I2C Protocol

• Introduction to the I2C Protocol
• Creating the Project in ChipInventor
• Understanding the Project Blocks
• Assembling the Blocks in ChipInventor
• Project Simulation
• FPGA Synthesis and Programming
• Hardware Validation
• Wrapping Up

Introduction to the I2C Protocol

The I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol is one of the most used communication protocols in embedded systems. It allows communication between multiple devices using only two lines:

• SDA (Serial Data) → Bidirectional data line.

• SCL (Serial Clock) → Clock line that synchronizes communication.
  

Each device connected to the I2C bus has a unique address. Communication always happens between a Master device (controller) and one or more Slaves (peripherals).

Basic Operation:

1. The Master starts communication by sending a START signal.

2. The Master sends the Slave address + read/write bit.

3. The Slave acknowledges the address by sending an ACK (acknowledge).

4. The Master transmits or receives the data.

5. The communication ends with a STOP signal.

 

Creating the Project in ChipInventor

In this tutorial, we will create a project that uses the I2C protocol to read data from an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter).

Initial Steps:

1. Access the ChipInventor website.

2. Click on New Project.

3. Fill in the information:

• Name: I2C Communication with ADC
• Description: Data reading project using I2C protocol with an external ADC.
• Type: FPGA

4. Click Create.

 

Understanding the Project Blocks

The main blocks used in this project are:

 

Assembling the Blocks in ChipInventor

Below are the connections that must be made between the blocks:

Block: startAll

• Input:
  • clk → System clock.
• Output:
  • start → Start signal.
    

Block: i2c

• Inputs:
  • clk → System clock.
  • start → Output from startAll block.
  • instruction → Operation instruction (write, read, start, or stop).
  • i2cEnable → Enable I2C operation.
  • byteToSend → Byte to send.
• Outputs:
  • scl → I2C clock pin.
  • complete → Indicates operation completion.
  • byteReceived → Received byte from communication.
    

Block: adc

• Inputs:
  • clk → System clock.
  • start → Output from startAll.
  • complete → Output from i2c.
  • byteReceived → Output from i2c.
• Outputs:
  • instruction → Input to i2c.
  • i2cEnable → Input to i2c.
  • byteToSend → Input to i2c.
  • dataReady → Indicates that data has been captured.
  • outputData → Data read from the ADC.
  • adcEnable, channel → Inputs to adcController.
    

Block: adcController

• Inputs:
  • clk → System clock.
  • start → Output from startAll.
  • complete → Output from i2c.
  • dataReady → Output from adc.
  • outputData → Output from adc.
• Outputs:
  • adcEnable, channel → Inputs to adc.
  • outputBufferCh0 and outputBufferCh1 → Stored data.
  • voltageCh0 and voltageCh1 → Converted voltage values.

 

 

Project Simulation

1. Access the Simulate tab.

2. Click Advanced Simulation.

3. Click Menu → Run Iverilog.

4. Check for errors.

5. If necessary, correct the blocks and connections.

 

FPGA Synthesis and Programming

1. Access the Synthesis tab.

2. Click Start Synthesis.

3. If all items turn green, connect your FPGA to the PC.

4. Select the correct port.

5. Click Flashing to program the project.

 

Hardware Validation

With the system programmed, perform the tests:

1. View the values read from the ADC.

2. Validate if the I2C protocol is working correctly by observing the received data.

 

Wrapping Up

Congratulations! You have developed a complete I2C communication project using the ChipInventor platform.

Now that you understand the I2C protocol, you can expand this knowledge and implement communication with other sensors and devices.