Description
About: |
'i2cexplorer' is a small QT based tool to manipulate the i2c bus on Linux PC.
It resembles "i2c-tools" functionality with graphical interface.
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First start setup: |
Despite a very similar functionality to i2c-tools, this program
does not require that package to be installed.
The program is based on the standard libraries.
I2c bus is managed from Linux through /dev/i2c-* files.
For these files to be in /dev, the kernel module i2c-dev must be loaded.
Just run sudo modprobe i2c-dev command to load it at the moment.
Add i2c-dev to the end of /etc/modules file to load it at boot time
automatically.
A regular user must belong to i2c group to access i2c bus.
Just run sudo usermod -aG i2c < user > if not, then relogin.
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for whom it may be useful: |
'i2cexplorer' is mostly intended for hardware developers who work with i2c sensors and ICs.
The possibility to scan i2c bus and an ability to exchange data with connected i2c devices
gives developers a very simple and comfortable tool to check and play.
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Example |
The program was used on the board of an ordinary laptop with connected through HDMI port i2c sensors.
This is a very budget solution. No need for an interface device due to every display port contains i2c output.
If you use an i2c isolator like TI ISO1540 it is possible to create a very robust and safe control system for small experiments for little money.
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Copyright: |
Copytight (C) 2018-2025 Alexander Fomin - fomin_alex@yahoo.com
Licenses: GPL-3+, CC0-1.0, FSFAP
For details see /usr(/local)/share/doc/i2cexplorer/copyright file.
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Quick start guide |
Before your first start, check:
The kernel module i2c-dev is loaded;
You belong to i2c group.
When the program is started, it checks the /dev folder for i2c-* files.
From the drop box you can choose one of the found buses.
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Press Scan button to find out which addresses are occupied
In the example above, i2c-0 is empty and i2c-3 is occupied address 60 (hex).
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An attempt to read from address 60 returns some data.
You have to choose how many bytes you want to read.
This byts quantity can be found in the connected IC datasheet.
In the example, DAC IC MCP4725 is connected to this address.
The try to read from another address return Device read Error!!!.
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Let's write some data.
The write attempt to empty address returns Device write Error!!!.
Write to address 60 return the written bytes quantity.
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Let's check what is written.
Read address 60 again. Data has being changed.
If we check IC datasheet, it is exactly what expected.
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You can remove all text from the text box by clicking Menu/Edit/Clear.
You can copy selected text to the clipboard through the text box context menu.
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