Microchip introduces single-pair Ethernet (SPE) devices

     SPE technology is laying the foundation for all-Ethernet IIoT and Industrial Operations Technology (OT) networks. These networks are built with new synchronous low-speed Ethernet edge devices and simplified cabling infrastructure for delay-sensitive traffic flows. Microchip Technology introduces new industrial-grade SPE products, including 10BASE-T1S MAC-PHY, which makes it easier to connect edge IIoT devices to the cloud, and industrial versions of 100BASE-T1 Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet PHY transceivers and switches. Higher speed applications can be achieved in long-distance Ethernet networks.

     Matthias Kaestner, Microchip's vice president, said: "Microchip is helping drive the adoption of partitioning architectures in industrial applications with the new MAC-PHY. These Mac-PhYs can be connected to Microchip's many single-chip computers (MCUS), reducing the design complexity and deployment costs of bringing a large number of sensors, actuators, and other products into the new 10BASE-T1S network infrastructure. With the new 10BASE-T1S MAC-PHY and 100BASE-T1 TSN Industrial versions, we are making the cloud easier in the physical world, while enabling a seamless Ethernet architecture across IIoT and other industrial networks."

     Microchip's LAN8650 and LAN8651 10BASE-T1S MAC-PHY Ethernet controllers come with a serial peripheral interface (SPI) that enables the use of basic single-chip computers (MCUS) when creating sensors, actuators, and other devices for the edge of OT and IT networks. Instead of an advanced single-chip microcomputer (MCU) with a media access controller (MAC), simplifying the deployment of partition architectures. These low-speed devices don't need their own communication systems, Microchip's MAC-PHY connects them into standard Ethernet systems that connect directly to the cloud via simple twisted pair cables.

     For industrial applications requiring higher bandwidth, designers can use single-chip computers (MCUS) with integrated Ethernet MACS. Microchip now offers an industrial-grade version of the LAN8770 100BASE-T1 Ethernet PHY transceiver that delivers 100 Mbps transmit and receive capability over a single unshielded Twisted pair (UTP) cable.

     Microchip's industrial-grade versions of the LAN937x and LAN938x Gigabit Ethernet TSN switches integrate the 100BASE-T1 physical layer, further enhancing its SPE portfolio. These scalable, secure and compact SPE switches support hardware time stamping for IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP) and IEEE 1588v2 (PTP) time synchronization, as well as other TSN features. Energy efficiency features include ultra-deep sleep power outages and remote wake-up battery applications.

     Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip's USB and Networking business unit, said: "Microchip's industrial-grade 100BASE-T1 products reduce cost, cabling and installation complexity by enabling a complete SPE network from device to server. "Our industrial-grade SPE products are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions over a wider temperature range while providing enhanced performance, such as safety and longer cable lengths, to support industrial applications."