Users Guide

I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor

with
USB or RS-232 Interface,
I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer Software,
and Programmers Reference

Release 3

Micro Computer Control Corporation

www.mcc-us.com

Introduction
The MCC I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor (#MIIC-101) is a Troubleshooting Tool for the
I2C Bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit Bus) developed by Philips/NXP, SMBus (System
Management Bus) developed by Intel, PMBus (Power Management Bus), and a
wide variety of bus implementations and protocols based upon the I2C Bus or
SMBus.
Whats New in Analyzer Software!

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USB or RS-232 Host Computer Interface

Slave Address Read/Write/Ack/Nack Display Filter
Message Data Match/No-Match Display Filter
Smart Battery System V1.0/1.1 with PEC Support
Smart Battery System Error/Warning/Data-Violation Display Filter
Message Start Timestamp with Absolute/Relative/Date+Time Display
Message Display Recording to File.
Message Data Byte Index Display
Hex/Decimal/Binary/ASCII/Comma-Delimited Data Display

This users guide describes the installation and operation of the I2C Bus/SMBus
Monitor and the optional I2C/SMBus Analyzer Software Package for Windows, and
includes a Programmers Reference section to aid in creating custom bus
monitoring applications.
Are you new to I2C or SMBus? Want to know more? We suggest you click the link
What is I2C? on our web site home page (www.mcc-us.com).
I2C is a trademark of NXP/Philips Corporation.

15-MAR-2012

Copyright 2012 by Micro Computer Control Corporation. All rights reserved. No

part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior written
permission of Micro Computer Control Corporation, PO Box 275, Hopewell, New
Jersey 08525 USA.
DISCLAIMER: Micro Computer Control Corporation makes no representations or
warranties with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Further, Micro
Computer Control Corporation reserves the right to revise the product described in
this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof
without the obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes.
WARNING - Life Support Applications: MCC products are not designed for use
in life support appliances, devices, or systems where the malfunction of the product
can reasonably be expected to result in a personal injury.
WARNING - Radio Frequency Emissions: This equipment can radiate levels of
radio frequency energy that may cause interference to communications equipment.
Operation of this equipment may cause interference with radio, television, or other
communications equipment. The user is responsible for correcting such interference
at the expense of the user.
WARNING - Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions: Any damage caused by
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) through inadequate earth grounding is NOT covered
under the warranty of this product. See the Electrostatic (ESD) Precautions
section of this guide for more information.
Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents
Part 1 - I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Product Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 Packing Slip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.1 Stand-Alone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.2 Remote Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2
2
3
3
3
3

2 Interconnects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1 I2C Bus/SMBus Connector (BUS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.1 Clip-Lead Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1.2 Alternate Interface Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.2 USB/RS-232 Host Computer Interface (COM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.3 External Trigger (TRIG9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4
4
4
5
5
6

3 Monitor Unit Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1 ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.1 Grounding Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1.2 Grounding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2 Connecting a Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.1 Internal Battery Power (ON) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.2 External Power (EXT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3 Connecting to an I2C Bus/SMBus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4 Connecting the External Trigger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6
6
6
7
8
8
8
8
9

4 Monitor Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Stand-Alone Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.1 Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.2 Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1.2.1 Address Select Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.2.2 View Status Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.2.3 Trace Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2.4 View Data Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.2.5 Bus Simulation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.2 Remote Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Part 2 - I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1 Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2 Software Installation (CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3 Software Installation (Internet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4 Equipment Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5 Starting The Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6 Bus Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.1 Real-time Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2 Buffered Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3 Log-file Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17
17
17
18

7 Program Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1 Message Mode Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.2 Byte Mode Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.3 Trace Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.4 Dump Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.5 Pause Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.6 More Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.7 Halt Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.8 Clear Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.9 Monitor Interface Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.10 Display Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.11 Timestamp Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.12 I2C Bus Data Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.14 Slave Address Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.15 Message Data Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.16 Smart Battery System (SBS) Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.17 Address Alias Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.18 Byte Mode Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18
18
18
19
19
20
20
20
20
21
21
21
22
23
23
24
24
25

8 Program Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.1 File|Save Display As . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.2 File|Printer Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.3 File|Printer Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.4 File|Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.5 Setup|Interface Settings|19.2K Baud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25
25
25
25
25
25

8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
8.10
8.11
8.12
8.13
8.14
8.15
8.16
8.17
8.18
8.19
8.20
8.21
8.22
8.23
8.24

Setup|Interface Settings|57.6K Baud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Setup|Trace Control|Remote Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup|Trace Control|Dump Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup|Open Log File for Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup|Open File for Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup|Open Display File for Write . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup|Program Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options|Show Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options|Word Wrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options|SetFont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filtering|Slave Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filtering|Message Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filtering|Smart Battery System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
View|Address Alias Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
View|Byte Mode Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Help|ReadMe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Help|Release Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Help|Check for Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Help|About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26
26
26
26
26
27
27
27
27
27
27
27
28
28
28
28
28
28
28

Part 3 - Programmers Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

1 Serial Port Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1 Baud Rate Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 ASCII Remote Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 Binary Remote Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 CTS/RTS Handshaking Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.5 Dump Trace Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.6 Enable Bus Simulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.7 Remote Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.8 Select Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.9 Test System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.10 Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31
32
32
33
35
35
36
37
37
38
38

Appendix A - Solving Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Appendix B - Operating Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix C - USB/RS-232 Serial Port Interface (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Part 1 - I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor

Part 1
I2C Bus/SMBus
Monitor
Installation and Overview
Model No. MIIC-101

1 Overview
The MCC I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor (#MIIC-101) is a Troubleshooting Tool for the
I2C Bus (Inter-Integrated Circuit Bus) developed by Philips/NXP, SMBus (System
Management Bus) developed by Intel, PMBus (Power Management Bus), and a
wide variety of bus implementations and protocols based upon the I2C Bus or
SMBus. When connected to an active bus, the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor can capture,
filter, and display bus message activity.
The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor can operate in two modes, stand-alone and remote. In
stand-alone mode, the built-in display and keypad support the capture and display
of bus messages. In remote mode, the monitor is controlled by a host computer via a
USB or RS-232 communications port.
To assist remote mode operation, MCC offers optional Windows-based I2C
Bus/SMBus Analyzer software (#SMB-SW) that can control the monitor unit from
a host computer. This software allows bus message data to be captured, logged,
filtered, displayed, and analyzed using various display options and one of several
built-in bus protocol parsers, including the display of Smart Battery System (SBS)
messages in engineering units.
In addition to MCCs standard software, a customer may also develop custom
software to meet special processing requirements. Custom software can control,
collect, and upload live or pre-recorded bus message data to a host system. This
provides a powerful tool for integrating the monitor into an automatic
manufacturing-test environment. Remote control is accomplished via a series of
ASCII text commands. A description of the monitors command set is provided in
the Programmers Reference section of this manual.
1.1

Product Features

I2C Bus and SMBus Compatible.

