Micrel Inc.,(NASDAQ: MCRL), an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications and Ethernet IC solutions, today introduced the KSZ84xx family of IEEE 1588v2-enabled Ethernet devices for Industrial Ethernet and Power Substation Automation applications. The groundbreaking solution employs Micrel's EtherSynch^TM technology, which integrates IEEE 1588v2 distributed synchronization, Ethernet switching, and Precision GPIO in an energy efficient, compact package. The ICs are currently sampling with volume production expected in the first quarter of 2012. For specific pricing, please contact your local Micrel sales office.

The KSZ84xx platform is the most compact, highly integrated, and energy efficient IEEE 1588v2 10/100 switch available, supporting both centralized and distributed network topologies. A full complement of Precise Timing Protocol timing modes are provided, including the Transparent Clock (TC) introduced in IEEE 1588v2, along with a range of host interfaces capable of interfacing to a wide range of CPUs.

The KSZ84xx switches are particularly well-suited for distributed network topologies which are preferred for Industrial Ethernet networks. The ICs feature a hardware-oriented architecture that reduces the synchronization and communications processing demands on the Host CPU. Such features as Source Addressing, One-Step TC corrections, and Bypass mode facilitate both Ring and Linear topologies. By integrating the IEEE 1588 PTPv2 time stamping as close to the physical layer as possible, sub-100ns synchronization performance has been demonstrated.

The KSZ84xx product family consists of:

· KSZ8463: IEEE 1588v2, 3-port switch with MII/RMII interface
· KSX8462: IEEE 1588v2, 3-port switch with generic host interface
· KSX8441: IEEE 1588v2, Controller with generic host interface

Micrel also intends to offer a pre-qualified Precise Timing Protocol software stack, which has been integrated with the driver and optimized to exploit the KSZ84xx architecture. Source code is available under license. Please contact your local sales representative for more information.

"The KSZ84xx is a cost-effective solution for implementing Industrial Ethernet networks, reducing size and power consumption vs. FPGA-based designs," noted Dr. J.C. Lin, vice president Micrel Ethernet. "Such a high level of integration reduces costs, making IEEE 1588v2/Ethernet a viable contender for FieldBus applications by replacing point-to-point serial interconnects."

Like all of Micrel's LAN Solution products, the KSZ84xx significantly reduces operational power consumption, which is less than 300 mW. Advanced power management features complement the inherently low-power Physical Layer design, including Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE-IEEE 802.3az), Wake on LAN (WoL), Energy Detect Power Down (EDPD), and software power down. Standby power savings of over 95 percent are achievable, rendering the new platform the lowest power, most energy-efficient IEEE 1588v2/Ethernet solution available.

News Source: Micrel Inc.