I could use some pointers on getting started with the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter. I’m implementing an I2C communication between two PCs, each PC connected to an Aardvark adapter.  The goal is to define and implement the communication protocol, and verify it with the Aardvark IC2/SPI Host Adapter. Here’s an overview of my plan:

1. First, send custom packets back and forth using an app talking to your DLL.
2. Remove one Aardvark adapter and replace it with the hardware implementation we have on a custom board.
3. Finally remove the other Aardvark adapter and the slave device is implemented in the firmware for a microcontroller.

Is there a sample program provided that would help me do this on each of the two PCs? Or any example code in C or Delphi to exercise a DLL you provide?

Thanks for your question! The Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter is a general purpose device that can actively communicate on the bus, and provides I2C/SPI master and slave capabilities.  We provide multiple software options for use with the Aardvark adapter: Flash Center Software,  Control Center Serial Software and Aardvark Software API.

Getting Started with the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter

To get started, we recommend going through the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter Quick Start Guide to become familiar the Aardvark adapter and its features.

Software API Recommended for Verifying Communication Protocol

For the verification plan that you described, we recommend using Aardvark Software API. The Aardvark API can be used to control the Aardvark adapter, as well as write a custom program for your specific requirements. Functional programs are provided, which you can use as-is or modify for your setup.

For more information, please refer the API Documentation section of the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter User Manual.  We also provide Knowledge Base Articles and Videos that you may find useful.

Overview of the UI Software for the Aardvark Host Adapter

The Flash Center Software enables you to quickly erase, program, and verify I2C-based and SPI-based EEPROM and Flash memory chips. You can work with multiple chips and multiple adapters in parallel making it very effective for production environments.  You can also modify or create XML scripts to work with custom or new chip designs that are not yet supported by the Flash Center Software.

The Control Center Serial Software gives you easy access to all the features of the Aardvark adapter: I2C, SPI, and GPIO functionalities. With the detailed user interface (UI), this software can make developing and testing embedded systems much easier.

Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter User Manual
• Flash Software User Manual
• Control Center Serial Software User Manual

We hope this answers your question. If you have other questions about our host adapters or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com.  You can also request a demo that is specific for your application.

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