Stand-Alone and Remote Operating Modes.
Captures bus traffic to 100kHz with minimal clock-stretching.
Compatible with 3.3 to 5 volt bus logic.
Stores up to 2700 bus messages in stand-alone mode. Unlimited in remote-mode.
USB or RS-232 host computer communications interface.
Optional analysis software integrates monitor and PC resources.

1.2

Packing Slip

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor package includes the following items:

I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor unit.

I2C clip-lead cable (#CABCL).
I2C interface cable (#CAB4).
External trigger clip-lead cable.
USB or RS-232 interface cable.
Power supply.
Users guide.
Optional Windows-based Analyzer Software.

1.3

System Requirements

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor can be used in stand-alone mode or host computer
controlled remote mode.
1.3.1 Stand-Alone Mode
To use the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor in stand-alone mode, the system under test
must meet the following requirements:

I2C Bus or SMBus compliant.

Operate the bus at 100kHz or less.
Support bus clock-stretching.
Operate with a 3.3 volt to 5 volt pull-up voltage.

1.3.2 Remote Mode

To use the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor in remote mode with the I2C Bus/SMBus
Analyzer Software, the system under test must meet Stand-Alone Mode
requirements, and the host computer must meet the following requirements:
MCC I2C/SMBus Monitor (#MIIC-101) for data capture.
Microsoft Windows XP (x86), Vista (x86/x64), 7 (x86/x64).
1 Free USB or RS-232 Port.

2 Interconnects
The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor includes three interconnections, BUS, COM, and
TRIG9.
2.1

I2C Bus/SMBus Connector (BUS)

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor includes a four-wire, positive locking, modular

receptacle connector (BUS) for interfacing to the I2C Bus or SMBus of a target
system. Lines provided include Clock (SCL), Data (SDA), Ground, and +5VDC.

Receptacle Connector

The minimum test connections are Clock, Data, and Ground. Use of the +5V wire is
optional. Connect the +5V wire to the target system to power the I2C Bus/SMBus
Monitor and the target system from a common regulated 5V power supply. See the
External Power section of this guide for additional information.
The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor includes two cables that can be used to connect the
monitor unit to a target system, a clip-lead cable, and an I2C Bus interface cable.
Both cables use a common modular plug for connection to the monitor unit, and a
common wire color coding (White = Clock, Red = +5VDC, Green = Data, Black =
Ground).
2.1.1 Clip-Lead Cable
The clip-lead cable (#CABCL) provides an easy clip-on connection to the system
under test. Test clips are provided for:
4

Clip ID
G
D
V
C

Signal
GND
SDA
V
SCL

Description
Ground Line
I2C/SMBus Data Line
+5V (Optional)
I2C/SMBus Clock Line

2.1.2 Alternate Interface Cable

The I2C interface cable (#CAB4) provides an alternate method to connect the
monitor unit to a target system. This interface cable provides an MCC I2C modular
plug at both ends. Since there is no standard I2C Bus or SMBus connector, you may
want to cut off one end of the interface cable and add a connector compatible with
your target system.
Additional clip-lead cables, I2C interface cables, and mating modular receptacle
connectors are available from MCC. (see Appendix A)
2.2

USB/RS-232 Host Computer Interface (COM)

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor is available with USB or RS-232 host computer
interface cables. Both interface cable types plug into the monitors RJ-45 type
serial port connector (COM), and provide connection to an optional host computer
system for remote control and data uploading capabilities.

COM Port
Connector

Pin
1
2
3
4

Signal
CTS
TX
GND
RX

Description
Clear To Send (Host > Monitor) (Optional)
Data (Monitor > Host)
Ground Line
Data (Host > Monitor)

The USB interface cable requires the installation of a USB Virtual Communications
5

Port (VCP) driver. This driver is automatically downloaded and installed from the
Microsoft Windows Updater website when the cable is plugged into a USB port on
the host computer. See Appendix C for additional RS-232 interface information.
2.3

External Trigger (TRIG9)

An External Trigger port connector (TRIG9) and clip lead provides Trace
synchronization with external signals. The trigger is activated on a high to low
signal transition.
3 Monitor Unit Set-Up
3.1

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Precautions

Electrostatic discharge is defined as the transfer of charge between bodies at

different electrical potentials. Electrostatic discharge can change the electrical
characteristics of a semiconductor device, degrading or destroying it. Electrostatic
discharge also may upset the normal operation of an electronic system, causing
equipment malfunction or failure.
When connecting the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor to a host computer and a target
system, extreme care must be taken to avoid electrostatic discharge. Failure to
follow ESD protection procedures when using the monitor unit could damage the
host computer, monitor unit, or the target system, and void product warranty
coverage.
3.1.1 Grounding Problems
When connecting the host computer, monitor unit, and target system, several
potential grounding problems could exist. Some typical examples include:
Case 1 - Desktop and Single-board Computers. The chassis on a desktop or
single-board host computer must be connected to earth ground to comply with
safety regulations. If the computer chassis is NOT connected to earth ground for
some reason (i.e., use of a two-prong power mains plug), the host computer power
supply ground will float to some unknown voltage potential.
Case 2 - Laptop Computers. Laptop computers present special ESD problems. Most
laptop computers use an external double-insulated mains power supply which is
NOT connected to the mains earth ground. This means that the laptop chassis is
6

floating at some unknown voltage potential.

