SparkFun
SparkFun QwiicBus - EndPoint
The SparkFun QwiicBus EndPoint is the fastest and easiest way to extend the range of your I2C communication bus. The breakout uses NXP’s PCA9615 IC, which co...
The SparkFun QwiicBus EndPoint is the fastest and easiest way to extend the range of your I2C communication bus. The breakout uses NXP’s PCA9615 IC, which converts the two default I2C signals into four differential signals, two for SCL and two for SDA. The differential signals are sent over an Ethernet cable, which attaches to the breakout through the on-board RJ-45 connectors. The differential signaling allows the I2C signals to reach distances of up to 100ft. while still maintaining their signal integrity! To make it even easier to get your readings, all communication is enacted exclusively via I2C, utilizing our handy Qwiic system so no soldering is required to connect it to the rest of your system. However, we still have broken out 0.1"-spaced pins in case you prefer to use a breadboard.
The simplicity of the QwiicBus EndPoint is one of its biggest appeals. Other I2C communication methods require packetizing I2C communication into another protocol, be it RS-485 or 1-Wire. However, the PCA9615 keeps the I2C protocol by utilizing a differential transceiver.
This updated version of the Differential I2C Breakout adds two 0.1" spaced pins connected to the unused pair of wires on the RJ-45 connectors so users can easily take advantage of the unused pair for whatever they would like.
Whether you need to extend the range of an I2C sensor on an autonomous vehicle plagued with noise from motors or want to create a vast sensor network in your home or office, the QwiicBus EndPoint is a great solution to extend distance and reduce noise susceptibility.
The SparkFun Qwiic Connect System is an ecosystem of I2C sensors, actuators, shields and cables that make prototyping faster and less prone to error. All Qwiic-enabled boards use a common 1mm pitch, 4-pin JST connector. This reduces the amount of required PCB space, and polarized connections mean you can’t hook it up wrong.
Features:
- Uses the PCA9615 buffer IC
- I2C Supply voltage range: 2.3-5.5V
- Differential Supply voltage range: 3-5.5V
- Multiple power configurations depending on application needs
- Extends I2C bus up to 100 feet
- 2x Qwiic Connectors
Documents:
- Schematic
- Eagle Files
- Dimensional Drawing
- Hookup Guide
- Datasheet (PCA9615)
- Qwiic Info Page
- Hardware GitHub Repository
Videos
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- 1-Wire
- 1-Wire is a communication method where devices share a single data line, often with each device having its own address. It matters because several temperature modules can be connected to one microcontroller pin instead of needing a separate pin for each probe.
- breakout
- A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.
- PCB
- A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.
- Qwiic
- Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.
Find this product in
SparkFun QwiicBus EndPoint Schematic
Schematic · 126.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
PCA9615 Datasheet
Datasheet · 899.7 KB · Click any page to view full size
Supplier page — sparkfun.com
Supplier Description · 557.1 KB · Click any page to view full size
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