Q: We are developing a system to log SPI data transfers with an embedded system. We are using the Cheetah^TM SPI Host Adapter to generate SPI traffic. So far, it works with single data transfers.  The system requirements:

• The length of each data package is 128 bytes.
• We need a 0.1 millisecond pause before sending the next package.
• During the pause, the chip select (active low) will be HIGH, the SPI-Clock is idle (LOW) and transmission restarts for the next package.

However, to generate traffic, it looks like we need to insert a delay, such as "delay idle 1024 clock cycles". How can we do that?

Thanks for your question! Data transfer delays can added by using the Cheetah GUI software or the Cheetah API software to configure the delay.

Using the Cheetah GUI to add delay between the transfers (packages), configure the Delay field as highlighted below.  For information about delays, please refer to section 3.3.3 of the Cheetah GUI Software Manual.

Figure 1: Cheetah GUI - Set Delay

• When you use the Cheetah adapter with the Cheetah API, you can add delay between the transfers (packages) by configuring the t_ud (User Insertable Delay). For more information, please refer to section 5.5 of the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter User Manual.

Figure 2: User Insertable Delay

For additional information about Cheetah SPI signal  characteristics,  please refer to section 2.5 of the Cheetah Host Adapter User Manual.

For more information about the Cheetah Host Adapter and other Total Phase products, please refer to the following documents:

Cheetah SPI Host Adapter

Cheetah Host Adapter User Manual

Cheetah GUI Software

Total Phase products

We hope this answers your question. If you have other questions about our Host Adapters or other Total Phase products, feel free to email us at sales@totalphase.com or request technical support.