Abstract: An addressing circuit includes a first set of inputs configured to receive a first set of address signals en route from the set of processors to the memory and defining a least significant address portion. The addressing circuit further includes a second set of inputs configured to intercept a second set of address signals en route from the set of processors to the memory and defining a most significant address portion. The addressing circuit also includes control circuitry configured to output a replacement set of address signals to the memory in place of the second set of address signals. The replacement set of address signals defines either the most significant address portion defined by the second set of address signals when the least significant address portion is outside a predetermined range, or a predefined most significant address portion when the least significant address portion is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for arbitrating for a serial bus in an efficient manner. An arbitration phase includes master devices asserting respective arbitration addresses on the serial bus after initiating communications sequences with a START condition. After the arbitration phase, the controlling master device conveys a data transfer upon the serial bus. The serial bus and the devices connected thereto may operate according to an I2C-compatable protocol. The arbitration address may correspond to a slave address associated with a slave device. Each arbitration address is preferably associated with only one master device. The arbitration address preferably initiates a READ cycle, and the slave device responds with a data byte. The data byte may be stored, discarded, or ignored by the master device, as desired. The arbitration address may not be associated with any slave device coupled to the serial bus.