Case 3 - Target Systems. The chassis on a target system may or may not be
connected to earth ground. If the chassis is NOT connected to earth ground for
some reason (i.e., use of a two-prong power mains plug), the target system power
supply ground will float to some unknown voltage potential.
In any case, upon connecting to the monitor unit, target system, and host computer,
a discharge of energy may occur between the devices. This discharge could damage
the host computer, monitor unit, and the target system.
3.1.2 Grounding Solutions
To avoid damage to the host computer, monitor unit, or target system, follow these
instructions:
1. Wear an earth grounded wrist strap, or discharge any static charge build-up,
when handling the monitor unit or any target system devices.
2. Ensure that both the host computer and target system are connected to a common
earth ground point.
3. Make sure that all interconnections are made BEFORE applying power to the
host computer, monitor unit, and target system.
4. If you are using a laptop computer or host computer that is NOT connected to
mains earth ground, make a hard-wired connection from the host computer metal
enclosure or ground point and the target system ground connector to a common
earth ground point.
5. Avoid plugging and unplugging system components while the host computer or
target system is powered.
6. Ensure that any devices connected to the target system are properly grounded to
the common earth ground point.
7. If unsure how to properly ground system components, seek electrical expert help.
An alternative solution to grounding problems is to avoid connecting the monitor
unit to both the host computer and target system at the same time. This can be
achieved by collecting bus data with the monitor unit in stand-alone mode, then
transferring buffered data to the host computer in dump mode.
WARNING: Any damage caused by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) through
inadequate earth grounding is NOT covered under the warranty of this product.
7

3.2

Connecting a Power Source

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor can be powered from either internal or external power
sources.
3.2.1 Internal Battery Power (ON)
An internal 9V battery provides unit power when the power switch is in the ON
position. This power source allows the unit to operate stand-alone, or when another
power source is unavailable.
3.2.2 External Power (EXT)
When the power switch is in the EXTernal position, the unit can be powered from:
1. The BUS +5V (V) line.
2. A regulated +5V wall power supply (#MWT-5VAG) through the external power
jack (+5V) using a 2.5mm barrel plug, center tap positive.
~ ~ ~ ~ CAUTION ~ ~ ~ ~
Powering the monitor from its +5V external power jack applies power to the
BUS +5V (V) line. The BUS (V) line should only be connected to the system
under test if:
a) You are powering the monitor from the target system; or,
b) You are powering the target system from the monitor.
DO NOT CONNECT BOTH THE MONITOR AND TARGET POWER
SUPPLIES TOGETHER.

3.3

Connecting to an I2C Bus/SMBus

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor includes two alternative methods for connection the
monitor unit to an I2C Bus or SMBus under test, a clip-lead cable, and an I2C
interface cable. Information on these cables are available in the I2C Bus/SMBus
Connector (BUS) section of this guide. The minimum test connections are Clock,
Data, and Ground. For information on using the +5v option, see the External
Power section of this guide.
8

3.4

Connecting the External Trigger

The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor provides External Triggering for Trace

synchronization with external events. Trace synchronization allows bus traffic to be
collected immediately before or after an electronic event.
A High-to-Low transition on the External Trigger port can be used to start a PRETRIG trace, or stop a POST-TRIG trace. See the Trace Mode section of this guide
for trace synchronization details.
4 Monitor Operations
The I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor operates in one of two modes, stand-alone and
remote. In stand-alone mode, the built-in display and keypad support the capture
and display of bus data. No connection to a host computer is required. In remote
mode, the monitor is controlled by a host computer via its serial communications
port.
4.1

Stand-Alone Mode

4.1.1 Quick Start

1.
2.
3.
4.

Connect monitor to the target bus.

Turn monitor power to ON or EXT.
Select address mode ALL or SELECT.
Press the PRE-TRIG or POST-TRIG Trace button to begin data capture.
a. PRE-TRIG waits for TRIG9 line low or repeat PRE-TRIG button press, and
collects data until the internal buffer is full or another button is pressed.
b. POST-TRIG collects data until TRIG9 line low or another button pressed.
Oldest buffered data is overwritten.
5. Press VIEW-DATA button to end capture and enable BYTE, MSG, and
BUFFER display scroll buttons.
4.1.2 Operating Modes

When using the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor in stand-alone mode, the unit performs
data collection and display using five (5) operating modes. These operating modes
include:

Operating Mode

Description

Address Selection

Select slave address to monitor

View Status

View bus signal logic levels

Trace

Capture bus message data

View Data

View captured bus data

Simulation

Simulate bus message data

4.1.2.1 Address Select Mode

Address Select Mode is used to select the bus slave address or addresses the unit
will monitor. Address Select Mode is entered by pressing the MONITOR-SELECT
or MONITOR-ALL key on the units front panel.
The MONITOR-SELECT key is used to specify a single bus slave address to
monitor. The first time this key is pressed, the unit will display the current selected
slave address. Subsequent key presses will step the unit through all possible slave
addresses. Release the key to select a specific slave address.
Pressing the MONITOR-ALL key instructs the unit to collect bus traffic to all slave
addresses.
Pressing any other mode select key terminates Address Select Mode with the
displayed slave address selected. Slave address selection may also be set with the
Select Address serial port command.
4.1.2.2 View Status Mode
View Status Mode displays I2C Bus/SMBus signals and TRIG line levels. View
Status Mode is entered by pressing the VIEW-STATUS key on the monitor units
front panel.
In View Status Mode, the unit displays the following line levels (0" for < 0.5V, 1"
for > 3.0V):

10

V
SCL
SDA
TRIG

Bus +5V Line

Clock
Data
Trace Trigger Input

Selecting any other operating mode terminates View Status Mode.

4.1.2.3 Trace Mode
In Trace Mode, the unit collects and stores all or selected bus traffic with PRE or
POST Trace triggering.
Trace Mode is entered by pressing the PRE-TRIG or POST-TRIG key on the units
front panel. All previously collected data is erased from the monitors internal
storage. Bus traffic to one or all slave devices is collected in accordance with the
current Address Select Mode defined above.
Pressing the PRE-TRIG key instructs the unit to start collecting bus traffic upon
receiving a trigger signal. Pressing the PRE-TRIG key again, or a High-to Low
transition on the External Trigger line will start data collection with the next
START condition on the bus. Once started, PRE-TRIG data collection continues
until the monitors internal trace buffer is full, or another operating mode is
selected.
Pressing the POST-TRIG key instructs the unit to start collecting bus traffic
immediately with the next START condition on the bus. Once started, POST-TRIG
data collection continues until a High-to-Low transition is detected on the External
Trigger line, or another operating mode is selected. Once the trace buffer is full,
POST-TRIG tracing continues collecting data by overwriting the oldest stored data
with the newest.
Selecting any other operating mode terminates Trace Mode.
4.1.2.4 View Data Mode
View Data Mode displays data captured during the last trace of bus activity. View
Data Mode is entered by pressing the VIEW-DATA key on the units front panel.

