Interface & Communication
Interface and communication ICs enable data transfer between devices and circuits. They bridge different voltage levels and protocols.
🔍 Search Interface & Communication partsCompare live price and stock across distributors for this category.
UART/RS-232, RS-485, CAN, USB, I2C and SPI driver/transceiver ICs are the main types. Protocol, data rate, number of lines, voltage level and noise immunity matter when choosing one. Industrial communication, automotive networks and device-to-device data exchange are the most common applications.
Featured Interface & Communication
See all Interface & Communication →Popular in-catalog parts in this category — compare price and stock across distributors.
Top manufacturers
All manufacturers →Leading manufacturers known for Interface & Communication — explore their component lineup.
Learn about Interface & Communication
Free, in-depth guides explaining how these components work and where they're used.
In-depth guides for this category are on the way.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between I2C and SPI?+
I2C uses only two lines (SDA, SCL) and addresses many devices but is slower; SPI uses four lines, is much faster but needs a separate chip-select (CS) line per device.
Why is RS-485 preferred in industry?+
RS-485 uses a differential signal, so it works reliably over long distances and in noisy environments, and many devices can share one bus.
What does a level shifter do?+
A level shifter lets two devices running at different voltages (e.g. 3.3V and 5V) communicate safely by translating the signal to the level the other side understands.