1-Wire is a computer bus system designed by Dallas Semiconductor that provides low-speed data, signaling and power over a single wire. 1-Wire is similar in concept to I²C, but with lower data rates and a much lower cost.
In typical usage the 1-Wire devices are connected together using RJ-11 wiring, the devices themselves mounting a socket. Complete systems can be built by wiring together 1-Wire components, each including all of the logic needed to operate on the 1-Wire bus. Examples include temperature loggers, timers, voltage and current sensors, battery monitors, and memory. These are typically connected to a PC using a bus converter, USB being a popular solution.
Related to 1-Wire is iButton, a mechanical packaging standard that places a 1-Wire component inside a small stainless steel "button" similar to a disk-shaped battery. iButtons are connected to 1-Wire bus systems with an adaptor that connects the "lid" and "base" of the canister to an RJ-11 plug.
