36.4.2.1 Bus Free Time

The Bus Free Status (BFRE) bit indicates the activity status of the bus. When BFRE is set (BFRE = 1), the bus is in an Idle state (both SDA and SCL are floating high), and any host device residing on the bus can compete for control of the bus. When BFRE is clear (BFRE = 0), the bus is in an Active state, and any attempts by a host to control the bus will cause a collision.

The Bus Free Time (BFRET) bits determine the length of time, in terms of I²C clock pulses, before the bus is considered idle. Once module hardware detects logic high levels on both SDA and SCL, it monitors the I²C clock signal, and when the desired number of pulses have occurred, module hardware sets BFRE. The BFRET bits are also used to ensure that the module meets the minimum Stop hold time as defined by the I²C Specification.