The radiation-tolerant (RT) Ethernet PHY devices claim to provide increased versatility in space applications by supporting copper and fiber interfaces.
Microchip Technology Inc. has launched radiation-tolerant (RT) Ethernet PHY devices, which the company claims to be equipped with support for the Serial Gigabit Media Independent Interface (SGMII) and Quad Serial Gigabit Media-Independent Interface (QSGMII). This innovative feature reduces the number of signal pins required in the design, ultimately freeing up the host device. Space applications rely on advanced radiation technology to withstand extreme temperatures and electromagnetic events, and these events can harm space-based systems, leading to operational disruptions. The company claims to address this challenge by leveraging its extensive portfolio of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) based devices. Customers can commence application development using the COTS version and then seamlessly substitute it with the radiation-tolerant (RT) device for the final mission.
According to the company’s claim, the low-power quad-port Gigabit Ethernet transceiver is explicitly developed for the challenging aerospace environment. The device is compatible with copper and fiber interfaces, enabling new application possibilities. The PHY incorporates a quad port to support 10, 100, and 1000BASE-T Ethernet connections, delivering optimal speed and reach based on the specific device requirements. Additionally, the device claims to be designed to endure extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, and enhanced radiation performances. The transceiver ensures reliability in harsh environments.
“The VSC8574RT PHY with advanced timing features provides our customers with a connectivity solution for deterministic real-time applications,” said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip’s aerospace and defense business unit. “Ethernet solutions are in high demand for space applications, and our COTS-to-RT devices offer increased capabilities with multiport, SGMII and fiber interfaces.”
Some of the product features include:
- EcoEthernet 2.0 green technology for energy efficiency
- Ethernet Type: 10/100/1000Mbps
- Ethernet Ports: 4
- Host Interface: SGMII QSGMII
- MAC I/O Voltage (V): 1 (differential)
- Temp Range Min: -40
- Temp Range Max (Tjc): 125
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