Total Phase PROMIRA I2C Active - Level 1 Application

The Promira I2C Active Level 1 Application (TP600110) turns a Total Phase Promira Serial Platform into an I2C host adapter running as master or slave from 1 kHz to 1 MHz, covering Standard mode through Fast-mode Plus. It adds multi-master support, a slave response of up to 256 bytes and six configurable GPIO, and works with SMBus, PMBus, DDC, IPMI and TWI devices. It is the entry licence for I2C firmware bring-up, EEPROM programming and peripheral emulation on the Promira.

I2C Master and Slave to 1 MHz

As a master, Level 1 transmits and receives at any rate from 1 kHz to 1 MHz, with repeated start, 10-bit slave addressing and inter-bit and inter-byte clock stretching. Multi-master support lets the Promira share a bus with a target CPU, which is how you test what happens when two controllers contend for the same peripheral. At 1 MHz the Promira runs Fast-mode Plus parts at their rated speed, above the 800 kHz ceiling of the Aardvark.

Emulate an I2C Peripheral Before the Silicon Arrives

In slave mode the Promira answers a master with a single response of up to 256 bytes, and slave transmit and receive run asynchronously, so the host firmware sees a device that behaves like the real part rather than a blocking stub. Software-configurable pull-ups and target power pins mean a small sensor board can be brought up straight from the adapter. That lets firmware teams write and test I2C drivers against an emulated sensor, EEPROM or power controller while the hardware is still at the fab.

SMBus, PMBus and IPMI Compatible

Level 1 is compatible with DDC, SMBus, PMBus, SBBus, IPMI and TWI, so the same licence reads voltage regulators over PMBus, talks to a BMC over IPMI and programs an EDID EEPROM over DDC. Up to six GPIO are available, four while the I2C pins are in use, for driving reset and interrupt lines alongside the bus.

Software and API

Control Center Serial gives interactive control of the bus and GPIO. Flash Center programs and verifies I2C and SPI memory devices (Windows and Linux). The free Promira Software API covers C, C#, Python, .NET, VB.NET and VB6, with a LabVIEW driver for test stations, and the Promira Aardvark Wrapper API runs code written for the Aardvark API while you port it. Promira software runs on Windows 10 and 11, Linux and macOS 13 or later.

Specifications

Limitations

• This is a software licence only. It runs on the Promira Serial Platform (£1,040 ex VAT), which is sold separately and must be in place before the licence can be installed.
• Level 1 stops at 1 MHz. High-speed mode (3.4 MHz) needs the I2C Active Level 2 licence, which is installed on top of Level 1.
• This licence drives the bus. To capture traffic between two live devices without taking part, add the I2C Analysis application.

Which I2C Option Should You Choose?

If 800 kHz is enough and you do not need Ethernet, the Aardvark is the lower-cost I2C host adapter. Choose the Promira with Level 1 when you need Fast-mode Plus at 1 MHz, Ethernet control from a production rack, or a platform that can grow into SPI and analysis later.

Typical Applications

Programming 24-series I2C EEPROMs on assembled boards at 1 MHz. Emulating a PMBus voltage regulator so power-sequencing firmware can be tested without the regulator fitted. Scripting I2C register regression tests in Python on a test station, with the Promira controlled over Gigabit Ethernet.

Level 1 suits firmware engineers doing I2C driver bring-up, test engineers building automated fixtures, and production engineers programming I2C memory in line.

Order the Promira I2C Active Level 1 Application from £120 ex VAT. For a formal quotation, or a platform and licence bundle, request a quote from our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include the Promira hardware?

No. It is an application licence for a Promira Serial Platform you already own or order with it. The Promira Serial Platform is £1,040 ex VAT.

Is the Promira faster than the Aardvark for I2C?

Yes. With I2C Active Level 1 the Promira runs master and slave to 1 MHz; the Aardvark stops at 800 kHz. Level 2 raises the Promira to 3.4 MHz.

Does Level 1 support SMBus and PMBus?

Yes. Total Phase lists DDC, SMBus, PMBus, SBBus, IPMI and TWI compatibility for Level 1, together with 10-bit addressing and clock stretching.

Can one Promira run several applications?

Yes. Total Phase states that a Promira Serial Platform can hold more than one application licence, so the I2C, SPI and analysis applications can all sit on the same unit. Each licence is added as a licence file through the Promira's admin interface, alongside firmware updates.

Last reviewed 5 October 2026.