All of these features make the I²C bus a very versatile and simple to implement protocol for system designs. Some of the key advantages it offers are as follows:

1. The simple 2-wire serial I²C-bus minimizes interconnections so ICs have fewer pins and there are fewer PCB tracks. The result is smaller and less expensive printed circuit boards (PCBs).

2. The completely integrated I²C-bus protocol eliminates the need for address decoders and other ‘glue logic’.

3. The multi-master capability of the I²C-bus allows rapid testing/alignment of end-user equipment via external connections to an assembly-line.

4. It increases system design flexibility by allowing simple construction of equipment variants and easy upgrading to keep designs up-to-date.

5. The I²C-bus is a de facto world standard and is implemented in over 1000 different ICs. NXP has more than 400 different I²C solutions currently.