a network with 10 to 20 nodes.
The DS28E18 is available for $0.64 (1000-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit – the DS28E18EVKIT – is available for $89.25.
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