As industrial networks stretch further and demand tighter timing, engineers are being asked to move more data, more securely, and with greater synchronization than ever before. Microchip is responding with a new generation of Optical Ethernet PHY transceivers that combine high-speed performance, sub-nanosecond precision timing, and hardware-based encryption—all in one device.
The new portfolio includes 10 Gbps and 25 Gbps variants, offering link distances up to 10 kilometers over single-mode fiber. These transceivers are designed for smart factories, data centers, connected campuses, and distributed automation systems—anywhere long-distance reliability and timing accuracy are critical.
Precision and Security in One Package
The integration of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) allows for synchronization accuracy below one nanosecond, aligning distributed systems down to the microsecond scale required in modern industrial automation, telecommunications, and robotics.
At the same time, MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) encryption ensures that every packet traveling between Ethernet devices is protected against eavesdropping, spoofing, denial-of-service, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Because it’s built into the silicon, engineers can implement security without a costly redesign of their network architecture.
“Adding PTP or MACsec usually means rethinking your entire design,” said Charlie Forni, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s Networking and Connectivity Solutions business. “By integrating these capabilities directly into our transceivers, we’re helping customers preserve their existing system architectures while upgrading performance and protection.”
Designed for Scalable, Long-Reach Networking
Microchip’s new LAN802x, LAN804x, and LAN826x families cover dual- and quad-port configurations, supporting data rates from 1 Gbps to 25 Gbps. Designers can select PTP, MACsec, or both—depending on the application.
| Series | Speed | Ports | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAN826x | Up to 10 Gbps | Dual / Quad | PTP, MACsec, or both |
| LAN802x / LAN804x | Up to 25 Gbps | Dual / Quad | PTP, MACsec, or both |
This modular approach lets engineers scale network bandwidth without sacrificing determinism or data integrity. The devices can be paired with Direct Attach Copper (DAC) or optical media for flexible deployment across factories, campuses, and high-density computing environments.
Built for Harsh Environments
Beyond speed and security, the new transceivers are engineered for extended temperature ranges, low latency, and rugged operation, making them suitable for embedded and industrial systems that operate 24/7 in tough conditions.
Together, these features create a deterministic, high-bandwidth networking solution that bridges industrial reliability with data-center-level performance—a key requirement as industrial and enterprise networks continue to converge.
The Bigger Picture
Microchip’s expanding Ethernet portfolio now spans 10 Mbps to 25 Gbps, including Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and high port-count switches. With these optical PHY additions, the company is closing the loop between secure data transport and precise synchronization—two features increasingly at the heart of Industry 4.0, autonomous systems, and edge intelligence.
For engineers designing the networks that will connect those systems, Microchip’s newest transceivers deliver the building blocks for smarter, more secure, and time-aware infrastructure.