11

Displayed information includes:

Number of Messages and Bytes Captured

Start/Stop Events
Message Number and Message Byte Number
Message Destination Slave Address
Read/Write Requests
Acknowledgments and Negative-Acknowledgments
Transmitted Data in Hex and ASCII

View Data Mode supports forward and reverse scrolling of captured data bytes or
messages. View Data Mode key actions include:
Key
BYTE-UP
BYTE-DOWN
MSG-UP
MSG-DOWN
BUFFER-UP
BUFFER-DOWN

Action
- Move Backward one byte.
- Move Forward one byte.
- Move Backward one message.
- Move Forward one message.
- Move to Start of buffer.
- Move to End of buffer.

The monitor uses the following display syntax:

I2C Event
Start of Buffer
.
Start Read w/Ack
Data w/Ack
Stop Condition
.
End of Buffer
where: MMMM
NNN
AA
DD
C
R/W
N/A

Display
[- START OF TRACE -]
[MMMM:START AA RA]
[MMMM:NNN DD !C !A]
[MMMM:STOP
]
[ -- END OF TRACE -- ]
- Trace Message Number
- Message Byte Number
- Device Address in Hexadecimal Format
- Data in Hexadecimal Format
- Data in ASCII Format
- Read or Write Request
- Receiver Negative or Positive Acknowledgment
12

Selecting any other operating mode terminates View Data Mode.

4.1.2.5 Bus Simulation Mode
In Bus Simulation Mode, the monitor simulates I2C Bus traffic without a bus
connection. Emulation provides a learning and testing platform without the need for
a working bus.
Bus simulation is enabled by pressing the BUFFER-UP key on the units front
panel during the power-up sequence. Once enabled, bus simulation remains in effect
until the next unit power-up cycle.
During Trace operations, bus simulation repetitively simulates the following three
bus messages:
Start, Slave Address x02, Write, Acknowledge, Hello, Stop
Start, Slave Address x04, Write, Acknowledge, World, Stop
Start, Slave Address xFE, Read, Negative Acknowledge, Stop
Bus simulation is also be enabled when the monitor unit receives an Enable Bus
Simulation command at its serial port.
4.2

Remote Mode

In remote mode, the monitor is controlled by a host computer via a USB or RS-232
interface cable. In this mode, bus traffic can be collected or uploaded to the Host
system for storage and further analysis. Remote Mode is entered when the monitor
unit receives a Remote command at its serial port (COM).
The monitor responds to a variety of serial port commands including:

Baud Rate Select

ASCII or Binary Remote Upload Select
Slave Address Select
Dump Trace Buffer
Remote Trace
Help

For remote operations, MCC offers Windows-based I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer

software. This software is described in Part 2 of this guide. Remote mode
13

operations can also be controlled by custom user developed software. For more
information see the Programmers Reference section in this guide.
Selecting any other operating mode terminates Remote Operating Mode.

14

Part 2 - I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer Software

Part 2
I2C Bus/SMBus
Analyzer Software
Release 3

15

The I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer Software provides real-time capture and on-screen
display of live or previously recorded I2C Bus or SMBus messages. It is designed
to work with the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor (#MIIC-101). The software also provides
filtering of displayed messages by device slave address read/write/ack/nack events,
message data match/no-match events, and Smart Battery System events, and
provides a global display of bus activity over all 7-bit slave addresses.
1 Quick Start
1.
2.
3.
4.

Install the software (see CD/Download Installation below).

Connect monitor to the target bus.
Connect monitor to host PC USB or RS-232 ComPort.
When first using the USB interface cable, the USB driver should download
and install automatically.
5. Turn monitor power to ON (battery) or EXT (external).
6. Select the USB/RS-232 ComPort connected to bus monitor.
7. Click Trace button.
2 Software Installation (CD)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Administrative Privilege May Be Required.

Insert CD.
If AutoRun does not start, double-click Setup.exe on CD.
Follow instructions on screen.

3 Software Installation (Download)

1. Administrative Privilege May Be Required.
2. Follow web page instructions to download and install software.
4 Equipment Setup
1. Connect the monitor to the host computer using the USB or RS-232 interface
cable.
2. Connect monitor to the target I2C Bus/SMBus using the provided clip lead
cable or I2C Interface Cable.
3. Connect the monitor power supply to an available AC power source and
connect the power supply power jack to the monitor +5V connector (optional).
4. Turn monitor power ON (battery power) or EXT (external power).
16

NOTE: Previously collected Log files (*.i2cx or *.i2c) may be analyzed off-line
without connection to the bus monitor. Several sample Log files are installed
during product installation. See the Setup|Open File for Read section below.
5 Starting The Program
1. From Start Menu, select Programs|I2C Bus_SMBus Analyzer.
2. Click on I2C Bus_SMBus Analyzer.
6 Bus Data Display
The I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer Software can display real-time, buffered, or prerecorded Log file data.
6.1

Real-time Data Display

Real-time data displays bus data as it is collected by the monitor unit. Click the
Setup|Trace Control|Remote Trace menu item, select the USB or RS-232
ComPort connected to the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor, then click on the Trace Button.
If Log File recording is enabled, all message data received from the monitor is
stored in the currently active Log file. If Display File recording is enabled, all
displayed message data is stored in the currently active Display file.
6.2

Buffered Data Display

Buffered data displays bus data previously collected by the monitor unit while
operating in the stand-alone mode. Click the Setup|Trace Control|Dump Buffer
menu item, select the ComPort connected to the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor, then click
on the Dump Button.
If Log File recording is enabled, all message data received from the monitor is
stored in the currently active Log file. If Display File recording is enabled, all
displayed message data is stored in the currently active Display file.

