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The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 Company Resources About The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

November 27, 2025 — In critical fields such as industrial control, energy metering, and remote monitoring, the reliability and environmental adaptability of communication systems have become key components of equipment competitiveness. The CMX867AD2 multi-mode modem chip, with its deeply integrated mixed-signal architecture and robust programmability, provides a highly integrated single-chip solution to address complex electromagnetic environments and diverse protocol requirements, emerging as an ideal choice for intelligent edge-side connectivity in industrial settings.

 

 

I. Chip Overview: Integrated Industrial Communication Engine

 


The CMX867AD2 is more than just a modem—it is a highly integrated "Communication Subsystem on a Chip." It combines a high-performance analog front-end, a configurable digital modem core, protocol processing logic, and rich system interfaces within a single compact package. The chip is designed to handle the entire physical layer and part of the data link layer functionality between industrial equipment and various wired media (such as twisted pair, power line, or dedicated lines), thereby significantly reducing the processing load on the host controller and the overall system power consumption.


 

Core Technology Analysis: Flexible and Configurable Multi-mode Architecture
The core advantage of the CMX867AD2 lies in its software-definable signal processing path, which can be configured to support communication requirements across multiple industrial scenarios.

 

1.Adaptive Modulation and Signal Processing:

The chip incorporates a programmable modulation engine supporting schemes from classic FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) to more efficient digital modulation methods. Users can optimize selections based on transmission distance, data rate, and noise immunity requirements.

It integrates a high-performance programmable digital filter bank and an adaptive equalizer. Filter parameters (such as center frequency, bandwidth, and roll-off coefficient) can be adjusted via software to optimally match channel characteristics and suppress interference in specific frequency bands, which is crucial for operation in industrial environments filled with inverter and relay noise.

It includes a precise Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Carrier Detect (CD) circuit, providing real-time link quality monitoring and enabling intelligent sleep/wake-up decisions for upper-layer software.

 

2.Multi-Function Protocol-Assisted Processing:

Beyond physical layer modulation and demodulation, the chip integrates hardware-accelerated Forward Error Correction (FEC) encoders/decoders and a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) unit, which can significantly enhance data frame transmission reliability at the hardware level and reduce the burden on the host CPU.

It offers configurable link-layer auxiliary functions such as automatic acknowledgment and frame timeout retransmission, further simplifying host software design and improving system response real-time performance.

 

 

 

II. Recommended External Circuit Diagram for Typical Applications

 

 

Main Functional Modules and Pin Descriptions

1. Clock Circuit (XTAL/CLOCK)

Pins: XTALN, X1 (Pins 1, 2)

External Components:

Crystal X1: 11.0592MHz or 12.288MHz

Load Capacitors C1, C2: 22pF

Description: Provides the system master clock; C1 and C2 are used to stabilize the crystal oscillation.

 

2. Power and Bias Circuit

VDD: Positive power supply (Pins 7, 11, etc.)

VSS: Ground (multiple pins)

VBIAS: Bias voltage (requires decoupling via C3)

Decoupling Capacitors:

C3, C4: 100nF (placed close to VDD/VBIAS)

C5: 10µF (larger capacitance for low-frequency decoupling)

 

3. Receive Channel (RX Line Interface)

Pins: RXAFB, RXAN, RXA (Pins 8–10)

Function: Receives external signals. Careful layout is required to avoid in-band interference.

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

 

4. Transmit Channel (TX Line Interface)

Pins: TXA, TXAN (Pins 17–18)

Function: Transmits modulated signals.

 

5. Control and Data Interface (C-BUS)

Pins: CSN, COMMAND DATA, SERIAL CLOCK, REPLY DATA, IRQN

Interface Type: Serial control bus used for communication with the microcontroller (µC).

 

Key Design Points
1. Power and Ground Decoupling

VDD and VBIAS must be decoupled using C3, C4, and C5.

VSS Ground Plane: It is recommended to establish a ground plane beneath the chip to ensure low-impedance grounding, particularly for:

Between VSS pins

The ground connections of decoupling capacitors

The ground connections of crystal load capacitors (C1, C2)

 

2. Crystal Oscillator Design

Signal Amplitude: The drive level should be ≥ 40% of VDD (peak-to-peak).

Tuning-fork crystals are not recommended as their drive capability is typically insufficient.

It is advisable to consult the crystal supplier for appropriate oscillator circuit design support.

 

3. Receive Path Protection

The chip can detect small-amplitude signals; therefore, the receive path must avoid in-band interference.

It is recommended to isolate the receive line during layout to prevent noise coupling.

 

Component Accuracy Requirements

Resistors: ±5%

Capacitors: ±20% (unless otherwise specified)

 

Summary
This typical application diagram provides the minimum system configuration for the CMX867A, including:

Clock source (crystal + load capacitors)

Power filtering network

Transmit/receive line interface

Control bus interface

Layout and grounding recommendations (particularly regarding ground planes and decoupling placement)

These design suggestions aim to ensure stable chip operation, especially in high-sensitivity reception and small-signal processing scenarios.

 

 

 

III. Functional Block Diagram Translation

 

 

Control and Data Interface Section 
Modules:
C-BUS SERIAL INTERFACE

Tx / Rx DATA REGISTERS & USART

RING DETECTOR

 

Functional Description:

The C-BUS is a serial control bus used for communication with an external microcontroller. It includes the following signals:

CSN (Chip Select)

SERIAL CLOCK (Serial Clock)

COMMAND DATA (Command Data)

REPLY DATA (Reply Data)

IRQN (Interrupt Request)

The Data Registers and USART are responsible for buffering and serial conversion during data transmission and reception.

The Ring Detector is used to detect ring signals on the line and outputs to RDRVN.

 

Key Points in Typical Application Circuits

1.Clock: Requires an 11.0592 MHz or 12.288 MHz crystal oscillator with 22 pF load capacitors.

2.Power Supply: VDD and bias voltage VBIAS must be decoupled using 100 nF and 10 μF capacitors placed as close as possible to the chip.

3.Grounding: A ground plane beneath the chip is recommended, ensuring minimal impedance for all VSS pins and decoupling capacitor ground connections.

4.Transceiver Interface: RXA/TXA are analog signal ports; layout must prevent interference.

5.Control Bus: Communication with an external microcontroller is achieved via CSN, clock, and data lines (C-BUS).

6.Crystal Selection: Drive level must be ≥ 40% of VDD; tuning-fork crystals are not recommended.

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

Core of Internal Functional Block Diagram
The internal workflow of the chip can be divided into three main stages:

 

1.Control and Data Interaction (Left Section):
Communication with the microcontroller is established via the C-BUS serial interface, managing data transmission, reception, and ring detection.

 

2.Modem Core (Central Section):
Supports multiple modulation schemes such as FSK, QAM, and DPSK. Includes scrambling, descrambling, and signal energy detection functions.

 

3.Analog Signal Processing (Right Section):
Comprises filtering, equalization, and gain control for transmission and reception. Integrates DTMF generation and detection, and provides analog loopback testing functionality.

 

Core Process Overview

Transmission: Data enters via the C-BUS → modulation → filtering/gain adjustment → differential output from TXA/TXAN.

Reception: Signal enters from RXA → amplification/gain control → filtering/equalization → demodulation → data readout via the C-BUS.

Key Features: Supports DTMF processing, ring detection, and energy monitoring throughout the process, and includes self-testing via loopback functionality.

 

Summary
This chip integrates a modem, telephone line interface, and control logic into a single unit. Combined with a simple peripheral circuit, it can form a complete communication terminal suitable for embedded applications requiring reliable data transmission.

 

 

 

IV. Ring Signal Detector Interface Circuit and Timing Diagram

 

 

Circuit Function

This circuit serves as the external ring detection interface of the chip. It converts the high-voltage AC ring signal (typically 40‑90 Vrms) on the telephone line into a digital-level signal recognizable by the chip and feeds it into the internal ring detector module via the RT pin.

