I2C Interface for Interface Adapter Modules
- Updated2026-07-27
- 2 minute(s) read
I2C is a standard bidirectional bus. The I2C bus is the primary interface for configuring SerDes chips and downstream devices such as cameras or imagers.
Each channel on an interface adapter module has an independent I2C bus segment. The I2C bus connects the carrier FPGA to the interface adapter module SerDes and any other I2C-addressable devices on the interface adapter module.
Physical Layer
Each channel on the interface adapter module connector includes dedicated I2C signal lines (SCL and SDA). These signals route through the interface adapter module to the SerDes. The signals might reach additional downstream devices depending on the interface adapter module design.
User Access
Configure interface adapter module components by submitting I2C transaction scripts via the SerDes Configuration Utility. Scripts are written in Python or C++. These scripts use I2C read and write transactions that are directed at specific device addresses.
Users are responsible for developing configuration scripts appropriate for the interface adapter module and the application. These scripts includes all SerDes initialization, operating mode selection, and downstream device configuration.
Remote Device Configuration via the Serial Link
Some interface adapter modules route I2C transactions over the serial link to remote devices. Remote devices can include a camera or an imaging sensor that is connected to the serializer. When supported, this capability is transparent to the user — the same script API is used for both local and remote device access. The interface adapter module SerDes routes traffic using the I2C addresses assigned to each device.
Refer to your interface adapter module documentation to verify remote I2C support and to identify device addresses reachable over the serial link.
Support in FlexRIO Interface Adapter Modules
| Interface Adapter Module Model | I2C per Channel | Remote Access via Serial Link |
|---|---|---|
| IVN-14811 | Supported | Supported via FPD-Link IV back-channel |
Related Information
- PXIe-148X Configuration Scripts User Guide
- Control and Configuration
Configure FPD-Link IV serializer and deserializer devices over I2C using the SerDes Configuration Utility. Use the FPD-Link IV back-channel for remote I2C configuration and GPIO-Over-Link forwarding.