Pyxos FT Networking Platform and the Competition
The Pyxos FT Networking Platform offers significant benefits over competing platforms. The Pyxos FT chip embeds a complete communication protocol, while most other technologies (such as CAN, RS-485, and Zigbee) leave the burden to the developer. A Pyxos FT network automatically configures itself into a high-speed control network -- without needing special tools or skilled labor.
Pyxos FT Platform vs. Other Twisted-pair Control Networks
Feature |
Pyxos |
CAN (Controller Area Network) |
AS-I (Actuator Sensor-Interface) |
DALI (Digital Addressable Light Interface) |
Proprietary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications |
Horizontal, non-industry- or application- specific embedded control networking platform |
Designed originally for automotive applications; used in a variety of discreet and process applications |
Limited to specific industrial applications |
Limited to lighting control applications |
General-purpose physical layer transceiver without any protocol |
Includes Protocol |
√ |
X (Needs external protocol such as DeviceNet or CANOpen) |
√ |
√ |
X (Burden is on developer) |
Self-organizing Network |
√ |
X |
X |
X (Needs network manager and network database) |
X (No protocol) |
Deterministic Operation |
√ |
X |
√ |
√ |
X |
High-speed Signaling |
√ (312.5 kbps) |
√ (Up to 1 Mbps, rapidly decreasing with increasing bus length) |
√ (167 kbps) |
X (1.2 kbps) |
√ |
Direct Digital I/O without a Microcontroller |
√ |
X |
√ |
X |
X |
Maximum Network Size |
32 |
~100 in short-distance buses |
31 or 64 (with reduced I/Os) |
64 nodes or 250mA system current |
Variable |
Free Topology Wiring |
√ |
X |
√ |
√ |
X |
High Common Mode Noise Immunity |
√ |
X |
√ |
X |
Variable |
Polarity- insensitive |
√ |
X |
X |
√ |
X |
Power and Data on Same Wires (Link Power) |
√ (Up to 100mA per node) |
X |
√ (~30mA per node) |
√ (Limited to 2mA per node) |
X |
18-bit CRC |
√ |
√ |
X |
X |
N/A |
Forward Error Correction |
√ |
X |
X |
X |
N/A |
Integrates Seamlessly with LonWorks Networks |
√ |
X |
X |
X |
X |
Pyxos FT Platform vs. Wireless Sensor Networks
Feature |
Pyxos |
Wireless Sensor Networks |
|---|---|---|
Includes Protocol |
√ |
X (Only lower-level networking layers standardized) |
Self-organizing Network |
√ |
X |
Deterministic Operation |
√ |
X |
Communication Reliability |
Very high |
Highly dependent on environment |
Battery Life |
Uses link power; no batteries needed |
Most devices need new batteries in 6-12 months |
Standardized Object Models |
√ |
X |
Integrates Seamlessly with LonWorks Networks |
√ |
X |