Microchip introduces a new EtherCAT slave controller with integrated PHY

     Microchip Technology has announced the LAN9252, a discrete EtherCAT slave controller that integrates two 10/100 PhYs. This highly integrated device features two 10/100 Ethernet transceivers, supports both fiber and copper wires, and has cable diagnostics. The LAN9252 supports traditional host bus and SPI/SQI communication as well as a separate digital I/O interface, giving system designers the flexibility to choose from a variety of microcontroller models when implementing the real-time EtherCAT communication standard. In addition, for developers using EtherCAT in factory automation, process control, motor/motion control and Internet of Things (IoT) industrial Ethernet applications, LAN9252 can effectively reduce system complexity and cost.

     According to technology research firm ARC Consulting Group, Ethernet applications in industrial networks will see double-digit growth, driven in part by applications in the emerging Internet of Things market. With EtherCAT technology's "on-the-fly" real-time processing capabilities and the use of standard Ethernet cabling, Microchip LAN9252 slave controllers help current and future industrial applications achieve the high level of integration and cost optimization they require.

     Mitch Obolsky, Microchip's vice president of USB and Networking, said: "As a product supplier, Microchip has always been committed to extending the life cycle of our products in the industrial market, and we also have a leading technology Ethernet devices, customers choose Microchip to choose a reliable partner. Given the growing market share of EtherCAT technology, adding this technology is a great addition to our industry-leading Ethernet portfolio." "The LAN9252 is easy to use and flexible to configure, enabling customers to take communication and connectivity in embedded industrial design to the next level."

     Fully compliant with the EtherCAT standard and interoperable with all EtherCAT systems, the LAN9252 EtherCAT slave controller contains a 4-KB dual-port RAM(DPRAM) and three fieldbus memory management units (FMMUs). The LAN9252 also supports cable diagnostics so field technicians can quickly and efficiently diagnose line faults and provide fiber optic connectivity. The new EtherCAT slave controller operates in commercial, industrial and extended industrial temperature ranges in low pin count and small size QFN and QFP-EP packages.