Microchip's new Ethernet PHYs enable multi-drop bus architecture

Smart manufacturing is driving efficiencies in automation as digital networks increasingly connect machines, production line equipment, and robotics. Operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) networks that are critical to the industrial internet of things (IIoT) rely on Ethernet for interoperability and to speed data transmission and ensure security.

Microchip Technology‘s new LAN867x family of 10BASE-T1S PHYs expands Ethernet connectivity to the edges of industrial networks, simplifying architectures, and reducing risk for designers.

Microchip’s LAN867x Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) transceivers are high-performance, small-footprint devices, enabling connections to standard system devices including sensors and actuators that previously required their own communication systems.

With the LAN867x devices, all-Ethernet infrastructures in OT and IT systems can be expanded to the edges of the network. Microchip’s LAN867x devices eliminate the need for gateways that in the past were needed to interconnect incompatible communication systems. The single pair of wires reduces cost, while the multi-drop bus architecture reduces the need for expensive switches and enhances scalability.

Also, several nodes can operate on the same bus line with high data throughput.

Microchip’s LAN8670, LAN8671, and LAN8672 Ethernet PHYs are the industry’s first designed and validated to the new 10BASE-T1S standard for single-pair Ethernet released by IEEE. The 10BASE-T1S addresses the challenges of creating all-Ethernet architectures for industrial applications such as process controls, building automation, and consolidation of systems with multiple interconnection technologies.

The configuration enables a multi-drop (bus line) topology, fewer cables, development on printed circuit boards, with up to at least eight nodes and up to at least a 25-meter range.

“Microchip’s 10BASE-T1S technology provides an advantage for our endpoint-to-cloud integration, connecting products, controls, software, and services in a simpler and more cost-effective way,” said Julien Michel, Connected Systems project leader at Schneider Electric. “The technology will help to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress, and sustainability for all.”

All-Ethernet infrastructures simplify architectures by using well-known communication and security mechanisms. This reduces cost and risk when designing new systems. Additional advantages of Ethernet include use of the same protocol independent from physical layer speed, and operation within established security infrastructures and ecosystems.

“For industrial system architects and designers, interconnection of many different communication devices and technologies often is difficult and error prone,” said Matthias Kaestner, VP, Automotive. “Using 10BASE-T1S Ethernet simplifies these interconnections, enhancing interoperability and speed, which is critical in the industrial environment.”

The LAN867x expands Microchip’s product portfolio and total system solutions for industrial applications that include microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors (MPUs) and switches with Ethernet interfaces, as well as development tools, evaluation boards and support.

Reference designs, software drivers, system simulator, and evaluation boards are available to enable easy design-in of the LAN8670, LAN8671, and LAN8672 Ethernet PHYs.