Portable I2C monitor and debugger

Abstract

The paper presents the design of an innovative, very low cost, independent system for monitoring and debugging I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) buses. The portable system connects to any I2C- or SMBus-based device, such as: consumer electronics (TVs, notebooks and netbooks), measurement equipment, switch mode power supplies, automotive equipment etc. It allows monitoring the bus by behaving like a slave, as well as controlling the bus as a Master. The compact design consists of a microcontroller with integrated I2C dedicated peripheral. The flexible user interface is implemented by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a 16 keys keyboard. The whole system is powered by a Li-Ion cell, which may be charged from any USB (Universal Serial Bus) port using the integrated charger. The battery voltage is regulated by a high efficiency DC-DC (Direct Current to Direct Current) converter and provides autonomy for up to five days of continuous operation.