 

Circuit Structure and Signal Flow

1.Input Protection and Rectification (Left Section):
D1‑D4 (1N4004) form a bridge rectifier, converting the AC ring signal into a unidirectional pulsating DC signal.

 

R20‑R22 (each 470 kΩ) and R23 (adjustable, recommended as 68 kΩ in the diagram) constitute a high-voltage voltage divider network, attenuating the rectified high-voltage signal to a safe input range for the chip.

 

2.Filtering and Signal Conditioning (Middle Section):

C20, C21 (0.1 µF), and C22 (0.33 µF) form an RC low-pass filter network, used to smooth the rectified pulsating signal and suppress high-frequency interference.

The filtered signal (labeled as X in the diagram) is fed into the RT pin of the chip.

 

3.Internal Detection (Right Section):

The RT pin is internally connected to a Schmitt Trigger, with its high-level threshold voltage denoted as Vthi.

When the voltage of signal X exceeds Vthi, the trigger outputs a high level, and the 14th bit (Ring Detect) of the chip’s internal status register is set, indicating the detection of a valid ring signal.

This status can be read by the microcontroller via the C-BUS or configured to trigger an interrupt (IRQN).

 

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

Key Design Parameters and Calculations

Detection Threshold Guarantee:
The document provides a design example: When R20=R21=R22=470 kΩ and R23=68 kΩ, the circuit ensures detection of ring signals at 40 Vrms or above across the VDD range of 3–5 V.

 

Principle Analysis:
The peak voltage after rectification is 
Vpeak​=40 Vrms×2​≈56.6 V.

 

After attenuation by the voltage divider network, the voltage input to the RT pin must exceed the internal Schmitt trigger’s Vthi. Adjusting R23 allows tuning of the voltage division ratio to adapt to different Vthi (which depends on VDD) and ring voltage thresholds.

Component Tolerance Requirements:

Resistors: ±5%

Capacitors: ±20%

 

 

Summary

This interface circuit serves as a high-voltage, high-impedance analog front end with rectification and filtering. Its primary functions are:

Safe Isolation: Utilizes a high-resistance voltage divider to safely reduce the high-voltage ring signal to a level acceptable to the chip (typically < VDD).

Signal Conditioning: Rectification and filtering convert the AC ring signal into a relatively smooth DC pulse, facilitating digital detection.

Reliable Detection: Leverages the hysteresis characteristics of the Schmitt trigger to enhance noise immunity and prevent false triggering caused by noise or voltage fluctuations.

This design represents a typical solution for connecting traditional telephone lines to low-power CMOS chips. It ensures reliable ring detection, safety, and adaptability to a wide operating voltage range.

 

 

 

V. Two-Wire Telephone Line Interface Circuit

 

 

 

This is the two-wire telephone line interface circuit for the CMX867AD2, designed to match and couple the chip's analog transceiver signals with the standard 600Ω two-wire telephone line.

 

 

Circuit Function

This circuit serves as the analog front-end interface between the chip and the telephone line, primarily implementing:

 

1.Transmit Signal Coupling: Delivers the modulated signal (TX) from the chip to the telephone line.

2.Receive Signal Extraction: Extracts the signal transmitted by the other party (RX) from the telephone line and feeds it into the chip.

3.Impedance Matching and Filtering: Matches the impedance of the chip side to the 600Ω telephone line and filters out high-frequency noise.

4.DC Isolation: Blocks DC voltage on the line through capacitors, allowing only AC signals to pass.

 

Circuit Composition and Signal Path

1.Transmit Path (TX → Line)
The chip’s differential outputs TXA/TXAN are directly connected to the primary side of a 1:1 transformer.

The transformer achieves:

Signal Coupling: Transfers the signal to the telephone line.

Electrical Isolation: Isolates the DC potential between the chip and the telephone line.

