Next-Generation Family of Ethernet Switches Features Time Sensitive Networking and Scalable Port Bandwidths from 46 Gbps to 102 Gbps
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Insights
The introduction of Microchip Technology's LAN969x Ethernet switches represents a significant advancement in the industrial automation sector, which is increasingly reliant on Machine Learning (ML) and robotic systems. The integration of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and the scalability of bandwidths are crucial factors for applications necessitating real-time data processing and high reliability. The consolidation of TSN and High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR)/Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) features into a single chip is a noteworthy development, as it simplifies design processes and potentially reduces costs for manufacturers.
The ability to offer such advanced features in a single chip could position Microchip Technology as a competitive player in the Ethernet switch market, catering to the growing demand for secure and safety-critical applications. This new offering could see increased adoption across industries where network reliability and zero downtime are paramount, such as in critical infrastructure, healthcare and transportation systems.
The LAN969x family's focus on security is particularly relevant in today's landscape, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The inclusion of secure boot, secure firmware execution and hardware security accelerators addresses a critical aspect of network infrastructure—trustworthiness. The use of Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM)-based frame processing and Arm Trusted Firmware further enhances the security posture of devices utilizing these switches.
By providing built-in security features, Microchip is acknowledging the importance of cybersecurity in the industrial automation market. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, the security of networked devices is a paramount concern for businesses. The ability to offer a root-of-trust manufacturing process can be a strong selling point, potentially leading to higher sales volumes and market share growth for Microchip.
From a financial perspective, the launch of the LAN969x series could have a positive impact on Microchip Technology's revenue streams, particularly if the product gains traction in the industrial automation market. The reduction in system level costs and the ability to support high-port-count configurations are attractive features that could lead to broad market adoption. The potential cost savings for customers, combined with the high configurability of the product, may result in a competitive advantage for Microchip.
Investors should monitor the adoption rate of the LAN969x series, as it could be indicative of Microchip's performance in the networking solutions sector. Additionally, the support provided by the EV23X71A Evaluation Board and Linux Application Software Package could shorten the time-to-market for products utilizing these switches, which may positively influence the company's stock value in the medium to long term.
Microchip’s LAN9694, LAN9696 and LAN9698 devices are integrated with High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) for ease of design
CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The growth of the industrial automation market encompasses innovative technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and robotic systems. Embedded solutions with deterministic communication are essential for industrial automation applications to control, monitor and process data. To provide designers with a reliable and robust network solution with deterministic communication, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announces its next-generation of LAN969x Ethernet switches with Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), scalable bandwidths from 46 Gbps to 102 Gbps and a powerful 1 GHz single-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 CPU.
For applications that require greater redundancy, the LAN969x Ethernet switches can be configured with High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP). HSR and PRP are hardware protocols that provide zero-loss redundancy in Ethernet networks. The LAN969x Ethernet switches support multiple HSR and PRP Redundancy Box (RedBox) instances that can operate in parallel and in series, as well as at Ethernet port speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps.
The LAN969x can implement a QuadBox, which is a function that connects two HSR networks to each other. This feature is particularly useful in applications where high reliability and zero downtime are critical. Alternative solutions that implement a QuadBox typically require multiple different components that can drive up design complexity and system costs.
“Prior to the introduction of Microchip’s LAN969x Ethernet switches, customers who wanted to implement TSN and HSR/PRP features required multiple ICs. Microchip’s new LAN969x solution is a single chip that can reduce the number of components and system level costs,” said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip’s USB and networking business unit. “These devices are also supported with our VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux® application software package that can enable designers to quickly bring products to market.”
The LAN969x Ethernet switches are highly configurable with options of up to 30 ports. The Ethernet ports support multiple interfaces including RGMII, SGMII, QSGMII, USGMII, and USXGMII. The LAN969x family targets secure and safety-critical applications where high-port-count 10M/100M/1G/2.5G/10G switching links are required.
The LAN969x family is available with security add-ons such as secure boot and secure firmware execution based on the customer’s root-of-trust manufacturing process. Security is provided through Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM)-based frame processing using a Versatile Content Aware Processor (VCAP), Arm Trusted Firmware methodology for fast secure boot, crypto libraries and hardware security accelerators for boot and code encryption, and one-time programmable immutable key storage.
The new family of LAN969x mid-range Ethernet switches rounds out Microchip’s portfolio of TSN switches. The SparX-5i family supports up to 64 ports and 200 Gbps of switching bandwidth, while the LAN9662 and LAN9668 support from 4 to 8 ports and 4 to 11 Gbps of switch bandwidth.
Development Tools
The LAN969x family of Ethernet switches is supported by the EV23X71A Evaluation Board. Other resources include the IStaX VSC6817SDK Linux Application Software Package to support TSN standards and HSR/PRP redundancy.
Pricing and Availability
The LAN9694, LAN9696 and LAN9698 are available for purchase now. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.
Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):
- Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53378056933/sizes/l
About Microchip Technology:
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce risk while lowering total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve approximately 125,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.
Disclaimers and Notices
Performance varies by use, configuration and other factors. No product or component can be absolutely secure. Your costs and results may vary.
Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
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FAQ
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