Can I interface a 5V part with the I2C output?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
#1

I’m working on a design using a pcf8574 chip. This is an I2C expansion part that gives me 8 I/O pins. I need to drive a 5V relay from one of the pins, but since the pins won’t sink/source enough current, I’m planning on using a PNP transistor to drive the relay. The IC will have to run at 5V in order to get the voltage high enough to cut off the PNP transistor. If I understand the Arduino hardware, the I2C lines will be at a max of 3.3 V.

I’m concerned it will not work correctly and may damage the CPU. If necessary I can put an optoisolator in the circuit to drive the transistor, I think.

Any comments?

Thanks,
Jim.

#2

the I2C lines will be at a max of 3.3 V.

No not really correct. The voltage of the I2C pins depends on the model of Arduino (or clone) board you have. Most are 5vdc boards, but a few are 3.3vdc. So what board are you using.

Lefty

#3

Hi, Left,

Duemilanove.

Thanks, Jim.

#4

Duemilanove is a 5V system so there is no need to worry.

#5