Dukosi DK-NFLNK™

Overview

DK-NFLNK^™is an intra-battery communication solution that consists of the DK8503 Node chip, DK8203 System Hub chip, the Dukosi API, and Dukosi’s proprietary contactless communication protocol based on C-SynQ^®..

DK-NFLNK creates a contactless communication channel between the Battery Management System (BMS) Host processor and the traditional multi-channel Analog Front End (AFE). The DK8503 Node interfaces directly with the AFE via a standard SPI connection and is AFE agnostic. DK-NFLNK transfers data to and from each AFE and the BMS Host processor via the Dukosi DK8203 System Hub through a single bus antenna.

DK-NFLNK Advantages

DK-NFLNK System Diagram

Improve Reliability

DK-NFLNK reduces one of the main reliability risks in wired BMS designs: the wiring harness and its physical connectors. Instead, it uses a single bus antenna and a robust near field RF communication system to provide wired-like performance.

Easily Adaptable: One Battery Design for Many Applications

The simplified, novel architecture supports a design-once, scale-to-many approach in multi-channel AFE battery packs, reducing costs and accelerating time to market. Changes to pack size, configuration, or layout can be accommodated without repeatedly reworking the communication system, unlike wired and far field wireless battery designs. The same BMS host processor and DK8203 System Hub can be reused across multiple battery pack designs. A common DK-NFLNK library and API support all configurations while maintaining consistent RF performance.

Robust Near Field RF Performance

Compared with far field wireless BMS solutions, Dukosi’s near field communication system operates at very low RF power, resulting in minimal environmental noise and signal reflection, virtually eliminating interference while maintaining reliable, wired-like communication.

The communication path also readily supports pack layout changes, which helps designers avoid repeated RF analysis or redesign when modifying busbars, cell layouts, cooling systems, or thermal barriers.

Easy Fault Isolation with a Star Network

DK-NFLNK uses a star network configuration, each Node communicates directly with the BMS Host via the DK-NFLNK System Hub, which means abnormal behavior is identified quickly without disrupting communication between the remaining Nodes and the BMS host processor.

Data Provenance

Data storage is available on the DK8503 Node. This capability supports regulatory requirements, asset tracking and supply chain security, operational streamlining for maintenance and remanufacturing, and circular economy enablement.

Adapting Future Designs

DK-NFLNK and the Dukosi Cell Monitoring System (DKCMS^®) share a common communication foundation, giving battery designers an easy migration path from DK-NFLNK to DKCMS in future battery designs so they can take advantage of its smart cell technologies.

DK8503 Node

Dukosi DK8503 Node for DK-NFLNK

One Node per AFE
AFE-agnostic, enabling integration with a wide range of cell monitoring solutions
Single-chip communication device

DK8203 System Hub

Dukosi DK8203 System Hub for DK-NFLNK

Directly connected to BMS Host processor via SPI (BMU)
BMU adaptable, enabling integration with a wide range of BMS suppliers
Independent communication with all DK8503 Nodes (star network)
System Hub ensures each Node operates synchronously

Communications

DK8503 with near field antenna

Custom near field connectivity using single bus antenna
Proprietary communication protocol based on Dukosi C-SynQ^®
Reliable star network design
Architected expressly for safety-critical applications in large, multi-node battery systems
Synchronized network with deterministic communication between System Hub and Nodes