Microchip launches new time-sensitive networking Ethernet switches

Factory automation is increasing efficiencies such as reducing handling and storage, and improving throughput. However, connected warehouses and other industrial ecosystems with converged information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) architectures rely on time-sensitive networking (TSN) and Ethernet for precise timing, synchronization and connectivity of devices — including cameras, bar code readers, scanners, and conveyors.

These ecosystems require next-generation network technology to interconnect devices, sensors, and equipment communication.

To meet this requirement, Microchip Technology has announced the LAN9668 family of TSN switching devices delivering IEEE standards-compliant features in the industry’s first switching solution enabling lower latency data traffic flows and greater clock accuracy.

Complementing the LAN9668x is Microchip’s newly released LAN8814 quad-port Gigabit Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) transceiver.

Microchip’s LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX devices are 8-port switches for industrial and commercial applications, respectively, outfitted with ArmCortex-A7 central processing units (CPUs), supporting TSN IEEE standards for communication in industrial settings.

These include:

IEEE 1588v2 and IEEE 802.1AS-2020 for precision timing
IEEE 802.1Qci for per-stream filtering and policing
IEEE 802.1Qav and IEEE 802.1Qbv for traffic shaping
IEEE 802.1CB for seamless redundancy
IEC-62439-2, ODVA-DLR, and IEC-61158-6-10 for media redundancy

Microchip’s Ethernet Switch API (MESA) and PHY API (MEPA) provide designers the freedom and flexibility to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly function library that is operating-system independent. The LAN9668 and LAN8814 scalable TSN chipsets are supported by the company’s software framework and provide the lowest latency and end-to-end transmission of communication traffic.

The LAN8814 is a new-generation quad-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY that fully supports the latest TSN requirements including IEEE 1588 v2 and frame preemption. Designers using LAN9668 and LAN8814 technology can employ the TSN chipset to achieve timing, stream reservation, protection, and management, saving development time and cost.

“While devices and equipment previously required their own communication systems, TSN improves interoperability through connecting data streams to simplify traffic,” said Charles Forni, VP of Microchip’s USB and networking business unit. “Enabling converged network architectures, this technology allows developers to expand their products into new markets and provide better performance in existing networks.”

In addition to the LAN9668 family and LAN8814 Ethernet PHY, Microchip provides their associated IStaX/SMBStaX and WebStaX network operating systems. This completes the hardware and software journey to arrive at a rapid time to market. These include a reproduceable reference design available as a board design or kit of Microchip parts including TSN switches, Ethernet PHYs, clock devices, and oscillators. This integrated solution is compliant to all network standards, simplifying developers’ first designs.

Development tools
The LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX TSN Ethernet switches are supported by the VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux Application Software, an industrial Ethernet switch software solution supporting Microchip’s managed Ethernet switch devices.

The VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux Network Operating System is an industrial Ethernet switch software solution that also supports Microchip’s managed Ethernet switch devices.

The SMBStaX Linux Network Operating System and WebSTaX Linux Network Operating System are available to commercial designers and follow the long-term support Linux Kernel. These solutions all are highly integrated with advanced L2+ switch features. In addition, reference designs and evaluation boards also are available from Microchip and the company’s distribution partners, enabling easy design-in.