Microchip introduces EtherCAT slave controller

NEW DELHI: Microchip Technology Inc has launched the standalone EtherCAT slave controller with two 10/100 PHYs, the LAN9252.

LAN9252 provides system designers EtherCAT controller with multiple interfaces,

offering flexibility in selecting a cost-effective microcontroller, a release said.

The company, which provides microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions,

supports traditional Host Bus and SPI/SQI™ communication, along with stand-alone digital I/O interfaces, providing system designers the flexibility to select from a wide range of microcontrollers when implementing the real-time EtherCAT communications standard.

The device’s dual 10/100 Ethernet transceivers support both fiber and copper, along with cable diagnostics capabilities. The LAN9252 Additionally, the LAN9252 reduces system complexity and cost for developers using EtherCAT in factory-automation, process-control, motor/motion-control and Internet of Things (IoT) industrial-Ethernet applications.

"Microchip's history as a supplier supporting the very long product life cycles in the industrial market, combined with our leading-edge Ethernet devices, ensures customers have a reliable partner," said Mitch Obolsky, VP of Microchip's USB and Networking Group.

"Adding EtherCAT technology, with its expanding market share, is a significant addition to our industry-leading Ethernet portfolio. The LAN9252 provides our customers with ease-of-use and configuration flexibility, taking communication and connectivity in embedded industrial designs to the next level."

The LAN9252 EtherCAT slave controller is available now for sampling in 64-pin QFN and QFP-EP packages in 10,000-unit quantities.