For what type of communication is the I2C protocol primarily used?

The I2C protocol, which stands for Inter-Integrated Circuit, is specifically designed to facilitate inter-IC communication between chips located on a printed circuit board (PCB). It allows multiple integrated circuits to communicate with each other using a simple two-wire interface that consists of a data line (SDA) and a clock line (SCL). This setup is particularly advantageous because it enables devices to share data without the need for complex hardware like additional buses or control lines.

I2C is commonly used in scenarios where multiple chips must communicate over short distances, making it well-suited for applications within a single device or on a PCB. This protocol supports a master-slave configuration, where one master device controls the communication and multiple slave devices respond. The simplicity and efficiency of the I2C protocol make it a popular choice for various embedded systems and electronic devices.

In contrast, other communication types presented in the choices, such as inter-device communication over a network, long-distance satellite communication, or wireless communication, involve different protocols and requirements that do not align with the specific functionalities and design of I2C.