ViewTool Ginkgo USB to I2C/IIC/SPI - Review

ViewTool Ginkgo USB to I2C/IIC/SPI Adapter Converter Support Windows/Linux/MAC/Android/Raspberry Pi Compatible with UART/ADC/DAC/GPIO: A Comprehensive Product Review

Are you looking for a versatile and reliable USB to I2C/IIC/SPI Adapter Converter? Look no further than the ViewTool Ginkgo. This adapter converter supports a wide range of operating systems including Linux, MAC OS, Windows, Android, and Raspberry Pi. It also offers I2C and SPI device or chip control and debugging, making it an essential tool for embedded system developers, engineers, and hobbyists.

In this review, we’ll cover the features, compatibility, ease of use, and performance of this adapter converter.

Features

The ViewTool Ginkgo comes with a host of features that make it stand out from other adapters on the market. Firstly, it supports both I2C and SPI host/master mode and slave mode. This means that not only can it communicate with I2C or SPI devices as a master, but it can also act as a slave to a host device.

Secondly, it supports power management chips with PMBus/SMBus interface control, making it an excellent choice for power management applications. This feature enables the user to communicate with power management chips to query or configure power settings.

Thirdly, the ViewTool Ginkgo supports multiple interfaces including UART, ADC, DAC, and GPIO. This feature allows the user to connect to and control a wide range of devices, from simple sensors to more complex devices like PID controllers or motor drivers.

Compatibility

The ViewTool Ginkgo is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Linux, MAC OS, Windows, Android, and Raspberry Pi. This compatibility makes it an excellent tool for developers who work on a variety of platforms.

Connection is made with the use of a standard micro-USB cable, making it easy to connect to a laptop, tablet, or phone. The adapter comes with a CD that contains drivers and software for Windows and MAC OS, making setup and installation quick and easy.

There is also an optional API library available for Linux and Raspberry Pi, allowing developers to write code to control the ViewTool Ginkgo from the command line.

Ease of Use

The ViewTool Ginkgo is easy to use and setup, even for beginners. The adapter comes with a CD that includes drivers and software for both Windows and MAC OS. The installation process is straightforward and does not require any technical knowledge.

Once installed, the user can connect to the adapter using a micro-USB cable and launch the software. The software has an intuitive user interface that allows the user to easily select the desired I2C or SPI device to communicate with.

Performance

The ViewTool Ginkgo performs well for its intended purpose. The adapter can communicate with I2C and SPI devices at speeds of up to 400 kHz and 8 MHz, respectively. The adapter is also capable of measuring and generating analog signals through its support of ADC and DAC interfaces. This feature enables the user to perform more advanced measurements and control tasks.

One potential issue with the ViewTool Ginkgo is that it requires an external power supply to operate. This can be a minor inconvenience for users who need to use the adapter in the field or on the go.

Customer Reviews

At the time of this review, the ViewTool Ginkgo has a customer rating of 2.8 out of 5. While there are only two reviews, both reviews highlight issues with the software and driver installation process.

One customer complained that the software was confusing and required a steep learning curve. They also reported having trouble connecting to I2C devices. However, the customer did note that they were eventually able to get the adapter to work after spending several hours troubleshooting the software.

Another customer reported that the driver installation process was complicated and required manually copying files to specific directories. They also reported that the adapter would intermittently disconnect during use.

Overall, while there are some issues with the installation process, the ViewTool Ginkgo is a reliable and versatile adapter for I2C and SPI communication. The adapter's wide compatibility and support of multiple interfaces make it a valuable tool for embedded system developers and hobbyists alike.

Conclusion

The ViewTool Ginkgo is a versatile and reliable adapter for I2C and SPI communication. It supports a wide range of operating systems and interfaces, making it an excellent choice for a variety of applications. While there are some issues with the software and driver installation process, the adapter's performance, ease of use, and compatibility make it a valuable tool for developers and hobbyists alike.

ViewTool Ginkgo USB to I2C/IIC/SPI

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