24 Single-Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT)

SENT is a unidirectional, single-wire communications protocol that is based on SAE J2716, “SENT – Single-Edge Nibble Transmission for Automotive Applications”. The protocol supports point-to-point transmission of signal values using a signal system based on successive falling edges. It allows for high-resolution data transmission with a lower system cost than available serial data solutions, and it is intended for use in applications where data need to be communicated from a sensor to a central controller, such as an Engine Control Unit (ECU).

The 16-bit SENT module is a dedicated hardware implementation of SAE J2716. The module can be configured for three main modes of operation:
  • Asynchronous Transmitter (default)
  • Synchronous Transmitter
  • Receiver
The module also includes these features:
  • Automatic Data Rate Synchronization
  • Optional Automatic Detection of CRC Errors in Receive Mode
  • Optional Hardware Calculation of CRC in Transmit Mode
  • Support for Optional Pause Pulse Period
  • Data Buffering for One Message Frame
  • Selectable Data Length for Transmit/Receive from Three to Six Nibbles
  • Automatic Detection of Framing Errors
  • Separately Mappable Input and Output Functions on Devices with Peripheral Pin Select (PPS)