The new VSC8574RT supports both copper and fiber interfaces that increase flexibility in space applications.
The specialty industry is changing its connectivity interfaces, moving from traditional specialty networks to Ethernet solutions that increase flexibility and simplify the design process. To expedite the deployment of Ethernet in the aerospace and defense industry, Microchip Technology today announces that it has expanded its Radiation-Tolerant (RT) Ethernet devices with the new VSC8574RT. The VSC8574RT supports SGMII (Serial Gigabit Media Independent Interface) and QSGMII (Quad Serial Gigabit Media-Independent Interface) interfaces to reduce the total number of signal pins in the design and free up the host device.
Space applications are developed in environments that require enhanced radiation technology that can withstand extreme temperatures and electromagnetic disturbances that disrupt space systems and affect operations. The VSC8574RT for Ethernet builds on Microchip's extensive range of commercial devices, allowing customers to start developing applications that use the commercial version and replace an RT device for the final mission.
The VSC8574RT, which supports both copper and fiber interfaces, opens the door to new applications. Although copper is primarily used in current designs, the fiber interface is the dominant trend in space applications as the industry demands data rates greater than 1 Gigabit.
The VSC8574RT features a quad port for 10, 100, and 1000BASE-T Ethernet connections that optimize speed and range, depending on device requirements. The VSC8574RT stands out for its high reliability and has advanced functions such as Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) and IEEE® 1588v2 PTP (Precision Time Protocol) for network timing and synchronization in applications that require very precise timing.
"The VSC8574RT with advanced timing features offers our customers a connectivity solution for real-time deterministic applications," said Bob Vampola, vice president of Microchip's aerospace and defense business unit.
"There is a high demand for Ethernet solutions for space applications and our RT devices offer higher performance and incorporate fiber, SGMII and multiport interfaces."
Specifications for the VSC8574RT include single event block immunity greater than 78 MeV.cm²/mg and a proven total ionization dose of up to 100 krad. This versatile solution covers a wide range of applications, from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to deep space.
Microchip's family of mainstream Gigabit Ethernet devices now includes the new VSC8574RT, VSC8541RT and VSC8540RT.
