Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT


Ethernet switches for time sensitive networking

24 November 2021 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Factory automation is increasing efficiencies, from reducing handling and storage to improving throughput. 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, synchronisation and connectivity of devices including cameras, bar code readers, scanners and conveyors.

These ecosystems require next-generation network technology to interconnect device, sensor and equipment communication. To meet this requirement, Microchip Technology developed the LAN9668 family of TSN switching devices delivering IEEE standards-compliant features in the industry’s first switching solution enabling lower-latency data traffic flows and greater clock accuracy.

Complementing the LAN9668x is Microchip’s newly released LAN8814 quad-port gigabit Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) transceiver.

Microchip’s LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX devices are 8-port switches for industrial and commercial applications, respectively, outfitted with Arm Cortex-A7 central processing units (CPUs) supporting TSN IEEE standards for communication in industrial settings. These include IEEE 1588v2 and IEEE 802.1AS-2020 for precision timing, IEEE 802.1Qci for per-stream filtering and policing, IEEE 802.1Qav and IEEE 802.1Qbv for traffic shaping and IEEE 802.1CB for seamless redundancy, as well as IEC-62439-2 (media redundancy protocol) and ODVA-DLR and IEC-61158-6-10 for media redundancy.

Microchip’s Ethernet switch API (MESA) and PHY API (MEPA) give designers the freedom and flexibility to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly function library that is operating-system independent. The LAN9668 and LAN8814 scalable TSN chipsets are supported by Microchip’s software framework and provide the lowest latency and end-to-end transmission of communication traffic.

The LAN8814 is a new-generation quad-port gigabit Ethernet PHY that fully supports the latest TSN requirements including IEEE 1588 v2 and frame pre-emption. Designers using LAN9668 and LAN8814 technology can employ the TSN chipset to achieve timing, stream reservation, protection and management, thereby saving development time and cost.

In addition to the LAN9668 family and LAN8814 Ethernet PHY, Microchip provides its associated IStaX/SMBStaX and WebStaX network operating systems. This completes the hardware and software journey to arrive at a rapid time to market. These include a reproduceable reference design available as a board design or kit of Microchip parts including TSN switches, Ethernet PHYs, clock devices and oscillators. This integrated solution is compliant to all network standards, simplifying developers’ first designs.

Development tools

The LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX TSN Ethernet switches are supported by the VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux application software, an industrial Ethernet switch software solution supporting Microchip's managed Ethernet switch devices. The VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux Network Operating System is an industrial Ethernet switch software solution also supporting Microchip's managed Ethernet switch devices.

The SMBStaX and WebSTaX Linux network operating systems are available to commercial designers and follow the long-term supported Linux kernel. These solutions all are highly integrated with advanced L2+ switch features. In addition, reference designs and evaluation boards also are available from Microchip and the company’s distribution partners, enabling easy design-in.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Accelerate development of physical AI deployments
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
With Avocado OS now available on the HummingBoard RZ-V2N- AIoT and SolidSense AIoT V2N from SolidRun, teams can move from prototype to deployed fleet in weeks.

Read more...
Universal NFC device
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
Delivering high-end performance in a compact 4 x 4 mm package, the multipurpose NFC reader from ST Microelectronics, enables the convenience of contactless interaction and features for various end applications.

Read more...
Simplifying system design
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The FGMC63N tri-band MCU Wi-Fi 6E module from Quectel addresses offers integrated connectivity across 2,4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands in a compact, highly optimised design.

Read more...
Dragino’s connectivity catalogue
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Where Wi-Fi demands frequent charging and covers tens of meters, and traditional cellular consumes too much power for battery-operated nodes, LoRaWAN threads the needle.

Read more...
RF filters explained
RFiber Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
As RF environments become increasingly crowded, RF filters play a critical role in maintaining signal quality, improving system performance, and ensuring reliable operation.

Read more...
Practical design strategies for 5G
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Cavli CQM211 aims to provide a platform that combines strong 5G connectivity with onboard compute capability, as well as interface flexibility that suits both new designs and rapid migrations from earlier products.

Read more...
Compact direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR module
Altron Arrow AI & ML DSP, Micros & Memory
The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is the first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR all-in-one module in ST’s portfolio, offering a resolution of 2,3K zones, wide field of view, on-chip processing, 100 frames per second, and sensing range from 5 centimeters to 9 meters.

Read more...
GigaDevice expands optical communication portfolio
NuVision Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
GigaDevice has introduced the new GD32E512 and GD32E252 series MCUs specifically designed for optical module applications.

Read more...
SoC brings scalable edge AI to life
Altron Arrow AI & ML
The NXP i.MX 937 applications processor is optimised for performance without excessive power draw and bridges the gap between entry-level chips and high-end processors.

Read more...
An industry-first Android 16 smart module solution
RF Design Computer/Embedded Technology Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The MeiG Smart SLM580 4G Smart Module features native support for Android 16 and covers core frequency bands in major countries and regions worldwide.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved