I have a PIC16F877 µController, connected via SPI to a MCP23S17 and the last it connected to an keypad and LCD screen, the distance between the µController and the MCP integrated circuit is 5m. My question is will it work or not? And if it does not work how can I resolve this problem. Is there a solution (like a Integrated Circuit or a trick)?
In an answer on a Microchip forum, Jan Axelson, author of 'Serial Port Complete', claims a maximum cable length of 10' for the SPI bus. Other posts have mentioned the same figure. So your distance of 5m may or may not work since it is just a little longer.
Another answer on the same forum recommends using 120- ohm terminating resistors on the lines.
There are several recommendations in discussion of this topic that say a big factor is reducing the clock speed, down to as little as 100 kHz. Then look at your signals with an oscilloscope.
One way to increase the distance way beyond your requirements is to use digital isolators and twisted pair drivers as discussed in this article: "Extending the SPI bus for long-distance communication" It claims a distance of 100m (not a typo).
It's possible with translating the data between the modules by using a trans receiver drivers ex. RS485 something like this
You need to use couple of this trans receiver, the idea is for illustration only you can use any trans driver that pack dual drivers and best suit your need
You could use LVDS drivers and receivers to convert the single-ended logic signals into differential signals. Most reliable for a single drop setup (from the board to the external board only), and it requires the grounds to be close to each other in potential.
Use twisted pairs (for example, Cat5 cable) and make sure you use appropriate terminations or it won't work reliably, if at all.
