36.4.3.1 Multi-Host Mode Clock Synchronization

In a multi-host system, each host may begin to generate a clock signal as soon as the bus is idle. Clock synchronization allows all devices on the bus to use a single SCL signal.

When a high-to-low transition on SCL occurs, all active host devices begin SCL low period timing, with their clocks held low until their low hold time expires and the high state is reached. If one host’s clock signal is still low, SCL will be held low until that host reaches its high state. During this time, all other host devices are held in a Wait state (see figure below).

Once all hosts have counted off their low period times, SCL is released high and all host devices begin counting their high periods. The first host to complete its high period pulls the SCL line low again.

This means that when the clocks are synchronized, the SCL low period is determined by the host with the longest SCL low period, while the SCL high period is determined by the host device with the shortest SCL high period.

Important: The I²C Specification does not require the SCL signal to have a 50% duty cycle. In other words, one host’s clock signal may have a low time that is 60% of the SCL period and a high time that is 40% of the SCL period, while another host may be 50/50. This creates a timing difference between the two clock signals, which may result in data loss.

Figure 36-40. Clock Synchronization During Arbitration