In a real-world application environment, the encoder can be far from the controller. A long-cable connection between the encoder and the controller can delay transmission and physical noises.

Line delay is the propagation delay due to the length of the cable used in the transmission. When the controller starts sending the MA clock, some time is required for the clock to reach the encoder. When the encoder receives the clock, the encoder begins responding with SL data. The encoder's response also travels the reverse path to the controller through the cable. The time delay in the transmission of data over the wire is proportional to the length of the cable. With a cable length up to 100 meters, a cable delay of 1µs from the time the controller sends the clock until the controller receives the encoder's response is possible.

The BiSS-C interface has mechanism to compensate for line delay and avoid errors in the transmission of longer cables.

Figure 2-3shows the signals in two perspectives: at the controller and at the encoder.

Refer to Figure 2-3 marker (1):

The MA at Controller line shows how the clock looks at the BiSS-C interface. This is on the cold side where the drive controller is located. The controller begins the transaction by sending the MA signal.

Refer to Figure 2-3 marker (2):

Due to the line delay, the MA clock signal is delayed at the encoder (motor). The MA at Encoder line shows the delay.

Refer to Figure 2-3 marker (3):

The encoder responds to the second rising edge of delayed MA clock. The SLO at Encoder line shows the response of the encoder to MA at Encoder.

Refer to Figure 2-3 marker (4):

The response takes some time to travel back to the controller. Traveling to the controller is delayed as shown in the SLO at Controller signal. By measuring the time duration between second rising edge of the MA clock and the first falling edge of the SLO line, the total time delayed can be calculated. To avoid the transmission errors, BiSS-C interface compensates for this line delay.