Operation/Reference Guide

AxLink Wiring
Considerations

Control System Accessories Last Revised: 2/10/2012

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 Table of Contents

Table of Contents
AxLink Wiring Considerations ............................................................................1
Overview .................................................................................................................. 1
Axlink Specifications ................................................................................................. 1
AxLink Maximum Cable Distances ............................................................................ 2
Calculating Axlink Wiring Distances.......................................................................... 3
Gauge/Resistance Factors ............................................................................................... 3
AxLink Electrical and Timing Characteristics ............................................................. 4
Compatible AxLink Cable Types .........................................................................5
Overview .................................................................................................................. 5
Pre-Manufactured AxLink Cable ............................................................................... 5
Maximum Overall Cable Distance ................................................................................... 5
Liberty Cable & Wire Inc. Cables .............................................................................. 5
Belden 8102-Compliant Cables................................................................................. 5
Ground Shielding ............................................................................................................ 6
AxLink Over UTP Network Cable .......................................................................7
Overview .................................................................................................................. 7
UTP Cable Requirements ................................................................................................ 7
Wiring Diagrams ....................................................................................................... 7
AxLink Over UTP With Local Power Supply..................................................................... 7
AxLink Over UTP With Power Supplied Via AxLink ......................................................... 8
UTP Cable Recommendations ................................................................................... 8

AXlink Wiring Considerations i

Table of Contents

ii AXlink Wiring Considerations

 AxLink Wiring Considerations

AxLink Wiring Considerations

Overview
This document describes AxLink, wiring topologies, electrical timing and characteristics, compatible cable
types, wiring distance calculations, and wiring diagram examples. AxLink is a proprietary communication
protocol designed by AMX to control up to 255 devices with a Central Controller using common copper
conductors.
The AxLink communication protocol supports multiple wiring topologies, including star,
daisy-chain, home run, or any combination.
AxLink devices are electrically wired in parallel and require a minimum of 3 conductors for
signal/power ground, AXM, and AXP.
An optional fourth conductor can be used for 12 VDC power distribution.
The AXM and AXP AxLink data signals are differential and require one pair of twisted conductors.

Axlink Specifications
Axlink Specifications
• Transmission method: Half-Duplex
• Transmission medium: Shielded pseudo differential twisted pair
• Data rate: 20.8K
• Signal level: 5 volts peak to peak typical
• Input impedance: 220K ohms typical
• Total devices allowed on link: 255
• Protocol: Proprietary Asynchronous Polled Access
• Total distance: 3000 feet (914.4 m) when using shielded low capacitance cable.
UTP limited to 1000 feet (304.8 m).
• Packet size: Proprietary Variable, payload limited to 64 bytes.
• Suitable topologies: Star, Daisy-Chain, or a combination of both

AXlink Wiring Considerations 1

AxLink Wiring Considerations

AxLink Maximum Cable Distances

The wiring distance specifications describe the total wiring distance between external devices and the Central
Controller. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a star wiring topology, in which the total wiring length is 1,200 feet
(366 m).

FIG. 1 Star wiring topology example

The wiring distances for the AXB-MPE Master Port Expander and AXB-SPE Slave Port Expander
devices are calculated on a per-port basis. The ports on these devices are isolated and electrically
independent with respect to each other.

The following table lists the maximum cable lengths by electrical current and wire gauges (AWG). These
distances are based on a min. of 13.5 volts available at the Central Controller's power supply.
Maximum AxLink current and cable lengths by wire AWG
Maximum Current Cable length by wire AWG
Milliampere (mA) 18 AWG 20 AWG 22 AWG 24 AWG (UTP)
50 2,347 1,485 926 584
100 1,174 743 463 292
250 469 297 185 117
500 235 149 93 58
1,000 117 74 46 29

2 AXlink Wiring Considerations

 AxLink Wiring Considerations

Calculating Axlink Wiring Distances

All AxLink devices require a minimum of 12 VDC power to operate properly. The power can be supplied by
the Central Controller's AxLink cable (remote power configuration) or with an optional 12 VDC power supply
(local power configuration).

Most power supplies are factory set to 13.5 VDC. Never use a power supply that exceeds 18 VDC
for remote or local power configurations. Contact AMX for a complete list of products and their
power consumption ratings.

The maximum wiring distance between the power supply and AxLink device is determined by power
consumption, supplied voltage, and the wire gauge used for the cable.
Use the 3-step formula below to calculate the maximum wiring lengths allowable between the Central
Controller and external AxLink devices (FIG. 2):

FIG. 2 AxLink Wiring Distance Formula For Data and Power

Refer to Gauge/Resistance Factors on the next page to determine the Wire Resistance Per Foot used in the
formula.
Gauge/Resistance Factors
The following table lists the resistance factors used in the formula shown in FIG. 2.
Gauge/Resistance Factors
Wire gauge Wire Resistance Per Foot
Solid Copper Wiring Stranded Copper Wiring
18 AWG .00639 .00692
20 AWG .0101 .01090
22 AWG .0162 .01690
24 AWG (UTP) .0257 .02770

AXlink Wiring Considerations 3

AxLink Wiring Considerations

AxLink Electrical and Timing Characteristics

FIG. 3 shows the electrical and timing characteristics of AxLink. The table below describes each
characteristic.

FIG. 3 AxLink electrical and timing characteristics

Electrical timing characteristics

Parameter Description Min. Typical Max. Units
• Trise Rise time for AXM and AXP 0 20.0 µS
• Tfall Fall time for AXM and AXP 0 20.0 µS
• Vhigh AXM and AXP voltage with respect to AxLink ground 4.6 5.1 V
• Vlow AXM and AXP voltage with respect to AxLink ground -0.7 0.4 V
• Vdiff Voltage difference between AXM and AXP 1.0 4.2 5.0 V
• Capacitance Total capacitance of AxLink bus wiring 37,500 pF

4 AXlink Wiring Considerations

 Compatible AxLink Cable Types

Compatible AxLink Cable Types

Overview
Compatible AxLink cable types include those manufactured by Liberty Wire & Cable Inc., and cables that
comply with Category 5 or Belden 8102 standards.
To determine the maximum distances, refer to the AxLink Maximum Cable Distances section on page 2.

Pre-Manufactured AxLink Cable

Liberty Wire & Cable Inc. manufactures AxLink cable that contains two pairs of conductors:
Data (AXP/AXM): 22 AWG stranded shielded twisted pair (STP) with a single drain wire,
Power (+12V/GND): pair of 18 AWG stranded wire.
The nominal capacitance between the data conductors is 12.5 pF/ft.

Maximum Overall Cable Distance

Using Liberty Wire & Cable Inc. AxLink cable, the maximum overall cable distance between the Central
Controller and all external devices for data communication is 3,000 feet with no remote power.

Liberty Cable & Wire Inc. Cables

FIG. 4 shows a wiring diagram for AxLink cables manufactured by Liberty Cable & Wire Inc.
The PWR connection shown in the diagram is only used when supplying 12 VDC via the AxLink
cable.
The PWR connection should not be used when a local power supply is connected directly to the
external AxLink device.

FIG. 4 Standard AxLink power/data wiring diagram

Belden 8102-Compliant Cables

Belden 8102-compliant cable contains two single twisted pairs (STP) of 24 AWG with a single drain wire. The
nominal capacitance between conductors is 12.5 pF/ft.
Using Belden 8102-compliant cable for AxLink data communication, the maximum overall cable distance
between the Central Controller and all external devices is 3,000 feet with no remote power.
FIG. 5 shows a wiring diagram for the AMX-approved Belden 8102 AxLink cable.
The PWR connection shown in the wiring diagram is only used when supplying 12 VDC via the
AxLink cable.
The PWR connection should not be used when a local power supply is connected directly to the
external AxLink device.

FIG. 5 Belden 8102 wiring diagram

AXlink Wiring Considerations 5

Compatible AxLink Cable Types

Ground Shielding
Under normal circumstances ground shielding should not be necessary. Only use ground shielding when
experiencing noise in the line. The shield connection should only be tied on one end - the Master side.

