Microchip Introduces Its First Automotive-Qualified 10BASE-T1S Ethernet Devices

　　To support new automotive functionality while keeping system complexity low, OEMs are moving away from domain-based solutions and toward zonal architectures. Many of these new architectures rely on the widespread rollout of Ethernet in vehicles, and the recently-released 10BASE-T1S Ethernet standard has been a game changer in expanding and unifying this network. This week, Microchip announced the release of its first automotive-qualified 10BASE-T1S PHY transceivers.

　　The LAN8670/1/2 10BASE-T1S Ethernet PHYs are functional safety ready and designed for use in ISO 26262 applications. These devices now make it possible to connect low-speed devices that previously required their own communication systems into a standard Ethernet system in automotive applications.

　　“Microchip continues to prioritize connectivity solutions for the automotive industry with the expansion of its line of 10BASE-T1S products,” said Matthias Kaestner, vice president of Microchip’s automotive products business unit. “This new technology will connect the sensors and actuators used in the physical world all the way to the cloud, and it will enable a seamless Ethernet architecture everywhere.”

　　The ability to connect multiple Ethernet PHYs to a common bus line makes it simpler to implement automotive applications on a single, well-known architecture and saves implementation costs by reducing cabling and switch ports. The LAN8670/1/2 enables the network edges to use Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) to easily communicate with the rest of the network infrastructure. These devices include advanced PHY diagnostics to provide the user with troubleshooting capabilities. In addition, sleep/wake functionality allows for low-power modes.

　　The 10BASE-T1S device specifications include 10 Mbps, half-duplex mode, flexible topology with multidrop bus line and point-to-point and use a single balanced pair of conductors. These devices also feature enhanced electromagnetic compatibility/electromagnetic interference (EMC/EMI) performance. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support allows for synchronized timing across far-reaching Ethernet networks. Time synchronization is critical for many applications throughout automotive zonal architectures.

　　Microchip Extends Support for 10BASE-T1S

　　To support the future of 10BASE-T1S systems, Microchip Technology recently announced the launch of a series of new automotive-qualified 10BASE-T1S devices. The company's new portfolio of 10BASE-T1S devices includes the LAN8670, LAN8671, and LAN8672 PHYs.

　　With support for 10BASE-T1S, the LAN8670/1/2 devices (datasheet linked) can transmit and receive data at a rate of 10 Mbit/s over a single balanced pair of conductors. This capability enables efficient data transmission, even in environments where space and resources are limited. The devices can also connect multiple PHYs to a common mixing segment. This not only reduces weight and implementation costs by requiring fewer connectors, individual cables, and switch ports but also simplifies the implementation of automotive applications.

　　These devices are said to feature enhanced EMC/EMI performance to help meet the stringent standards for automotive environments. Other features include support for time-sensitive networking (TSN) and qualification to AEC-Q1000 Grade 1.

　　Microchip hopes this new series will help simplify the design of far-reaching Ethernet networks that are common to zonal architectures.