8
• Visit the I
2
C .vs. SMBus FAQ page (www.mcc-us.com/I2CSMBusFAQ.htm).
• See the SMBus Specification for additional details.
Special Note for SMBus Users
: MCC’s I
2
C adapters are designed to be I
2
C Bus
compatible, not SMBus compatible. Some features of the SMBus protocol not
supported include time-outs, device reset, and Packet Error Check byte processing.
The non-supported SMBus features may, or may not, permit the use of the I
2
C
adapter in your SMBus application. Consult the MCC FAQ web page and SMBus
Specification for details.
4 ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Precautions
Electrostatic discharge is defined as the transfer of charge between bodies at
different electrical potentials. Electrostatic discharge can change the electrical
characteristics of a semiconductor device, degrading or destroying it. Electrostatic
discharge also may upset the normal operation of an electronic system, causing
equipment malfunction or failure.
When connecting the I
2
C adapter to a host computer and a target system, extreme
care must be taken to avoid electrostatic discharge. Failure to follow ESD protection
procedures when using the I
2
C adapter could damage the host computer, I
2
C
adapter, or the target system, and void product warranty coverage.
Host Computer Grounding
Case 1 - Desktop and Single-board Computers. The chassis on a desktop or
single-board host computer must be connected to earth ground to comply with
safety regulations. If the computer chassis is NOT connected to earth ground for
some reason (i.e., use of a two-prong power mains plug), the host computer power