17

6.3

Log-file Data Display

Log-file data displays bus data previously recorded by the I2C Bus/SMBus Analyzer
Software in a Log file. Click Setup|Open File for Read, and select an I2C log file
(*.I2C or *.I2CX). Several sample log files are installed in the software default
folder during software installation. Log files may also be exchanged with associates
or co-workers for remote analysis.
7 Program Controls
I2C/SMBus Analyzer Software program controls consist of view windows, buttons,
list boxes, check boxes, grid controls, menu items, and dialog boxes. This section
describes these controls and explains how to use these controls to capture and
display bus message data.
7.1

Message Mode Viewer

The Message Mode Viewer is the main screen for displaying bus messages. The
Message Mode Viewer displays messages that are enabled in the Slave Address
Map and Message Data Filter control. Message display format is controlled by the
currently-selected Display, Timestamp, I2C Bus Data, and Bus Protocol controls.
Message Mode Viewer messages are displayed upon the detection of a bus
REPEATED-START or STOP event.
7.2

Byte Mode Viewer

18

The Byte Mode Viewer displays bus events for the current message as they are
detected. Byte Mode Viewer messages are NOT filtered by the Slave Address Map
or Message Data filter controls. Messages are displayed using the Hex format. Open
the Byte Mode Viewer by clicking on the View|Byte Mode Viewer menu item.
Use the Byte Mode Viewer to display message events as they cross the bus. The
Byte Mode Viewer is especially useful in displaying partial bus messages. That is,
messages that never finish due to master or slave device problems.
7.3

Trace Button

Click the Trace button to put the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor in Remote Mode, and
display real-time messages captured from the I2C or SMBus. Message data begins
with the next bus START event. The Trace button is available when the
Setup|Trace Control|Remote Trace menu item is selected.
If Log file recording is enabled, message data received from the monitor is stored in
the currently active Log file. If Display File recording is enabled, all displayed
message data is stored in the currently active Display file.
7.4

Dump Button

Click the Dump button to put the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor into Dump Mode, and
display any bus messages held in the monitors internal buffer. Dump Mode allows
bus message data previously recorded in monitor stand-alone mode to be later
transferred to a Host computer. Monitor data is maintained while external or
internal (i.e., battery) power is enabled. The Dump button is available when the
19

Setup|Trace Control|Dump Buffer menu item is selected.

If Log file recording is enabled, message data is stored in the currently active Log
file. If Display File recording is enabled, all displayed message data is stored in the
currently active Display file.
7.5

Pause Button

Click the Pause button to pause the display of log file messages. The Pause button is
available when the Setup|Open File for Read menu item is selected, and Log file
messages are being displayed.
7.6

More Button

Click the More button to continue the display of paused Log file messages. The
More button is available when the Setup|Open File for Read menu item is
selected, and the message display has been paused or is full.
7.7

Halt Button

Click the Halt button to terminate monitor Remote Mode, Dump Mode, or the
display of Log file messages.
7.8

Clear Button

Click the Clear button to manually clear the message display area.

20

7.9

Monitor Interface Control

Use the Monitor Interface control to select the interface type and ComPort
connected to the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor. The Monitor Interface control provides a
list of all selected interface type ports detected on the Host computer. Click the
Refresh button to refresh the list.
7.10 Display Options

Display check boxes control the display of events within I2C or SMBus messages,
including:
Start/Stop Events
Byte Index within Message
Read/Write Events
Acknowledgment/Negative-Acknowledgment Events
Filter (Slave Address, Message Data, and SBS) Enable/Disable
7.11 Timestamp Options

Timestamp check boxes control the display of message start event times for I2C or
SMBus messages, including:
Start Time Display Enable/Disable
Absolute Time from the First Message
Relative Time form the Last Message
Data+Time of the Start Event

21

7.12 I2C Bus Data Display

The I2C Bus Data control selects how message data is displayed. Supported formats
include:
Show Data
Hex
Dec
Bin
ASCII
CD

Enable/Disable I2C Bus Data Display

Hexadecimal [00...FF]
Decimal [0...255]
Binary [0000.1111]
Printable ASCII or Hexadecimal [00...1F, space...~, 7F...FF]
Comma-Delimited [00,11,22,...]

7.13 Bus Protocol

The Bus Protocol control selects the protocol used to parse and display message
data. Supported protocols include:
I2C Bus
SBS

- I2C Bus Data Display

- Smart Battery System Data Display [mA, mV...]

22

7.14 Slave Address Map

Use the Slave Address Map to view slave device activity on the bus and filter
Message Viewer displayed messages.
The Slave Address Map indicates slave address activity on the bus with a solid red
dot (#) for a slave address acknowledgment, and a hollow red dot (G) for a negative
acknowledgment.
The Slave Address Map also controls message display filtering in the Message
Viewer. Click on a slave address grid position to select display of slave address
Read, Write, Acknowledged, or Not Acknowledged messages. Open the Slave
Address Map by clicking on the Filtering|Slave Address menu item.
7.15 Message Data Filter

Use the Message Data Filter to filter the Message Viewer display of bus messages
23

by message data content. Combined (Write+Read) or separate (Write or Read)

message data within the first eight (8) bytes following a bus Start event can be
tested for a match or no match condition. Open the Message Data Filter by clicking
on the Filtering|Message Data menu item.
7.16 Smart Battery System (SBS) Filter

Use the Smart Battery System (SBS) Filter to control and filter the Message Viewer
display of Smart Battery System messages. Open the Smart Battery System Filter
by clicking on the Filtering|Smart Battery System menu item.
7.17 Address Alias Table

Use the Address Alias Table to customize the display of slave address names
displayed by the Message Viewer. By default, device slave addresses are display in
hexadecimal. The Address Alias Table allows the customization of displayed slave
device names for your specific setup. Open the Address Alias Table by clicking on
the View|Address Alias Table menu item.
24

7.18 Byte Mode Viewer

Use the Byte Mode Viewer to view bus events for the current message as they are
detected. Byte Mode Viewer messages are NOT filtered, and can be used to view
incomplete bus messages that do not have a terminating Stop or Repeated-Start
event. Open the Byte Mode Viewer by clicking on the View|Byte Mode Viewer
menu item.
8 Program Menu Items
The following items are accessed from the program menu bar.
8.1

File|Save Display As

Click to save the currents of the Message Viewer to a text file.

8.2

File|Printer Setup

Click to Configure printer settings.

8.3

File|Printer Display

Print the messages in the Message Viewer.

8.4

File|Exit

Click to terminate trace and display activities, and exit the program.
8.5

Setup|Interface Settings|19.2K Baud

Click to set the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor serial port communications rate to 19,200
baud.

