Expanding connections to remote sensor networks can reduce complexity and cost

Designers expanding connections to remote sensor networks can now lessen complexity and cost to the industry’s lowest levels with the DS28E18 1-Wire-to-I2C/SPI Bridge from Maxim Integrated Products. By using the company’s 1-Wire protocol to interface with I2C and SPI-compatible sensors, the device decreases complexity by connecting devices utilising only two wires compared to competitive solutions that need four wires for I2C or six for SPI.

The device facilitates both power and communications on a single wire, using the company’s 1-Wire protocol to connect with I2C or SPI peripheral devices over 100m with only two wires. The solution removes up to five extender and switch ICs, reducing connection costs and software complexity significantly. Also, only one programmable I/O port from the host microcontroller is required to operate a network with 10 to 20 nodes.

“Sensors are transforming consumer, industrial and healthcare products as they enhance data collection and make for more intelligent operation,” said Manuel Tagliavini, principal analyst, MEMS and Sensors at Omdia. “However, serial interfaces to these sensors dominate the market and any approach that can help reduce the complexity will be a boon for developers.”

“As sensors become more prevalent in a number of applications, so does the need to extend connectivity over longer distances,” said Scott Jones, managing director, Embedded Security at Maxim Integrated. “To cost-effectively extend the operating distance for serial interface devices invokes a great deal of complexity, but using 1-Wire protocol greatly simplifies these networks with simpler software and fewer cables and ICs.”