Power Consumption Optimization Reaches A New Level For Automotive and Embedded Platforms With PCle 3.1 Ethernet Bridge

All those automotive and embedded platform designers seeking more power control with Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCle) 3.1 Low Power Sub-State (LPSS) L1.1 and L1.2 can now enjoy better alternatives. Microchip Technology Inc. recently introduced LAN7430 and LAN7431 with varied features.

Fig. 1: Image Showing The New PCle 3.1 Ethernet Bridges By Microchip

The LAN7430 Ethernet bridge is capable of providing integrated power, Ethernet PHY (Physical) interface and clocks. LAN7431, on the other hand, brings-in RGMII (Reduced Gigabit Media-Independent Interface) for switches and alternative PHYs. The LPSS L1.1 and L1.2 can play a key role in optimizing power consumption and extending battery life by turning off high-speed circuits in PHY when it is either in standby or sleep mode.

When it is connected either with a processor or an application SoC (System on Chip) as host, the LAN7431/0 permits the host device to stream video, audio, or other data files through 10/100/1000 Ethernet network. It establishes connection with host through PCle 3.1 specification and provides approx. 2.5 GT/s (Gigatransfers per second) in every single direction simultaneously.

The LAN7431’s RGMI interface opens up doorways for freedom to design with alternate link layers like 802.3bp-2016 (1000Base-T1) operation on a single twisted pair cable and IEEE 802.3bw- 2015 (100Base-T1) for 100 Mbps. It also provides support to real-time Ethernet, IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP) Precision Time Protocols, and IEEE 1588-2008 (PTP). The other one provides an automotive variant that exceeds AEC-Q10 Grade qualification that ranges from -40°C to 105°C.

Why These Products Deserve Your Attention?

These new products allow Microchip to provide PCle Ethernet bridge design users with more confidence through a more viable product with extended battery life, design review services, and worldwide technical support for final design and fully released Linux/Windows drivers.

Message from the Maker

The director of Micochip’s USB and networking business unit, Charles Forni, adds, “In a market where many vendors are either announcing end of life on a current product or sending messages that indicate potential longevity issues, Microchip is stepping in to meet customer demand. The new devices also meet customer requirements of PCle 3.1, low-power sub-states for power saving that is important in automotive, but especially so for hand-held or single-board computers in industrial applications.”

What It Brings To Table?

LAN7430.1 is the most genuine single-chip solution that provides 3.3V supply operation eliminating the requirement for costly and complicated power management support. Both these devices a JTAG (1149.1) TAP (Test Access Point) for better test coverage.