MAC-PHY devices connect automotive devices with 10BASE-T1S Ethernet
A family of LAN8650/1 MAC-PHY devices developed by Microchip Technology can be used to connect low-cost microcontrollers without a built-in Ethernet MAC (media access controller) to a 10BASE-T1S Ethernet network.
In automotive designs, 10BASE-T1S technology makes it possible for low speed devices to connect to a standard Ethernet network, eliminating the need for dedicated communication systems. Expanding its portfolio of automotive-qualified Ethernet solutions, the LAN8650 and LAN8651 MAC-PHYs are qualified for automotive applications. They include a MAC and SPI (serial peripheral interface) to connect devices at the edge of automotive networks.
The built-in MAC and SPI enable designers to connect 8-, 16-, and 32-bit microcontrollers that do not have a built-in Ethernet MAC to 10BASE-T1S SPE (single pair Ethernet) networks. As a result, sensors and actuators that interface between the digital and the real world to become part of an all-Ethernet architecture. Connecting to even the simplest microcontrollers can reduce the overall size and cost of a design, said Microchip.
Matthias Kaestner, corporate vice president of Microchip’s automotive business, commented: “This new technology will connect sensors and actuators in the physical world all the way to the cloud, enabling a seamless Ethernet architecture in vehicles, which in turn reduces development effort and time to market”.
These devices are equipped with time-sensitive networking (TSN) support, which allows for synchronised timing across Ethernet networks. This synchronisation is critical for many automotive applications such as advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).
The automotive-qualified LAN8650/1 devices comply with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 for enhanced robustness in harsh environments, including extended operational temperature range from -40 to +125 degrees C. They are also functional safety ready and designed for use in ISO 26262 applications.
The LAN8650/1 MAC-PHYs are supported with a set of network analysis tools, the LAN8651 SPI evaluation board and MPLAB Harmony 3. The MAC-PHYs are available to purchase now.
