Analog Devices Inc. CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ

Overview

CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ from Analog Devices is a parallel port–to–I²C interface cable designed for programming and configuring ADM106x-series programmable power supply sequencers. It delivers SCL, SDA, and GND signals between a standard 25-way PC parallel port and a 3-pin header on evaluation boards, with RoHS-compliant construction and crimp-style 3-terminal housing.

For engineers reviewing the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ datasheet, CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ pinout, CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ application, or CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ equivalent, this cable enables low-cost, software-driven I²C device access without requiring USB adapters, custom firmware, or embedded host controllers - ideal for lab-based power sequencing validation and pre-production firmware loading.

Technical Context

The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ implements level translation and signal conditioning using a 74AC05 hex inverter (SO14NB package) to drive I²C bus lines from parallel port TTL outputs. It supports standard-mode I²C (100 kbps) and includes 2.2 kΩ pull-up resistors on SCL/SDA and 1 kΩ series resistors on both lines for noise immunity and slew rate control.

No active voltage regulation or isolation is provided; the cable relies on target board-supplied VDD (typically 3.3 V or 5 V) for I²C logic levels. Pin 1 orientation is marked by a triangle on the crimp housing, and correct alignment is required to avoid bus contention or damage to connected ADM106x devices.

Key Specifications

Availability

CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for power sequencing validation, lab-based I²C device programming, and pre-production firmware loading requiring stable component supply and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation accessories product line, engineered to simplify configuration and characterization of their power management ICs - especially programmable sequencers requiring SMBus/I²C host-side programming via standard PCs.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ?

The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ is a passive interface cable that bridges a standard PC parallel port to the 3-pin SMBus/I²C header on Analog Devices evaluation boards. It enables bidirectional communication with ADM106x-series sequencers using off-the-shelf PC software, without requiring USB-to-I²C converters or custom hardware. The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ uses discrete logic and resistive termination to meet I²C electrical specifications.

Which Analog Devices products is the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ officially supported for?

The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ is explicitly designated for use with the ADM106x family of programmable power supply sequencers, including ADM1060 through ADM1069. Its pinout, signal mapping, and resistor values are optimized for those devices' 3-pin headers and SMBus timing requirements. The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ is not validated for ADM117x or ADM119x families - those require the 5-pin variant.

Does the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ provide power to the target board?

No, the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ does not supply power. It carries only SCL, SDA, and GND signals. Target boards must provide their own VDD (typically 3.3 V or 5 V) to power the ADM106x device and bias the I²C pull-ups. The CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ relies on this externally supplied voltage for proper logic-level translation and bus operation.

Can the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ be used with modern laptops lacking a parallel port?

Direct use requires a physical DB25 parallel port. Modern laptops without one need a certified IEEE 1284-compliant parallel port adapter - however, driver and timing compatibility with I²C software tools (e.g., ADI's ADM106x GUI) is not guaranteed. USB-to-parallel adapters often fail due to insufficient timing precision; the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ was validated only with native parallel ports.

Is the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ suitable for production systems?

No - the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ is an evaluation accessory intended solely for lab-based development and validation. Analog Devices explicitly states it is "not authorized for use in life support devices or systems" and supplied "as is" without warranties. For production, system integrators must implement robust, certified I²C host interfaces - the CABLE-SMBUS-3PINZ serves only as a debug and pre-production programming aid.