Microchip introduces single-pair Ethernet for space-constrained automotive applications

     The proliferation of Ethernet architectures simplifies the design, configuration, and control of many different applications. This is especially important for the mobile Internet, which requires higher data speeds than before. The Internet of vehicles relies heavily on local networking, in which a portion of devices lie dormant and wake up on demand. Microchip Technology, a leader in automotive Ethernet, announced the LAN8770, an Ethernet physical layer transceiver (PHY) with the industry's lowest sleep current. This transceiver, which meets the OPEN Alliance TC10 sleep standard, has a sleep current of less than 15 µA (microamperes), which is only a quarter of that of other devices in its class available.

     The LAN8770 is a compact, low-cost, single-port 100BASE-T1 Ethernet PHY that complies with the IEEE 802.3bw-2015 specification and is available in a 5 x 5 mm or 6 x 6 mm wettable flanking QFN package. This small package is ideal for space-constrained applications such as the core units of infotainment systems, telematics processing modules or advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It provides transmit and receive capabilities of 100 Mbps over a single unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wire, meets automotive electromagnetic interference requirements, and is certified at Level 1 (-40°C to + 125°C) automotive grade AEC-Q100. In addition, the LAN8770 supports Microchip's functional safety, which is specially designed with dedicated hardware safety features, failure Modes, Consequences and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA), and safety operations manuals to simplify ISO26262 safety certification for customers' final products.

     The LAN8770M and LAN8770R support communication with Ethernet MACs via standard MII/RMII and MII/RMII/RGMII interfaces, respectively, and offer optional 125 MHz or 50 MHz reference clock outputs for RGMII and RMII applications. It is often possible to eliminate the dependence on an external reference clock.

     Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip's USB and Networking business unit, said: "Typically, an automotive module is only allowed to consume a maximum of 100 microamps of current in hibernation (battery) mode, so if the PHY alone consumes more than 50 microamps, additional circuits need to be added to avoid exceeding the rated power." This results in applications that often need to add additional lines or CAN buses to enable and disable power. The PHY we introduced avoids this need, thereby minimizing components, installation and costs."

     Microchip's LAN8770 EtherGREEN™ energy saving technology provides low-power operation and ultra-low-power sleep and wake modes, further improving power efficiency with an optional integrated linear regulator and Microchip's flexPWR® technology for variable xMII and input/output power supply voltages. This provides flexible design options and more ways to save energy.