Balanced-to-Unbalanced Conversion: Converts the differential signal into a single-ended signal on the line.

 

2.Receive Path (Line → RX)
The telephone line signal is coupled through the transformer and enters the receiving network:

R11, R12: Form a voltage divider network to set the receive signal level and prevent input overload.

C11 (100 pF): Together with the resistors, constitutes a low-pass filter to attenuate high-frequency noise.

The signal is ultimately fed into the chip's differential receiving terminals RXAFB / RXAN / RXA.

 

3.Line Termination and Filtering

R13 and C10 (33 nF) are connected in parallel to form a line termination network, providing complex impedance matching that aligns with the 600Ω line characteristics.

C10 also works together with C11 to further filter out high-frequency interference.

 

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

 

Summary of Key Component Functions

 

Transformer (1:1): As the core coupling and isolation component, it provides electrical isolation (protecting the chip from high voltages on the line), performs balanced-to-unbalanced conversion (converting the chip's differential signal to a single-ended signal on the telephone line), and efficiently transmits AC signals.

 

Resistors R11 and R12: Form a voltage divider network in the receive path. Their primary function is to set and attenuate the signal level from the telephone line, ensuring that the amplitude of the signal sent to the chip's receive pins (RXAFB/RXAN) remains within an appropriate range to prevent overload.

 

Resistor R13 and Capacitor C10 (33 nF): Connected in parallel to form the line termination network. R13 provides the primary resistive impedance and, in conjunction with C10, simulates complex line impedance characteristics to achieve impedance matching with the 600Ω telephone line, thereby reducing signal reflection. Additionally, C10 also contributes to high-frequency filtering.

 

Capacitor C11 (100 pF): Positioned at the receive input, its primary function is high-frequency noise filtering. Together with the front-end resistors, it forms a low-pass filter, effectively suppressing high-frequency interference on the line and improving receive signal quality.

 

Decoupling capacitor C3 (100 nF): Connected to the chip's bias pin VBIAS. Its key function is to provide a stable and clean bias voltage for the internal analog circuits (especially the receive amplifier), filtering out power supply noise to ensure optimal analog performance.

 

Design Considerations

1.Protection Circuit Not Shown: The diagram is a simplified schematic. In practical applications, overvoltage/overcurrent protection circuits (such as gas discharge tubes, TVS diodes, PTC thermistors, etc.) must be added at the telephone line entrance.

2.Impedance Matching: The values of R13, C10, and transformer parameters need to be finely tuned according to the actual line impedance (typically 600Ω) to reduce return loss.

3.Noise Suppression: The values of C10 and C11 determine the high-frequency cutoff frequency and should be optimized for the specific line noise environment.

4.Component Tolerance: Resistors: ±5%, Capacitors: ±20%. The use of stable component types is recommended to ensure consistent performance.

 

Summary

This 2-wire interface circuit is a typical hybrid circuit, achieving the following:

Separation of transmit and receive signals

Line impedance matching

Electrical isolation and noise suppression

 

It enables the CMX867A to perform full-duplex or half-duplex data communication over a standard two-wire telephone line, serving as a critical analog bridge between the chip and the physical line. In practical designs, additional line protection and regulatory certification-required peripheral circuits must be added based on this foundation.

 

 

VI. Four-Wire Line Interface Circuit

 

 

This is the four-wire line interface circuit for the CMX867AD2, designed to connect the chip to a standard 600Ω four-wire communication line. Four-wire systems are typically used in professional communication or long-distance transmission, characterized by the complete physical separation of the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) channels, each utilizing an independent pair of twisted wires.

 

Circuit Function and Features

This circuit serves as the analog front-end interface between the chip and the four-wire line. Its main features include:

 

Channel Isolation: The transmit and receive paths are completely independent, each using a 1:1 transformer, thereby avoiding the hybrid and echo cancellation challenges present in two-wire systems.

 

Signal Coupling and Isolation: The two transformers respectively achieve coupling for transmit and receive signals and provide electrical isolation.

