Connecting multiple mLink modules
Each mLink module includes pullup resistors (10K), which are required for the SDA and SCL
data lines. This allows up to 5* mLink modules to be connected directly to an I2C master
without any additional hardware or modifications.
*note maximum number of modules will be dependent on data cable lengths and module
power requirements.
If more than 5 mLink modules are required to be connected to a single master interface then
the built-in 10K resistors will need to be removed from the additional modules.
The two 10K pullups can be removed from the I2C bus by breaking the tracks between the 3
pads shown in the diagram above. Should you need to reconnect the 10K pullups at a later
date this can be done by bridging the 3 pads with solder.
The mLink matrix 4x4 keypad comes with a preset I2C address of 0x55 (hex). When
connecting multiple modules of the same type each module's I2C address must be unique.
Therefore you must change the address of any additional modules to a unique address
(valid I2C addresses range between 0x08 and 0x77) before linking them together. Changing
a module's I2C address can be done via the module's I2C interface. For examples of how to
do this, see the Changing I2C address section within this document.