How does I2C relate to the Grove Interface?

Projects Networking, Protocols, and Devices
1

I'm brand new to Arduino, got started with the Makershed Ultimate Kit, and have been online researching and ordering sensors & accessories for a project I'm going to build. I understand the issue of trying to use a lot of "A" & "D" inputs and running out, vs using something like I2C and/or a Grove interface. My inclination is clearly to go with I2C or Grove.

My question: How does I2C relate to Grove? They both seem to accomplish the same goal (many devices on a single bus). Is Grove the physical connection and I2C the protocol? Can I hang both I2C and Grove devices on the same "bus"? I've tried to answer this question via research online, but not getting to far. Any direction would be appreciated.

This is my first post, so a little background: I have a lot of years of low-level programming experience. I also had a lot of experience with digital circuitry, but many years ago (building with 7400 series chips, discreet devices, etc). I had heard of the Arduino platform, but this is my first foray into Arduino, and I am totally amazed at what's available. The hardware and environment that is available is just astounding - let alone that it is made available at a cost of virtually peanuts. Wow!

Thank you.

2

The Grove is not a bus. It is the same pins as the Arduino board, but with fancy white connectors.

The Grove Base Shield : http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Grove-Base-Shield-p-754.html
That shield doesn't have any logic or chips. It connects the Arduino pins to the white connectors, that's all.
In my opinion, the Grove system can be useful in a school. At home, you can do more with a breadboard and some wires.
For example the DHT22 costs 3.81 dollars on Ebay (inclusive shipping), and the DTH22 with Grove connector costs 14.90 dollars.

3

Thank you. I was able to zoom in on a board and now I see that it's really only bringing the standard pinouts to the connectors. For some [dumb] reason, I thought that the board might be doing some multiplexing or similar such that you could tell the board to address device (connector) X, then communicate to that connector as an analog or digital device for more inputs/output. But I understand now. Makes sense.

Thanks for the info.