 

Impedance Matching and Filtering: Provides independent 600Ω termination matching and high-frequency noise filtering for each line (transmit line and receive line).

 

 

Circuit Structure and Signal Path

1.Transmit Path (Independent Transmit Line Pair)
The chip’s differential outputs TXA/TXAN are directly connected to the primary side of the transmit-side 1:1 transformer.

The transformer couples the signal to the independent transmit line, achieving balanced transmission and DC isolation.

 

2.Receive Path (Independent Receive Line Pair)
The signal from the independent receive line first enters the receive-side 1:1 transformer.

After being coupled by the transformer, the signal enters the receive conditioning network:

R11 and R12: Form a voltage divider network to set the receive signal level and prevent input overload at the chip.

C11 (100 pF): Acts as a high-frequency filter capacitor to attenuate noise in the receive channel.

The signal is ultimately fed into the chip's receive terminals RXAFB / RXAN.

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

 

3.Line Termination Matching

R10: Serves as the termination matching resistor for the transmit line. Its resistance value depends on the transformer characteristics and line impedance requirements.

R13: Serves as the termination matching resistor for the receive line. Its resistance value also needs to be determined based on the transformer and line impedance.

 

The document notes that the values of R10 and R13 depend on the characteristics of the selected transformer and must be calculated based on the actual design.

 

 

4.Other Components

C12 (33 nF): Connected in parallel on the receive line side for high-frequency bypass or auxiliary impedance matching.

C3 (100 nF): Provides decoupling for the chip's VBIAS pin, stabilizing the bias voltage of the receive amplifier.

 

 

Key Component Functions

Transmit Transformer and Receive Transformer (both 1:1): Each independently provides electrical isolation, balanced transmission, and signal coupling for the transmit and receive signals. This forms the foundation for achieving high-isolation full-duplex communication in a four-wire system.

 

Resistors R10 and R13: Serve as termination matching resistors for the transmit and receive lines, respectively. Their primary role is to work together with the transformers to achieve impedance matching with the 600Ω line, minimizing signal reflection to the greatest extent.

 

Resistors R11 and R12: Form a receive signal attenuation network used to adjust the signal level coupled from the receive line to the appropriate range for the chip's receive input terminals (RXAFB/RXAN).

 

Capacitor C11 (100 pF): Located at the chip's receive input, its main function is to filter out high-frequency noise from the receive signal, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

 

Capacitor C12 (33 nF): Connected in parallel on the receive line side, primarily used for high-frequency noise bypass and may also participate in an auxiliary impedance matching network.

 

Decoupling Capacitor C3 (100 nF): Provides decoupling for the bias voltage (VBIAS) of the chip's internal analog circuits (especially the receive amplifier), ensuring power supply stability and suppressing noise.

 

 

Design Considerations

1.Transformer Selection: The values of R10 and R13 depend on the characteristics of the selected transformer (such as turns ratio, leakage inductance, winding resistance, etc.). They must be determined through comprehensive calculations based on the transformer datasheet and the line impedance (600Ω).

 

2.Level Setting: The signal level configuration for the transmit and receive lines, as well as the value of resistor R11, can be designed by referring to and applying the methodology used for the two-wire circuit.

 

3.Protection Circuits: The diagram is a simplified schematic. In practical applications, appropriate overvoltage/overcurrent protection circuits must be added at the entry points of both lines (the transmit line and the receive line).

 

4.Component Tolerance: Resistors: ±5% tolerance; capacitors: ±20% tolerance, to ensure consistent performance.

 

Summary

This four-wire interface circuit provides a standard solution for connecting the CMX867A to professional four-wire lines. Its core advantage lies in the physical isolation of the transmit and receive channels, which avoids echo interference, simplifies design, and enables more stable and higher-quality full-duplex communication. The key design considerations are the selection of the two transformers and the calculation of their corresponding termination matching resistors (R10, R13). This circuit serves as a reliable analog front-end for long-distance or dedicated line data communication.

