We need to develop a Linux kernel driver (.ko) for an Intel-based system and want to be able to read/write I2C messages. Is this possible, and if so, what devices and software do you have that can support this project?

Thanks for your question! There are two devices available for use with your system. You can use the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter or the Promira Serial Platform and both come with Linux-compatible software APIs. The Aardvark adapter supports I2C up to 800 kHz and SPI up to 8 MHz, while the Promira platform is faster, and supports I2C up to 1 MHz and SPI up to 12.5 MHz.  The Promira platform also has integrated level shifting from 0/9 – 3.3V, Ethernet connectivity, and the ability to scale with upcoming software features.  The APIs support a variety of languages (C, Python, Visual Basic, C#) and allow you the flexibility to create a customized program to interface with your system. You can also read/write I2C data with both devices using our GUIs: the Control Center Serial software and Flash Center software.

Figure 1: Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter

Figure 2: Promira Serial Platform

The following is a summary of the our software applications that you can use with the Aardvark adapter and the Promira platform.

• The Aardvark and Promira Software APIs are used to control the Aardvark adapter and the Promira platform respectively, as well as to write custom programs specific for your system and test requirements.  The APIs come with support for multiple OS including Linux, Windows and Mac and multiple languages like C, Python, Visual Basic, and C#. The software API package includes example programs, which you can used as is or modify to meet your specifications.
• The Control Center Serial Software provides full access to all Aardvark adapter and Promira platform functionality, and eliminates the need to write custom software to control the Aardvark adapter. It has also a batch scripting capability with the Aardvark XML Batch Script Language.
• The Flash Center Software provides a mechanism to quickly erase, program, and verify I2C and SPI based EEPROM and flash memory chips. This package includes an extensible XML parts library with built-in support for EEPROMs and serial flash chips from major chip manufacturers.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• Aardvark Adapter User Manual

• Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter Quick Start Guide

• Aardvark Software API

• Aardvark API Documentation

• Control Center Serial Software

• Flash Center Software User Manual

• Promira Serial Platform User Manual

• Promira Serial Platform Quick Start Guide

• Promira API Documentation