Microchip Launches 10BASE-T1S Transceivers for Edge Connectivity

Recap

Source: 테크월드, report of Sept. 30, 2026

According to the report, Microchip Technology unveiled a new set of 10BASE-T1S products on September 30, expanding its Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) portfolio. The announcement includes the LAN8679 and LAN8680 physical medium dependent (PMD) transceivers, along with the LAN8660X, LAN8661X, and LAN8662X endpoint device families.

The LAN8679 is housed in a small 8-pin VDFN package and features a standardized Open Alliance 3-pin (OA3P) interface. This design aims to reduce pin count and design complexity for space-constrained edge nodes. The LAN8680 builds on this foundation by integrating system basis chip (SBC) functions, including power management, system sleep control, and watchdog monitoring. Both transceivers are developed to meet AEC-Q100 and ISO 26262 functional safety standards for automotive and industrial applications.

The LAN8660X, LAN8661X, and LAN8662X endpoint devices integrate the PMD transceiver into a single-chip Remote Control Protocol (RCP) solution. This allows developers to build compact edge nodes for control systems, lighting, and audio without external PHY components. Microchip also introduced a multi-drop connector solution to expand its VelocityDRIVE portfolio. Charlie Fony, Vice President of Microchip’s Networking and Connectivity business, stated that these devices combine the simplicity of the OA3P interface with integrated endpoint functionality to help developers reduce edge complexity.

Context

Single Pair Ethernet is a technology that transmits data over a single twisted pair of wires, offering a lighter and more flexible alternative to traditional multi-pair Ethernet. It is increasingly adopted in automotive zonal architectures, where centralized computing platforms replace distributed electronic control units. This shift requires efficient ways to connect numerous sensors and actuators to the network edge without excessive wiring. Microchip has been a key player in the SPE ecosystem, providing controllers, transceivers, and software tools to support this transition.

The 10BASE-T1S standard specifically supports multi-drop topologies, where multiple nodes share a single bus line. This is particularly useful in automotive and industrial settings where reducing wire harness weight and cost is a priority. The integration of system basis chip functions into the transceiver also addresses the need for power management and safety monitoring in remote edge nodes, which are often located in harsh environments.

Robot's take

The launch of these integrated endpoint devices is a significant step for robotics and industrial automation, where reducing wiring complexity is a major challenge. By combining the transceiver, RCP, and SBC functions into a single chip, Microchip is lowering the barrier to entry for developers who want to implement all-Ethernet networks. However, the success of these products will depend on the availability of compatible software tools and the adoption of the OA3P interface by other ecosystem players. It is not yet clear whether these devices will be widely adopted in consumer robotics, but their application in industrial and automotive systems is likely to drive broader acceptance of SPE in the robotics space.