25

8.6

Setup|Interface Settings|57.6K Baud

Click to set the I2C Bus/SMBus Monitor serial port communications rate to 57,600
baud. This baud rate may can cause loss of data on some older PCs.
8.7

Setup|Trace Control|Remote Trace

Click to enable real-time data collection in Remote Mode. In Remote Mode,

clicking the Trace button will establish a USB or RS-232 link with the I2C
Bus/SMBus Monitor using the currently selected ComPort and Baud Rate, and
place the monitor in Remote Mode. Data captured from the I2C or SMBus will be
transferred to the Host computer and displayed using the current display settings.
If Log file recording is enabled, message data is stored in the currently active Log
file. If Display File recording is enabled, all displayed message data is stored in the
currently active Display file.
8.8

Setup|Trace Control|Dump Buffer

Click to enable monitor-buffered data collection in Dump Mode. In Dump Mode,

clicking the Dump button will establish a USB or RS-232 link with the I2C
Bus/SMBus Monitor, and place the monitor in Dump Mode. Bus message data
previously stored in the monitors internal buffer will be transferred to the Host
computer and displayed using the current display settings.
If Log file recording is enabled, message data is stored in the currently active Log
file. If Display File recording is enabled, all displayed message data is stored in the
currently active Display file.
8.9

Setup|Open Log File for Write

Click to enable Log File recording. Subsequent message data received from the I2C
Bus/SMBus Monitor in Remote or Dump Modes is saved to the specified file (Time
Stamped *.I2CX or Standard *.I2C). Saved Log files can be displayed using the
Setup|Open File for Read menu item.
8.10 Setup|Open File for Read
Click to read a previously recorded file for processing and display. The program
can read/process/display log files (Time Stamped *.I2CX or Standard *.I2C), or
26

ASCII text (*.TXT) files. Log file message data is displayed according to the
current filtering and display options selected. ASCII text files are simply displayed.
8.11 Setup|Open Display File for Write
Click to enable Display File recording. Subsequent displayed messages are saved to
the specified file (*.TXT). Saved Display files can be used to create bus activity
documentation. If the Comma-Delimited (CD) Data Protocol is selected, Display
files can be imported into spreadsheet programs for additional analysis.
8.12 Setup|Program Settings
Click to save, load, or restore default, program settings. The program settings are
saved to the file I2C.INI. These settings automatically override default settings
each time the program is started.
8.13 Options|Show Hints
Click to enable or disable the display of program control hints (i.e., tool tips).
8.14 Options|Word Wrap
Click to enable or disable the single line or wrap display of Message Viewer
messages.
8.15 Options|SetFont
Click to select Message and Byte Mode Viewer display font characteristics.
8.16 Filtering|Slave Address
Click to display the Slave Address Map grid. Use the Slave Address Map to
monitor slave device activity and filter displayed messages. See the Slave Address
Map control section of this guide for details.
8.17 Filtering|Message Data
Click to display the Message Data Filter. Use the Message Data Filter to filter
displayed messages by data content. See the Message Data Filter control section of
this guide for details.
27

8.18 Filtering|Smart Battery System

Click to display the Smart Battery System Filter. Use the Smart Battery System
Filter to control the display of Smart Battery System messages. See the Smart
Battery System Filter section of this guide for details.
8.19 View|Address Alias Table
Click to display the Address Alias Table. The Address Alias Table allows user
customization of displayed slave device names.
8.20 View|Byte Mode Viewer
Click to display the Byte Mode Viewer. The Byte Mode Viewer displays bus events
for the current message as they are detected. Byte Mode Viewer messages are NOT
filtered by the Slave Address Map control. Messages are displayed using the ASCII
or Hex Protocol, with message display format controlled by the currently-selected
Display Options.
8.21 Help|ReadMe
Click to display program technical notes.
8.22 Help|Release Report
Click to display the program release information.
8.23 Help|Check for Updates
Click to display the program update information. Internet connection required.
8.24 Help|About
Click to display program information.

28

Part 3 - Programmers Reference

Part 3

Programmers Reference

29

This section is a description for programmers writing custom applications.

The Host System Interface provides serial port access to monitor data capture
functions. The monitor provides the following serial port commands to assist in bus
traffic collection:
19.2K Baud Select . . . . . . . . . . . 1
57.6K Baud Select . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ASCII Remote Select . . . . . . . . . A
Binary Remote Select . . . . . . . . . B
CTS/RTS Handshaking . . . . . . . C
Dump Trace Buffer . . . . . . . . . . D
Enable Bus Simulation . . . . . . . . E
Remote Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R
Select Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S(ALL| [Slave Address] )
Test System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T
Escape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <Esc>
Screen Pause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
<Ctrl - S>
Screen Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . <Ctrl - Q>
?Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
The following sections give details on the syntax and operation of these commands.
Command Syntax
Serial commands consist of a single ASCII character command key possibly
followed by command parameters and terminated with a <Carriage Return>.
()

Optional parameters.

[]

Numeric parameters. All such parameters are specified in hexadecimal

without a radix specifier. Example 00 to FF.

Alternate selection. Only one of the alternate selections is permitted.

< > Control keys.

30

1 Serial Port Commands

Command

Syntax

Description

Baud Rate Select

1<CR>
5<CR>

19.2K baud select

57.6K baud select

ASCII Protocol Select

A<CR>

Configure Remote Trace to send

trace data in ASCII format.

Binary Protocol Select

B<CR>

Configure Remote Trace to send

trace data in binary format.

CTS/RTS Flow Control

C<CR>

Toggle Clear To Send (CTS) /

Request To Send (RTS) serial port
flow control.

Dump Trace Buffer

D<CR>

Dump pre-recorded message trace

data in ASCII format.

Enable Simulation

E<CR>

Simulate bus message traffic

without a bus connection.

Remote Trace

R<CR>

Place monitor in Remote Mode and

sends all captured bus traffic to the
serial port in the current selected
format (ASCII or Binary).

