5.5 Time-Out Function

The AT34C04 supports the industry standard bus Time-Out feature to help prevent potential system bus hangups. The device resets its serial interface and stops driving the bus (lets SDA float high) if the SCL pin is held low for more than the minimum time-out (t_OUT) specification. The AT34C04 will be ready to accept a new Start condition before the maximum t_OUT has elapsed (see Figure 5-2). This feature does require a minimum SCL clock speed of 10 kHz to avoid any timeout issues.

Figure 5-2. Time-out