Tying both ends can result in a ground loop. Tie the ground shield connection to the
Master side only.

You can contact Liberty Wire & Cable Inc. at 4630 Forge Road, Suite A, Colorado Springs, CO
80907 or by calling (800) 530-8998.

6 AXlink Wiring Considerations

 AxLink Over UTP Network Cable

AxLink Over UTP Network Cable

Overview
You can use standard UTP (Category 5/5e/6) network cabling for AxLink data communications, as outlined
below:
When using UTP cable for AxLink data communication, do not split the AxLink data lines
(AXP/AXM wires) across pairs.
When using UTP cable for AxLink data communication, the maximum overall distance between
the Central Controller and all external devices is 1,000 feet (304.8 m).
If the installation site's UTP wiring conforms to EIA/TIA 568 standards, AxLink data
communication will function properly.
UTP Cable Requirements
AxLink has no special UTP cable requirements; standard off-the-shelf UTP network cable will work. High-
performance cabling is not required for AxLink data transmission.
UTP cable contains four unshielded twisted pairs of 24 AWG solid wire.
The nominal capacitance between conductors is 15.0 pF/ft.

Wiring Diagrams
AxLink Over UTP With Local Power Supply
The recommended method of using UTP cable for AxLink data communications is to use local power supplies
to provide power to the AxLink bus devices.
When a local power supply is used, the free GND wire of the GND pair should be connected as shown in
FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 UTP wiring diagram - without PWR connection (recommended method)

This is the recommended method, and is compatible with existing network installations.

Green and brown pairs are shown here as an example. Orange or blue pairs may be
used instead, if desired.

AXlink Wiring Considerations 7

AxLink Over UTP Network Cable

AxLink Over UTP With Power Supplied Via AxLink

While it is recommended that local power supply be used for AxLink bus devices, it is possible to use UTP
cable to provide 12 VDC power to connected devices, as shown in FIG. 7:

FIG. 7 UTP wiring diagram (with PWR connection)

This method should only be used in limited cases:

Relatively short cable runs - distance limitations of running 12 VDC power over UTP cable is a
function of resistance based on the power requirements of the AxLink bus devices, as well as the
wiring used in the UTP cable (typically 24 AWG).
Refer to the AxLink Maximum Cable Distances section on page 2 for details.
As an example, a 1000 mA device on UTP cable (using 24 AWG wires) with a power connection
(as in FIG. 7) would be limited to approximately 29 feet (8.83 m).
You can also use the "AMX Power Calculator" utility to calculate the cable distance that you can
achieve using this wiring method. "AMX Power Calculator" is available to download from
www.amx.com, and is included with the VisualArchitect software application.
In situations where you will not be interfacing with existing punch-blocks or patch bays.
Commonly used UTP terminations can severely limit power handling capability. Check the
specifications of the device you are connecting. When in doubt, supply power with a local power
supply instead of via UTP.

Using one pair for GND and another pair for PWR will increase the power carrying
capability. For example: use Brown pair for GND, Blue pair for PWR.

UTP Cable Recommendations

Some basic recommendations for installing UTP cable are provided below. Note that these are generally
network cabling-related concepts, not necessarily specific to AxLink data transmission over UTP.
Avoid installing UTP cabling in close proximity to electrical conduit or other high-voltage
electrical sources. Allow at least 18" (45.72 cm) of separation between electrical and data lines.
Always check local codes and other applicable regulations.
Avoid installing UTP cabling in any area that is likely to see sustained temperatures lower than -4°F
(-20°C), or higher than 150°F (65°C).
Install cable with gradual bends at corners. Kinks or sharp bends can create line interference.
Only use staples or fasteners that conform to the cable’s shape. When using staples or fasteners, be
careful not to crimp the wires inside.

8 AXlink Wiring Considerations

AXlink Wiring Considerations

AXlink Wiring Considerations 9

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©2012
2/12

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