
© Sealevel Systems, Inc. SeaConnect 370 Manual | SL9269 11/2022
1-Wire Technology
Overview
1-Wire is a serial protocol technology designed by Dallas Semiconductor Corp. (now Maxim Integrated) that
provides low-speed data, signaling, and power over a single contact plus ground interface. The major
features of the 1-Wire bus are:
Single Contact Sufficient for Control and Operation
Unique 64-bit ID Factory-Lasered into Each Device
Power Derived from Signal Bus ("parasite power")
Multidrop Capable: Supports Multiple Devices on Single Line
Exceptional ESD Performance
For an overview of 1-Wire technology, visit:
https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/app-notes/index.mvp/id/1796, “Overview of 1-Wire Technology
and Its Use” or https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/1-wire/flash/overview/ for a tutorial.
The 1-Wire bus system uses a single primary controller to control one or more secondary devices. The
SeaConnect 370 is the primary controller for up to 10 secondary devices. When there is only one secondary
device on the bus, the system is referred to as a “single-drop” system; the system is called “multidrop” if
there are multiple secondary devices on the bus.
1-Wire devices are available in one of two modes: parasite power and dedicated power. Parasite power
mode devices use two wires, which provide (1) data with parasite power and (2) ground. Dedicated power
devices use three wires, where the third wire is dedicated to power. In the case of a dedicated power device,
it is required to use the dedicated power line, since the device will not operate in parasite power mode.
The SeaConnect 370 supports temperature probes built with the Maxim Integrated DS18S20 and DS18B20
1-Wire devices, which are described below. Such devices are available in various form factors.
The DS1820, a 9-bit device (now obsolete), was replaced by the DS18S20 as a drop-in replacement from a
hardware and software perspective, with the exception that the DS18S20 requires 750ms for conversion
compared with only 500ms for the DS1820.
The DS18B20 improves upon the DS18S20 by providing additional resolution. Maxim recommends the
DS18B20 for new designs.