I am interested in implementing an I2C master on an Atmel Atmega169. I am not very familiar with this bus or this processor, but I do not have time to fully research it before ordering parts. Any tips or advice would be appreciated. I'm looking through AVRfreaks but it isn't helping yet.

** Can I2C run over general purpose IO pins or the Atmega's Universal Serial Interface? Does I2C require a uC with a port specifically designed for I2C?

Also, since I2C is a Philips trademark which has become an industry standard, is there a functionally identical bus which goes by a different name and might be easier to search for and find software for?

We have decided on a uC but not on the part I wish to control over I2C. I can pick another control method if I2C isn't going to work.


** Moderator, please move this to Tech Talk

[Edited on October 2, 2006 at 9:34 PM. Reason : error exists between keyboard and chair]

10/2/2006 9:33:48 PM

Nevermind.

After more searching,
It looks like Atmel calls Inter IC "TWI" and this can be run over their Universal Serial Interface, which our board has.

10/2/2006 10:50:17 PM

you can bit bang i2c, just dont extend the device far with shady wiring.

10/3/2006 4:55:29 PM