MICROCHIP Ethernet Controller 8Kb RAM

The MICROCHIP Ethernet Controller with 8Kb RAM is a stand-alone Ethernet controller featuring an SPI interface, housed in a 28-pin SSOP package. It integrates an onboard MAC and PHY, alongside 8Kbytes of buffer RAM. Designed to serve as an Ethernet network interface for any SPI-equipped controller, it meets all IEEE 802.3 specifications and is fully compatible with 10/100/1000Base-T networks.

This controller incorporates multiple packet filtering schemes to limit incoming packets efficiently. It also provides an internal DMA module for fast data throughput and hardware-assisted checksum calculation, which is essential for various network protocols. Communication with the host controller is implemented via an interrupt pin and SPI, supporting clock rates of up to 20MHz. Two dedicated pins are used for LED link and network activity indication, while its small footprint package size minimises complexity, board space, and overall cost.

Key Features

• Integrated MAC and 10Base-T PHY
• Supports one 10Base-T port with automatic polarity detection and correction
• Operating voltage from 3.1V to 3.6V (3.3V typical)
• Supports full and half duplex modes
• Programmable automatic retransmit on collision
• SPI interface with clock speeds up to 20MHz
• Six interrupt sources and one interrupt output pin
• Ambient temperature range from 0°C to 70°C

Whether for industrial automation or building security, this Ethernet controller provides a reliable and efficient networking solution.