Microchip Technology Incorporated (Nasdaq: MCHP), a leading provider of semiconductor solutions, has introduced its first-ever automotive-qualified Ethernet PHYs, signaling a major advancement in automotive connectivity. With the unveiling of the LAN8670, LAN8671, and LAN8672, Microchip aims to empower automotive designers to replace outdated gateway subsystems with cutting-edge technology that seamlessly integrates applications into an Ethernet network, enabling easy access to information from the edge to the cloud.
The LAN8670/1/2 10BASE-T1S Ethernet PHYs are specifically designed for use in ISO 26262 applications, ensuring functional safety readiness. This breakthrough allows low-speed devices that previously relied on their own communication systems to be seamlessly integrated into a standard Ethernet network for automotive applications.
Matthias Kaestner, the Vice President of Microchip’s automotive products business unit, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing connectivity solutions for the automotive industry. He stated, “Microchip continues to prioritize connectivity solutions for the automotive industry with the expansion of its line of 10BASE-T1S products. This new technology will connect the sensors and actuators used in the physical world all the way to the cloud, and it will enable a seamless Ethernet architecture everywhere.”
One of the key benefits of the LAN8670/1/2 is the ability to connect multiple Ethernet PHYs to a common bus line, simplifying automotive applications by using a single, well-known architecture. This not only reduces implementation costs by minimizing cabling and switch ports but also enables the network edges to communicate effortlessly with the rest of the network infrastructure through Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP). Additionally, these devices offer advanced PHY diagnostics, providing users with troubleshooting capabilities, while their sleep/wake functionality allows for low-power modes.
The LAN8670/1/2 Ethernet PHYs boast impressive specifications, including 10 Mbps in half-duplex mode, a flexible topology with a multidrop bus line, and point-to-point communication using a single balanced pair of conductors. Furthermore, these devices offer enhanced electromagnetic compatibility/electromagnetic interference (EMC/EMI) performance. Their Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support ensures synchronized timing across extensive Ethernet networks, a critical feature for various applications throughout automotive zonal architectures.
Microchip played a pivotal role in the development of the automotive-qualified 10BASE-T1S technology standards in collaboration with IEEE. By expanding Ethernet’s reach to devices at the network’s edge, this technology simplifies system design and revolutionizes automotive connectivity.
To support the LAN8670/1/2 10BASE-T1S Ethernet PHYs, Microchip offers the EVB-LAN8670-RMII, EVB-LAN8670-USB, and MPLAB® Harmony v3 development tools.
With the introduction of their automotive-qualified Ethernet PHYs, Microchip Technology Incorporated solidifies its position as an industry leader in providing advanced connectivity solutions for the automotive sector. This groundbreaking technology is expected to drive innovation and pave the way for the next generation of automotive systems, enabling seamless integration and communication from the edge to the cloud.