 

 

 

VII. Block Diagram of the Receive Modem Data Path

 

Core Data Path Flow

1.Data Entry
Data originates from the output of the FSK or DPSK demodulator.

DPSK Mode Only: Data first passes through the descrambler, which is controlled by an Enable signal.

 

2.Data Buffering and Serial-to-Parallel Conversion
Data enters the Rx Data Buffer (receive data buffer).

The USART (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) module performs serial-to-parallel conversion, controlled by the Bit Rate Clock.

The USART handles start/stop bits and performs parity check verification.

 

3.Data Output to the Microcontroller
The processed parallel data (7 bits) is written into the Rx Data register of the C-BUS interface.

The microcontroller (µC) reads the data from this register via the C-BUS interface.

 

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

Key Status Flags and Control Mechanisms

1.Rx Data Ready Flag
Trigger Condition: Whenever a new character is stored in the Rx Data Register.
Function: The Rx Data Ready flag in the Status Register is set to 1, notifying the µC to read the new data.
Additional Operation in Start-Stop Mode: Simultaneously updates the Even Rx Parity flag in the Status Register.

 

2.Frame Error Handling (Start-Stop Mode)

Error Condition: If a stop bit is missing (i.e., a 0 is received instead of a 1).

Handling Process:

 

1.The character is still stored in the Rx Data Register, and the Data Ready flag is set.

2.Unless the V.14 Overrun option is enabled, the Rx Framing Error bit in the Status Register will also be set to 1.

3.The USART will resynchronize at the next 1→0 transition (stop bit to start bit).

4.The Frame Error flag will remain set until the next character is successfully received.

 

Special Data Pattern Detectors
The top section of the block diagram displays four detectors connected to status register bits (b9, b7, b8), used to monitor specific patterns in the receive data stream:

 

1.1010 Detector: Used only in FSK mode to detect alternating 1/0 patterns.

2.Continuous Unscrambled 1 Detector: Detects continuous, unscrambled 1s.

3.Continuous Scrambled 1 Detector: Detects continuous, scrambled 1s.

4.Continuous Detector: A general continuous signal detector.

 

The outputs of these detectors can be used for diagnosing line conditions, synchronization quality, or specific signaling.

 

Summary

The core of this receive data path is a serial-to-parallel conversion channel managed by a USART, complemented by comprehensive error detection (parity check, frame error) and status reporting mechanisms. Its design ensures reliable data transfer from the demodulator to the microcontroller, while also providing in-depth link status monitoring capabilities through multiple detectors, enabling the system to flexibly handle various communication anomalies.

 

 

 

VIII. Block Diagram of the Programmable Dual-Tone Detector and Filter Implementation

 

 

Core Functions

Programmable dual-tone detection: Capable of detecting audio signal pairs composed of two specific frequencies.

High flexibility: The detection frequencies, levels, and tolerance ranges can all be set via software programming, eliminating the need for external hardware adjustments.

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

Implementation Architecture

1.Filter Section
Employs a 4th-order IIR filter stage.

Function: Extracts the target frequency components from the input signal and suppresses out-of-band noise.

Feature: IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) filters typically provide steeper roll-off characteristics for the same filter order, facilitating precise frequency separation.

 

2.Frequency Detection Mechanism
Principle: Utilizes a cycle timing method.

Process:

 

1.Measure the time taken for the input signal to complete a programmable number (N) of full cycles.

2.Compare this time with programmable upper and lower time limits.

Decision: If the measured time falls within the preset time window, the target frequency is considered detected.

Advantage: Compared to direct frequency measurement, this method may be more robust in noisy environments and is easier to implement digitally.

 

Programming Configuration Method

1.Programming Sequence
A sequence of 27 16-bit words must be written to the Programming Register via the C-BUS.

The first word: Must be 32769 (hexadecimal 0x8001), likely serving as a sync header or write start flag.

The subsequent 26 words: Used for specific parameter configuration, each with a value range of 0 to 32767 (0x0000–0x7FFF).

