Initialize as Master:
Configures Intellio as the I2C Master.
Deinitialize as Master:
Stops Master operation and releases the I2C bus.
Quarky Intellio I2C Communication
Extension Description
Learn how to use Intellio as an I2C Master or Slave in PictoBlox. Send and receive data between Quarky, Intellio, sensors, expansion boards, and other I2C devices.
Introduction
The Quarky Intellio I2C Communication Extension allows Intellio to exchange data with other boards and I2C-compatible devices through the SDA and SCL lines.
Unlike Quarky, which supports only Master operation in this extension, Intellio can work as either a Master or a Slave.
This makes configurations such as the following possible:
- Intellio Master → Intellio Slave
- Quarky Master → Intellio Slave
- Intellio Master → multiple sensors
- Intellio Master → expansion boards
- Multiple I2C devices sharing one bus
What Is I2C Communication?
I2C is a short-distance digital communication method that connects devices using:
- SDA: Serial Data
- SCL: Serial Clock
A single bus can support one Master and multiple Slaves, provided each Slave uses a unique address.
Master Mode
When Intellio works as the Master, it:
- Starts communication
- Generates the clock
- Selects the Slave address
- Sends data
- Requests data from Slaves
Slave Mode
When Intellio works as a Slave, it:
- Waits for the Master
- Listens for its assigned address
- Receives data
- Returns data when requested
I2C Addresses
Every Intellio configured as a Slave must have a unique address.
For example:
0x08
If several Slaves share the same SDA and SCL lines, each must use a different address to avoid communication conflicts.
Accessing the I2C Extension in PictoBlox
Step 1: Open PictoBlox and select the Block Coding environment.
Step 2: Select Quarky Intellio as the board.
Step 3: Click on the Add Extension button from the bottom left corner of the Blocks Palette.
Step 4: Search for and select the Intellio I2C Communication.
For Intellio, the extension provides both Master and Slave blocks.
Intellio I2C Pin Mapping
| Intellio Pin | I2C Function |
| A1 | SDA |
| A2 | SCL |
Connecting Intellio Master to Intellio Slave
Connect:
- Master A1 → Slave A1 for SDA
- Master A2 → Slave A2 for SCL
- Master GND → Slave GND
- Connect VCC only when voltage and supply requirements are compatible.
Then configure one Intellio as the Master and the other as a Slave with a unique address.
Connecting Quarky Master to Intellio Slave
Connect:
- Quarky D1 → Intellio A1
- Quarky D2 → Intellio A2
- GND → GND
- Connect a compatible VCC supply if required.
Then initialise Quarky as Master and Intellio as Slave.
Separately Powered Boards
The boards can be powered separately.
In this case:
- VCC does not necessarily need to be connected.
- GND must still be common.
- SDA and SCL must use pull-ups to a voltage safe for every connected device.
Do not connect two different power outputs unless the hardware documentation explicitly allows it.
PictoBlox Blocks
This block scans the I2C bus and detects connected Slave devices.
Use it to check wiring and identify available devices.
This block converts a decimal value into hexadecimal format, which is useful when working with device addresses and registers.
This block checks whether a Slave is responding at the specified I2C address.
This block sends a string or numeric value from Intellio Master to the selected Slave address.
Initialize as Slave:
This block configures Intellio to operate as an I2C Slave with the specified address.
The address allows the Master to identify and communicate with that Intellio.
Deinitialize as Slave:
This block stops Intellio from operating as an I2C Slave and releases the assigned address.
This block sends a string or numeric value from the Intellio Slave to the connected Master.
It can be used to send:
Sensor values
Device status
Responses
Other information
This block reads a string or number received from the I2C Master.
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