Product Overview
The PCA9617ADPJ from NXP is an I2C/SMBus differential buffer that converts single-ended I2C signals to differential signaling, enabling long-distance (up to 30m) I2C bus extension at up to 1 Mbps. It provides galvanic isolation between local and remote bus segments.
Key Specifications
| Function | I2C/SMBus differential buffer |
| Bus Extension | Up to 30m cable at 1Mbps |
| Data Rate | Up to 1 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3V to 5.5V |
| Isolation | Galvanic isolation via differential pair |
| Package | TSSOP-8 (4.4x3mm) |
Working Principle
On the local side, standard I2C single-ended SDA/SCL are converted to differential pairs (SDA_P/SDA_N, SCL_P/SCL_N) for transmission over twisted-pair cable. On the remote side, differential signals are converted back to single-ended I2C. This extends the I2C bus well beyond the typical 1-2m limit while providing noise immunity.
Applications
- Long-distance I2C bus extension
- Industrial sensor networks
- Cable-based I2C communication
- Multi-board I2C backplane