# Isolated I2C interface

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/isolated-i2c-interface
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-27
Lookup label: ISO I2C
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: Manufacturer

An isolated I2C interface transfers the required bus behaviour across an electrical isolation barrier.

## In plain English

### What does Isolated I2C interface mean?

An isolated I2C interface transfers the required bus behaviour across an electrical isolation barrier.

### A simple example

Two circuit domains can communicate using a suitable isolator designed for their I2C arrangement.

### What the drawings help you do

Show clock and data transfer across the barrier while identifying each side’s pull-ups and power. I2C includes bidirectional bus behaviour, so a generic isolator cannot be substituted without checking that behaviour. Use the selected I2C isolator’s supported arrangement and timing requirements.

### Before using this reference

- Identify clock and data on both isolated domains.
- Show each side’s supply and pull-up arrangement.
- Reference bidirectional behaviour and supported bus timing.

### Can any digital isolator isolate I2C?

No. The interface must accommodate the relevant I2C signal behaviour, including the selected bidirectional paths. Use a device or circuit explicitly designed for the required arrangement.

### Terms

- Bidirectional: A path that supports the specified information flow in both directions.
- Clock stretching: A bus behaviour that some selected I2C arrangements must accommodate.

Concept diagram: First-domain I2C bus → I2C-compatible isolation → Second-domain I2C bus
Original functional explanation. Arrows show information or energy roles; two-headed arrows identify two-way interfaces. This is not a pinout, certified standards graphic or complete circuit.

- [Isolated communication interfaces](https://www.ti.com/product-category/isolation/isolated-interface-ics/overview.html)


## What it represents

An isolated I2C interface transfers the required bus behaviour across an electrical isolation barrier.
Two circuit domains can communicate using a suitable isolator designed for their I2C arrangement.
Show clock and data transfer across the barrier while identifying each side’s pull-ups and power. I2C includes bidirectional bus behaviour, so a generic isolator cannot be substituted without checking that behaviour. Use the selected I2C isolator’s supported arrangement and timing requirements. This is original functional artwork, not a certified standard graphic or device pinout.

## How to read it

- Identify clock and data on both isolated domains.
- Show each side’s supply and pull-up arrangement.
- Reference bidirectional behaviour and supported bus timing.
- An ordinary digital isolator is not automatically suitable for every bidirectional I2C signal path.

## Information to show or reference

- Identify clock and data on both isolated domains.
- Show each side’s supply and pull-up arrangement.
- Reference bidirectional behaviour and supported bus timing.

## Important distinction

An ordinary digital isolator is not automatically suitable for every bidirectional I2C signal path.

## Facts

- Representation type: Original functional block; not a certified IEC or IEEE graphic
- Concept input: First-domain I2C bus
- Concept output: Second-domain I2C bus

## Public references

- [Isolated communication interfaces](https://www.ti.com/product-category/isolation/isolated-interface-ics/overview.html) — Texas Instruments. Isolated communication interfaces: public technical context for the named function. Product and compliance details remain with the publisher.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.