In a multi-master I2C bus, the collision when more than one master simultaneously initiate data transmission is possible. To avoid the chaos that may ensue from such an event, DLN adapters, like all I2C master devices, support clock synchronization and arbitration. These procedures allow only one master to control the bus; other masters cannot corrupt the winning message.
Clock synchronization allows to perform the level on the SCL line. Arbitration determines which master completes transmission. If a master loses arbitration, it turns off its SDA output driver and stops transmitting data.
Slaves are not involved in clock synchronization and arbitration procedures.