Industrial GbE transceivers optimise process automation, says Microchip
As developers of industrial automation systems gravitate from proprietary solutions for process synchronisation to standard-based one that offer broader compatibility and reduce design costs, Microchip has developed the LAN8840 and LAN8841 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver devices for critical process synchronisation.
The transceivers meet IEEE 1588v2 standards for Precision Timing Protocol. The LAN8840 and LAN8841 are enabled with Linux drivers and deliver flexible Ethernet speed options including 10BASE-T, 10BASE-Te, 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T.
They can facilitate critical packet prioritisation by providing high speed time stamping that is relayed between components to determine network latencies, accommodate for those latencies, and synchronise time amongst all connected devices.
This timing is key for process automation applications that require precise control production systems such as robotics, distributed sensors and cooling and mixing systems. The LAN8840 and LAN8841 can withstand extended industrial temperatures ranging from -40 to +105 degrees C.
To help companies achieve sustainability, the LAN8840 / LAN8841 features wake-on-LAN (WoL) and energy-detect power-down mode. The energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE) mode delivers low power idle and clock stoppage modes for optimal power performance.
The LAN8840 / LAN8841 are suitable for applications requiring accurate and precise time stamping, such as gas and chemical processing, electrical distribution, and currency trade systems which must be proven to be in sync with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) within one millisecond or finer increments.
The LAN8841 Ethernet Development System (EDS) daughter card is a modular addition to compatible Microchip host boards. When paired with the PCIe networking adapter, it enables evaluation of the LAN8841 through any host supporting the PCIe interface. Linux drivers supporting Precision Timing Protocol (PTP4L) are available for the LAN8841 on Microchip’s GitHub repository.
The LAN8840 (48 QFN) and LAN8841 (64 WQFN) are now available in high-volume production.
Microchip Technology serves more than 120,000 customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defence, communications and computing markets.
The company is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, USA.