 

2.Parameter Content
These 26 16-bit words are intended for configuring:

The nominal values of the two frequencies to be detected.

The level detection threshold corresponding to each frequency.

The frequency detection tolerance window (i.e., the upper and lower time limits).

May also include advanced parameters such as detection duration and filter coefficients.

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

Summary and Application

This programmable dual-tone detector is a highly integrated, software-defined audio signal recognition engine. Its core value lies in:

High Integration: Embeds both the filter and detection logic internally, reducing the need for external components.

Strong Flexibility: Can be adapted via software configuration to comply with signaling standards of different countries, different DTMF frequencies, or user-defined audio signals.

Digital Implementation: Utilizes digital filtering and timing comparison, ensuring stable performance unaffected by analog component variations.

 

It is well-suited for embedded communication systems requiring the detection of call progress tones, DTMF dialing, remote control signals, and similar applications.

 

 

 

IX. C-BUS Interface Timing Diagram

 

 

Communication Signals and Basic Flow

CSN (Chip Select): Active low, initiates a communication transaction.

SERIAL CLOCK (Serial Clock): Provided by the µC, used to synchronize data bit transmission.

COMMAND DATA (Command Data): Instructions or data sent from the µC to the chip, sampled by the chip on the rising edge of the clock.

REPLY DATA (Reply Data): Status or data returned from the chip to the µC, sampled by the µC on the rising edge of the clock.

 

Core Parameter Analysis

 

This timing specification defines the critical timing requirements for synchronous serial communication between the chip and the external microcontroller (µC), ensuring reliable command and data transmission. All timings are minimum requirements, with units in nanoseconds (ns).

 

1.Command Data Transmission Timing (from µC to Chip)

The µC must strictly control the timing relationship of the command data (COMMAND DATA) relative to the rising edge of the serial clock (SERIAL CLOCK):

 

Command Data Setup Time (tCDS): Before the rising edge of the clock arrives, the command data line must already be stable at a valid logic level for at least 15.0 ns.

 

Command Data Hold Time (tCDH): After the rising edge of the clock has passed, the command data line must remain stable for at least 25.0 ns.

 

 

The CMX867AD2 provides a flexible physical layer solution for industrial communication.

 

2.Reply Data Sampling Timing (from Chip to µC)

The chip is responsible for preparing the reply data (REPLY DATA) within the specified time for sampling by the µC:

Reply Data Setup Time (tRDS): Before the rising edge of the clock arrives, the chip must drive the reply data onto the data line and stabilize it for at least 50.0 ns to ensure reliable sampling by the µC.

 

Reply Data Hold Time (tRDH): The minimum value for this parameter is 0.0 ns, meaning that after the rising edge of the clock, the reply data output by the chip can change immediately without requiring additional hold time.

 

3.Physical Layer Constraints

Signal Load: To meet the high-speed timing requirements mentioned above, the load capacitance of each C-BUS interface line (including CSN, clock, and data lines) must be kept within 30 pF. This necessitates controlling trace lengths and minimizing capacitive loads during PCB layout.

 

Level Thresholds: The logic high/low levels of the signals are determined as a percentage of the supply voltage (VDD). Typically, the high level must be above 70% VDD, and the low level must be below 30% VDD.

 

 

4.Operational Timing Sequence Overview

A complete C-BUS communication transaction begins when the Chip Select (CSN) signal transitions to a low level. During the valid serial clock cycles, the µC transmits command data bits at the rising edge of the clock (meeting the tCDS/tCDH requirements), while the chip also prepares the reply data bits at this rising edge (meeting the tRDS requirement). The communication ends when CSN transitions to a high level, after which the reply data line enters a high-impedance state.

 

Conclusion: The key to reliable communication lies in the µC strictly adhering to tCDS and tCDH for transmitting commands, while the chip design ensures tRDS to enable the µC to accurately read replies. Both hardware and software designs must meet these timing requirements while also considering the impact of load capacitance.