Teledyne LeCroy SENT Decoder - Manual (Page 4)

SENT Decoder
2 922664 Rev A
Introduction
About This Manual
Teledyne LeCroy offers different toolsets for decoding and debugging serial data streams. These
toolsets may be purchased as optional software packages, or are provided standard with SDA and DDA
model oscilloscopes.
This manual explains how to use the SENTtoolset.
Assumptions
This manual is presented with the assumption that:

You have a basic understanding of the various serial data standard physical and protocol layer
specifications, and know how these standards are used in embedded controllers.

You have a basic understanding of how to use an oscilloscope, and specifically the Teledyne
LeCroy oscilloscope on which the serial trigger and decode option is installed. Only features
directly related to serial data decode are explained in this manual; please see the oscilloscope
online Help file, Operator's Manual, or Getting Started Manual for other instructions.

You have purchased and installed one of optional serial data decoders described in this manual.
Compatibility
Teledyne LeCroy is constantly expanding coverage of serial data standards and updating software. Some
capabilities covered in this documentation may only be available with the latest version of our firmware.
You can download the firmware update from teledynelecroy.com.
While some of the screen images in this manual may not exactly match what is seen on your
oscilloscope display—or show an example taken from your protocol—be assured that the functionality is
nearly identical, as much functionality is shared.
SENT Overview
SAE J2716 SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission) protocol is a point-to-point scheme for transmitting
signal values from a sensor to a controller. It is intended to allow for high-resolution data transmission
with a lower system cost than available serial data solution. Data are transmitted in units of 4 bits = 1
nibble for which the interval between two falling edges (single edge) of the modulated signal with a
constant amplitude voltage is evaluated. A data frame contains 24 bits of data (each 3 nibbles for 2
channels, such as pressure and temperature), 4 bits = 1 nibble for error detection (CRC) and 4 bits = 1
nibble of status and communication, making a total of 8 nibbles. Optionally, data can be transferred in a
5-nibble frame, with 3 nibbles for a single measurement channel, 1 for CRC and 1 for the
status/communication. (SENT Protocol, wikipedia.org, accessed 03-06-2013).