829 - How many I2C loads can I put on an I2C chain with Power Manager devices?

829 - How many I2C loads can I put on an I2C chain with Power Manager devices?

When using the Platform Manager or Power ManagerII devices; POWR1220AT8 POWR1014A and POWR6AT6, it is important to know the loading and driving source of the full set-up.

In a case where there are just a few I2C loads the designer needs to consider the capacitance that each of these hangs on the open drain signals SDA and SCL.


As a general rule when using 6-8 devices or more, buffering may be needed. In the cases where there are just a few devices use 2.2k to 4.7k pull-ups to achieve a good rise-time and signals for each device.

A quick scope check will assure you have good signals, but be aware of the capacitance of the probe acts as a load too.