Slave Address Select

SALL<CR>
Sxx<CR>

Monitor all
Monitor single slave address

System Test

T<CR>

Enter test mode

?Help

?<CR>

Display monitor help

31

1.1

Baud Rate Select

Syntax:

1 (9200) | 5(7600)

Description:
The Baud Rate Select command sets the monitor units serial port to 19.2K or
57.6K baud. The unit defaults to 19.2K baud at power-up.
NOTE: Executing a Remote Trace on high volumes of bus traffic at 19.2K baud
may cause loss of data due to monitor unit internal buffer overflows. Buffer
overflows are marked in the trace data stream with the ??? string.
NOTE: When executing a Remote Trace at 57.6K baud, the Host computer may
miss incoming data on character overwrites. Character overwrite detection is a
function of your Host computer software.
NOTE: Immediately after issuing a Baud Rate Select command, the Host computer
serial port must also change to the matching baud rate.
Example: 5 <CR>
1 <CR>
1.2

- 57.6K baud selected.

- 19.2K baud selected.

ASCII Remote Select

Syntax:

Description:
The ASCII Remote Select command configures Remote Trace data to be sent to the
serial port in printable ASCII format. At power-up, ASCII Remote is the default
transfer mode.
When ASCII Remote in enabled, data is transferred in three-character ASCII sets.
The first character specifies the bus event type. The following two characters
represent an 8-bit slave address or data byte value.

32

When executing a Remote Trace, data is sent to the serial port in the following
ASCII format:
TAATXX ...TXX<CR><LF>
where:
T - Event Type
1 - Start with Acknowledgment.
2 - Start without Acknowledgment.
3 - Data with Acknowledgment.
4 - Data without Acknowledgment.
5 - Stop
AA - 8-bit Slave Address (x00...xFF).
XX - 8-bit Data (x00...xFF).
Example: A<CR>
R<CR>
150320...323500<CR><LF>
where:
150
320
.
323
500

- Start, Slave Address 0x50 with Acknowledgment.

- Data 0x20 with Acknowledgment.
- Data 0x23 with Acknowledgment.
- Stop.

In the above example, a single bus message is uploaded to the Host system in
ASCII format during a Remote Trace.
1.3

Binary Remote Select

Syntax:

Description:
The Binary Remote Select command configures Remote Trace data to be sent to the
serial port in Binary format.
33

When Binary Remote is enabled, data is transferred in two-byte binary sets. The
first byte specifies the data type, and is followed by a slave address or data byte.
When executing a Remote Trace, data is sent to the serial port in the following
Binary format:
TATH...TH<CR><LF>
where:
T - Event Type
1 - Start with Acknowledgment
2 - Start without Acknowledgment.
3 - Data with Acknowledgment.
4 - Data without Acknowledgment.
5 - Stop.
A - 8-bit Slave Address (x00...xFF).
H - 8-bit Data (x00...xFF).
NOTE: The Binary format is reserved for future MCC product support.
Example: B<CR>
R<CR>
150320...323500<CR><LF>
where:
150
320
.
323
500

- Start, Slave Address 0x50 with Acknowledgment.

- Data 0x20 with Acknowledgment.
- Data 0x23 with Acknowledgment.
- Stop.

In the above example, a single bus message is uploaded to the Host system in binary
format during a Remote Trace.
1.4

CTS/RTS Handshaking Command

Syntax:

C
34

Description:
The CTS/RTS Command is used to toggle Clear-to-Send / Request-to-Send serial
port flow control. The power-up default condition is CTS/RTS Handshaking
disabled.
When enabled, CTS/RTS Handshaking halts monitor serial port output when the
Host RTS line is dis-asserted. This feature is useful in preventing serial link data
overflow on the host system.
The monitor always supports X-ON/X-OFF Serial link flow control. Sending an XOFF (Ctrl/S) character to the unit halts serial port output. Sending a subsequent XON (Ctrl/Q) character causes output to continue. This feature is useful during a
Dump or Remote Trace to temporarily stop data scrolling.
Example: C<CR> - CTS/RTS Handshaking Enabled
1.5

Dump Trace Buffer

Syntax:

Description:
The Dump Trace Buffer command sends all bus data collected during the last PRETRIG or POST-TRIG Trace to the serial port. Buffered data is unaltered by this
operation.
Data is sent to the serial port in ASCII format. See the ASCII Remote Select
command for format details.
Dump Trace Buffer terminates upon exhausting the buffer, or upon receiving an
Escape <ESC> character on the serial port.
Screen Pause <Ctrl-S> and Screen Resume <Ctrl-Q> are active.
Example: D<CR>
In the above example, buffered bus messages are uploaded to the Host system in
ASCII format during a Dump Trace Buffer operation. See the ASCII Remote Select
command for format details.
35

1.6

Enable Bus Simulation

Syntax:

Description:
The Enable Bus Simulation command causes the unit to emulate bus traffic without
a bus connection. Emulation provides a learning and testing platform without the
need for a working bus.
Bus simulation repetitively generates the following three messages:
10234836536C36C36F500 - Start, Slave Address x02 w/Ack, Hello, Stop
10435736F37236C364500 - Start, Slave Address x04 w/Ack, World, Stop
2FF500
- Start, Slave Address xFF w/Nack, Stop
See ASCII Remote Select for details on ASCII format.
Once enabled, bus simulation remains in effect until the next monitor unit power-up
cycle.
Bus simulation can also be enabled by pressing the BUFFER-UP key during the
unit power-up sequence.
Example: E<CR> - Enable Simulation
1.7

Remote Trace

Syntax:

Description:
The Remote Trace command places the unit in Remote Mode. Starting with the next
bus START event, all bus events are sent to the serial port.
During a Remote Trace, data is temporarily buffered in the monitor unit, then sent
to the serial port in the currently-selected ASCII or Binary format. See the ASCII
Remote Select or Binary Remote Select commands for data format details.
Remote Trace terminates upon receiving a High-to-Low transition on the External
36

Trigger line or receiving an Escape <ESC> character on the serial port.

