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We have Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapters and are trying to use them for emulating flight kit I2C subsystems. The purpose is developing an onboard computer software to interact with the flight kits. We are using the Aardvark Software API. There seems to be a conflict:

• The specification of one subsystem is executing a Master I2C Read from our onboard computer to the emulated subsystem, the Aardvark adapter, and receiving a maximum of 206 bytes of data from the Aardvark adapter in response to the Master I2C Read.
• However, looking at the API call aa_i2c_set_slave_response I see the maximum response from an Aardvark adapter in I2C slave mode is 64 bytes.

Is there a workaround for this, such as another API call that can be used?

Thank you for your question! As you observed, the maximum message size for the Aardvark adapter in I2C slave mode is 64 bytes. This maximum applies to Control Center Serial Software as well as the Aardvark Software API. For your project, we recommend another device that would fulfill the specification of delivering 206 bytes as a slave response – the Promira Serial Platform.

How to Deliver More I2C Data

To fulfill the response requirement, the Promira Serial Platform can send up to 256 bytes as a slave response. With the Promira Aardvark Wrapper Software API, you can use the software you created for the Aardvark adapter – however, Promira-specific features would not be supported.

Using the Promira Aardvark Wrapper Software API

For an introduction to using the software wrapper and known limitations, here are articles to review:

• Effects on IP addresses, and transparency of Enum values: How Can I Best Update the Aardvark Software API to Promira Software API When I Need to Maintain Specific IP Addresses?
• Increasing the number of Slave Select signals: How Can I Program an SPI Host Adapter to Communicate with Three SPI Slaves?
• Increasing speed: What is the Fastest Time to send I2C Write and Read Operation with a Host Adapter?

Promira Serial Platform Features

Here is a summary of other Promira platform features that the Aardvark adapter does not support:

• Integrated level shifting from 0.9 to 5.0 volts – without a Level Shifter Board.
• High-speed USB connectivity provides high performance and convenience for benchtop programming, testing, and emulation.
• Ethernet connectivity enables remote control for automation, as well as convenience for benchtop work.
• Provides 200 mA of power - connectivity to your project can be greatly simplified.
• Downloadable applications to the Promira platform as you need them - upgrade your device when you need new features without ordering and waiting for hardware delivery. The available applications to support your project:

  • I2C Level 1 Application
  • I2C Level 2 Application  Note- installing the Level 2 application requires first installing the Level 1 application.

We hope this answers your question. Additional resources that you may find helpful include the following:

• Promira Serial Platform I2C/SPI Active User Manual
• Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter User Manual
• Control Center Serial Software User Manual
• Level Shifter Board User Manual

If you want more information, feel free to contact us with your questions, or request a demo that applies to your application.