Ethernet PHY transceivers fit tight spaces, operate in harsh environments

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Texas Instruments (TI) unveiled two new Ethernet physical layer (PHY) transceivers for space-constrained applications and time-sensitive networks (TSNs). TI claims that the new DP83825I  low-power 10-/100-Mbits/s Ethernet PHY offers a 44% smaller package size than competing devices and provides a 150-meter cable reach. The DP83869HM is the industry’s only Gigabit Ethernet PHY that supports copper and fiber media and offers high-temperature operation up to 125°C, according to TI, enabling engineers to use Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in harsh environments.

As part of TI’s family of Ethernet PHY transceivers , the attributes — small package, low power consumption, and long cable reach — of the DP83825I make it suited for IP network camera, lighting, electronic point-of-sale, and other space-constrained applications. The high operating temperature of the DP83869HM and its electrostatic discharge (ESD) immunity and support for media conversion make it a good fit for factory automation, motor drive, and grid infrastructure equipment designs.

Key benefits of the DP83825I

• A 3 x 3-mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) 24-pin package and a long cable reach help designers shrink system designs while increasing the physical span of their networks.
• The device’s extended cable reach eliminates the need for Ethernet repeaters, further reducing operating costs.
• Reduces thermal loading and power demands for Ethernet connectivity and enables the allocation of power to other critical components by consuming less than 125 mW.
• Power-saving features include energy-efficient Ethernet, wake-on-LAN, and media access control isolation.

Key benefits of the DP83869HM

• Offers a wide operating temperature rating of −40°C to 125°C for gigabit fiber operation and robust ESD immunity that exceeds the 8-kV International Electrotechnical Commission 61000-4-2 standard.
• Improves Ethernet system reliability in high-temperature and static-prone industrial environments such as factory floors.
• Supports 1000Base-X and 100Base-FX Ethernet protocols and conversion between copper and fiber Ethernet standards, allowing designers to extend their long-distance networks.
• The device also features TSN support through low latency (<390 ns total) for both 1000Base-T and 100Base-TX standards.

Datasheets are available for more information: DP83825I  and DP83869HM .

Pre-production samples of the DP83825I  are available through the TI store ; pricing starts at $0.71 in 1,000-unit quantities. Production quantities of the DP83869HM  are available through the TI store  and authorized distributors; pricing starts at $7.13 in 1,000-unit quantities. Evaluation modules are available for the DP83825I  and the DP83869HM .