“Unleashing I3C Bit-Banging Adventures with the RP2040!”

The RP2040 has swiftly gained a large following among hobbyists and creators since its debut in early 2021. This popularity is primarily due to its affordable price, rapid GPIOs, and a wide variety of bus peripherals. [xyphro] has developed the I3C Blaster firmware, which transforms the Raspberry Pi Pico into a USB to I3C adapter.

The firmware acts as a bit-banging wrapper and offers an interactive shell accompanied by an extensive command set. However, it encompasses much more than just that. [xyphro] has thoroughly explored the I3C implementation standards and the code comprises a rather intricate state machine that tells a story of its own.

[xyphro] has included a Python script should you wish to automate processes or design your GUI. Lastly, for the adventurous ones, the I3C implementation is accessible for your project experimentation.

We appreciated the existence of a branch project that allows you to enhance a Saleae Logic Analyzer for decoding I3C and related protocols by integrating a Pico at a low cost. The most recent update to the project log indicates the addition of a MIPI I3C High Data Rate Mode, functioning at 25 Mbps, which suits the RP2040 perfectly.

[xyphro] previously provided us with the Home Brew Version Of Smart Tweezers around ten years ago, and we anticipate more innovations to come. If you’re interested in learning more about the I3C bus, consider checking out I3C — No Typo — Aims To Be Your Serial Bus.