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I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), often pronounced "eye-squared-see" or "eye-two-see," is a popular, synchronous, multi-master/multi-slave communication protocol invented in 1982 by Philips Semiconductors (now NXP). It is used for short-distance, intra-board communication between a processor and low-speed peripherals such as sensors, LCDs, and memory chips. Its hallmark is using only two wires for communication, making it highly efficient for managing multiple devices on a single bus.

The master sends the 7-bit unique address of the target slave, followed by a R/W bit (0 for write, 1 for read). I2C Overview

The slave device with the matching address responds with an Acknowledge (ACK) bit (low), signaling it is ready, or a Not Acknowledge (NACK) bit (high). The master sends the 7-bit unique address of

Multiple masters can control the same slave, and multiple slaves can reside on the same bus. Uses a Serial Data Line ( SDA )

Uses a Serial Data Line ( SDA ) and a Serial Clock Line ( SCL ).

Each slave device has a unique 7-bit (or 10-bit) address, eliminating the need for complex Chip Select (CS) lines used in SPI.