Microchip Introduces New Family of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet Switches

     From reducing handling and storage to increasing output, factory automation is increasing productivity across the board. Connected warehouses and other industrial ecosystems with converged Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) architectures rely on Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Ethernet for precise timing, synchronization and connectivity of devices including cameras, barcode readers, scanners and conveyor. These ecosystems require next-generation networking technologies to interconnect devices, sensors, and device communications. To meet this requirement, Microchip Technology Inc. announced the LAN9668 family of TSN switching devices. As the industry's first switching solution to provide IEEE-compliant functionality, the LAN9668 family of TSN switching devices enables lower latency data traffic and higher clock accuracy.

     Microchip's LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX devices are 8-port switches for industrial and commercial applications, respectively, with an Arm® Cortex®-A7 central processing unit (CPU) supporting the TSN IEEE communication standard in industrial environments. These standards include IEEE 1588v2 and IEEE 802.1AS-2020 for precise timing, IEEE 802.1Qci for per-flow filtering and monitoring, IEEE 802.1Qav and IEEE 802.1Qbv for traffic shaping, and seamless redundancy IEEE 802.1CB, as well as IEC-62439-2 (Media Redundancy Protocol) and ODVA-DLR and IEC-61158-6-10 for media redundancy.

     Microchip's Ethernet Switch, PHY Application Programming Interface and Ethernet Switch API (MESA) and Ethernet PHY API (MEPA) give designers the freedom and flexibility to develop comprehensive, user-friendly operating system-independent function library. Microchip's software framework supports a single, scalable TSN chipset-related standard and provides the lowest latency and end-to-end traffic delivery.

     The LAN8814 is a next-generation quad-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY that fully supports the latest TSN requirements, including 1588 v2 and frame preemption. Designers using the LAN9668 and LAN8814 technologies can adopt the TSN chipset for timing, stream retention, protection and management, saving development time and cost.

     Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip's USB and Networking business unit, said: "Whereas devices and devices previously required their own communication systems, TSN simplifies traffic and improves interoperability by connecting data streams. To enable converged network architectures, this technology enables Developers are able to expand their products into new markets and deliver better performance in existing networks."

     In addition to the LAN9668 series and the LAN8814 Ethernet PHY, Microchip also provides the related IStaX/SMBStaX and WebStaX network operating systems, which help to achieve the purpose of quick time-to-market by connecting hardware and software. This includes a replicable reference design available as a board design or kit for Microchip parts including TSN switches, Ethernet PHYs, clocking devices and oscillators. As an integrated solution, it complies with all web standards, simplifying first-time design for developers.