Screen Pause <Ctrl-S> and Screen Resume <Ctrl-Q> are active.
Example: R<CR> - Start Remote Trace
In the above example, bus messages are buffered and uploaded to the Host system
in the selected ASCII or Binary format. See the ASCII Remote Select or Binary
Remote Select commands for data format details.
1.8

Select Address

Syntax:

S(ALL | [Slave Address] )

Description:
The Select Address command is used to select the bus slave address or addresses
the unit will monitor. During a PRE-TRIG, POST-TRIG, or Remote Trace, the unit
will capture all messages sent to this address.
Entering parameter ALL instructs the unit to collect bus traffic to all slave
addresses.
Entering a slave address parameter specifies a single bus address to monitor.
Slave address selection may also be set with the MONITOR-SELECT or
MONITOR-ALL keys. For more information see the Address Select Mode
section in this guide.
Example: SALL<CR> - Monitor ALL Slave addresses.
S50<CR>
- Monitor slave address x50.
1.9

Test System

Syntax:

Description:
The Test System command invokes manufacturing test functions. This command is
reserved for MCC use only.
37

NOTE: The Test System command is reserved for MCC manufacturing and support
use only.
1.10 Help
Syntax:

Description:
The Help command displays the syntax for the Monitor command set.
Example: ?<CR>

- display monitor Help Screen

38

Appendix A - Solving Problems

This section will help you solve problems in using the monitor.
Problem:
The monitor unit does not display the sign-on message on the internal LCD display
at power-up.
Solution:
1. Check the monitor unit power supply. If the power switch is in the ON position,
the unit is powered by the internal 9V battery. Check and replace a faulty battery.
2. If the switch is in the EXTernal position, the unit can be powered by a regulated
+5V external power supply via the +5V power jack or the I2C interface cable V
lead. Check and replace any faulty power source.
Problem:
The monitor unit does not communicate on the serial link.
Solution:
1. Power-off, then power-on the monitor unit.
2. Check the serial link connection at the monitor unit and Host system.
3. Confirm that the monitor unit and Host system are communicating at the same
baud rate and with the proper communication parameters.
Problem:
The monitor unit does not collect bus traffic in Trace Mode.
Solution:
1. Check cable connections at the monitor unit and target system bus. When using
the clip-lead cable, confirm SCL, SDA, and GND clip leads are connected to
appropriate bus lines.
2. If operating in stand-alone mode, check the monitor units selected slave address.
If a single bus address is specified, only messages directed to that address will be
collected. If operating in remote-mode, check the software enabled slave
39

addresses. Confirm the presence of bus traffic by monitoring all bus addresses.
3. When using the PRE-TRIG key in stand-alone mode, the monitor unit will wait
for a trigger event (TRIG9). Check the TRIG input using Line Status Mode. A
High-to Low transition, with minimum 2 microsecond Low duration, is required
to generate a trigger condition.
Problem:
Remote trace data displays ???, or Invalid Event Type.
Solution:
The monitor unit has experienced an internal buffer overflow. The monitor will
continue to collect bus data, but some message data may be lost.
1. Increase the serial port baud rate to 57600.
2. Reduce collected bus messages with the MONITOR-SELECT key.
3. Reduce message traffic while performing bus data protocol tests.

40

Appendix B - Operating Specifications

Parameter

Min

Typ

Max

Unit

+50
+70

/C
/C

+5%
40

V
mA
V

+1.5
+5.5
+-20

V
V
uA

Temperature Range
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature

0
-20

D.C. Characteristics
External Power
Input Current
Internal Battery
SDA and SCL (I2C Signals)
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
Input Leakage Current
Input Capacitance
w/o Test Cable
with Test Cable
Trigger Input
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
Input Current
Input Capacitance

-5%

5
20
9

-.05
+3.3

20
60

-0.5
+1.9

pF
pF

+0.9
+5.5
100
60

20

41

V
V
uA
pF

Appendix C - USB/RS-232 Serial Port Interface (Optional)

The USB/RS-232 Serial Cable provides the connection between the monitor and an
optional Host computer. On the monitor, the Serial Cable connects to the modular
RJ-45 connector marker COM. On the Host computer, the cable connects to a USB
port or standard RS-232 serial communications port. Both RS-232 DB-25 and DB-9
Host computer connectors are supported.
When using a Host computer, data terminal, or terminal emulator program to access
the monitor via its USB/RS-232 port, communication parameters must be properly
set before communicating can begin.
The monitor operates with the following Serial Link communication parameters:
Baud Rate

* 19.2K or 57.6K

Parity

None

Data Bits

Stop Bits

1 or 2

* The monitor defaults to 19.2K baud at power up. See the Programmers
Reference section of this guide for more information on switching baud rates.
When using the RS-232 interface, the monitors serial port is configured as a Data
Communications Equipment (DCE) device, thus permitting direct connection to a
PCs standard RS-232 serial communications port. In this configuration, only three
(3) wires (TX, RX, and GND) are required to establish serial communication. An
optional fourth handshaking wire may be used to establish hardware flow control.
DB-25 Pin Assignments
Pin

Name

Description

TX

Transmit Data to Monitor

RX

Receive Data from Monitor

RTS

Request to Send to Monitor (Optional)

GND

Signal Ground

42

DB-9 Pin Assignments

Pin

Name

Description

RX

Receive Data from Monitor

TX

Transmit Data to Monitor

GND

Signal Ground

RTS

Request to Send to Monitor (Optional)

43

Declaration of Conformity
This Declaration of Conformity is issued by the indicated company which is solely responsible
for the declared compliance.
Product: I2C/SMBus Monitor
Product Part Number: MIIC-101
Product Description: I2C/SMBus Monitor
Applicable Directive(s): EC Directive 89/336/EEC
Compliant Standards:
EN 55022 : 1998
Emissions Standard
Conducted Emissions (Class B)
Radiated Emissions (Class B)
EN 55024 : 1998
Immunity Standard
Immunity to Radiated Electromagnetic Fields
Immunity to Fast Transient Bursts - AC Power Lines
Immunity to Conducted Field - AC Power Lines
Immunity to Voltage Dips - AC Power Lines
Immunity to Electrostatic Discharge
Test Laboratory Information:
Cass Industries Ltd., Blackbrook Trading Estate, Weybrook Road, Manchester M19 2QD,
ENGLAND.
Test Report Number: CI02486b
Test Report Date: April 29th, 2005
Technical file held by: Micro Computer Control Corporation, 83 Princeton Avenue / PO Box
275, Hopewell, New Jersey 08525 USA, or its applicable authorized distributor or
representative.
Responsible Company: Micro Computer Control Corporation, 83 Princeton Avenue / PO Box
275, Hopewell, New Jersey 08525 USA, or its applicable authorized distributor or
representative.
Signature of Authorized Representative:

Name: Edward Thompson

Title: President, Micro Computer Control Corporation
Date: 13-MAR-12
44

45