Single-pair Ethernet PHY Offers the Industry’s Leading Ultra-low TC10-compliant Sleep Current and is Functional Safety Ready

Rhea-AI Summary

Microchip Technology announced the LAN8770, an automotive Ethernet PHY meeting the OPEN Alliance TC10 sleep standard, with the lowest sleep current of under 15 µA. This transceiver, ideal for space-constrained applications, supports 100 Mbps over a single Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and meets stringent automotive requirements. It is AEC-Q100 qualified, ensuring reliability in harsh environments. Additional features include EtherGREEN technology for energy efficiency, integrated diagnostics, and support for various interfaces, catering to the increasing demand for efficient automotive networking.

Positive

• Unprecedented low sleep current of <15 µA, enhancing energy efficiency.
• The LAN8770 exceeds automotive electromagnetic requirements.
• AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability in harsh automotive environments.
• Integrated diagnostics provide troubleshooting capabilities.
• EtherGREEN technology offers low-power operation for automotive applications.

Negative

• None.

CHANDLER, Ariz., July 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A ubiquitous Ethernet architecture simplifies the design, configuration, and control of many different applications. This is especially true for connected mobility that requires more high-speed data delivery than ever before. Automotive networks rely heavily on partial networking in which some segments are hibernated and woken up on demand. Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP), a leader in automotive Ethernet, today announced the LAN8770, an OPEN Alliance TC10 sleep standard Ethernet physical layer transceiver (PHY) with the industry’s lowest sleep current—less than 15 µA—which is around four times lower than other available devices. 

The LAN8770 is a compact, cost-effective, single-port 100BASE-T1 Ethernet PHY compliant with the IEEE 802.3bw-2015 specification and available in a 5 x 5 mm or 6 x 6 mm wettable-flanks QFN package. The small package is ideal for space-constrained applications such as the infotainment head unit, telematics modules or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It provides 100 Mbps transmit and receive capability over a single Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), exceeds automotive electromagnetic interference requirements and is Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C) automotive AEC-Q100 qualified. In addition, the LAN8770 is Microchip Functional Safety Ready; it is specifically designed to simplify customers’ end-product ISO26262 safety certification with the support of specialized hardware safety features, Failure Modes, Effects, and Diagnostic Analysis (FMEDA) and safety manual.

The LAN8770M and LAN8770R support communication with an Ethernet MAC via standard MII/RMII and MII/RMII/RGMII interfaces, respectively. An optional 125 MHz or 50 MHz reference clock output is also provided for RGMII and RMII applications, often enabling elimination of an external reference clock.

“Typically, an automotive module can only consume 100 microamps maximum in sleep (battery) mode so, if the PHY alone consumes north of 50 microamps, additional circuitry is required to avoid exceeding the target power budget,” said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip’s USB and Networking business unit. “Often, applications add an additional wire or CAN bus just to enable and disable the power. Our PHY avoids such a need, minimizing components, installation and cost.”

Microchip’s LAN8770 EtherGREEN™ energy efficiency technology provides low-power operation along with ultra-low-power sleep and wake-up modes. Power efficiency is further enhanced with optional integrated linear regulator and Microchip’s flexPWR^® technology for variable xMII and input/output supply voltages, providing flexible design options and more opportunities to save power.

Development Tools
Advanced PHY diagnostics provide the user with troubleshooting capabilities through Microchip’s integrated LinkMD^® cable diagnostic system designed to detect cable defects, shorts or opens. The device also provides a receiver Signal Quality Indicator (SQI), over-temperature and under-voltage protection and comprehensive status interrupt support along with various loopback and test modes. The PHY family is backed by Microchip’s free LANCheck^® online design service that reviews customer designs, ensuring that best design practices are used. AUTOSAR^®, Linux^® and RTOS software drivers are also available.

A separate 100BASE-T1 to 100BASE-TX Media Converter evaluation kit is available now. A 100BASE-T1 daughter card evaluation board is available for use with Microchip’s ATSAMV71-XULT Xplained Ultra microcontroller kit as well as the SAMA5D3-EDS microprocessor kit.

Pricing and Availability
The new Ethernet PHY family includes two devices: the LAN8770M (MII/RMII) and LAN8770R (MII/RMII/RGMII) in 5 x 5 mm 32-pin and 6 x 6 mm 36-Pin QFN packages, respectively. Both devices are available for purchase today. For additional information, including pricing, contact a Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor.

Resources
High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

• Application image: www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/50084495451/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 more than 120,000 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.

Note: The Microchip name and logo, the Microchip logo, flexPWR, LinkMD and LANCheck are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. EtherGREEN is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.

Editorial Contact:	Reader Inquiries:
Brian Thorsen	1-888-624-7435
480-792-7182
brian.thorsen@microchip.com

FAQ

What is the LAN8770 announced by Microchip Technology?

The LAN8770 is an automotive Ethernet PHY with the lowest sleep current, designed for connected mobility applications.

What are the key features of the LAN8770 PHY?

Key features include 15 µA sleep current, 100 Mbps transmission capability, AEC-Q100 qualification, and integrated diagnostics.

How does the LAN8770 contribute to automotive networking?

The LAN8770 supports efficient data delivery and reduces additional circuitry, making it suitable for space-constrained automotive applications.

What is the significance of EtherGREEN technology in the LAN8770?

EtherGREEN technology enhances the LAN8770's energy efficiency, supporting low-power operation and flexible design options.

When was the LAN8770 made available for purchase?

The LAN8770 PHY family was announced and made available for purchase on July 28, 2020.