Microchip Releases New 10BASE-T1S Ethernet Chips
The 10 Mbps chips aim to simplify zonal architecture networking for automotive and industrial systems.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Microchip has launched two 10BASE-T1S transceivers and five integrated endpoint devices for automotive and industrial networking. These components are now available in sample quantities.
Why it matters
By enabling multidrop Ethernet over a shared bus, these chips reduce cabling requirements and Ethernet overhead in zonal architecture designs. This consolidation is critical for scaling lower-powered systems in modern vehicles and industrial automation.
The transceivers occupy a 3 mm x 4.5 mm footprint, while the integrated endpoints measure 5 mm x 5 mm, with typical configurations supporting up to eight devices on a single shared bus.
The players
Microchip
A global manufacturer of microcontrollers, mixed-signal, and analog semiconductors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
The details
The LAN8679 and LAN8680 transceivers utilize the OPEN Alliance 3-pin interface to link directly with a host microcontroller unit (MCU). The LAN8660X, LAN8661X, and LAN8662X endpoint devices simplify deployment by integrating the protocol stack, allowing for softwareless connectivity. These parts employ a multidrop topology, where multiple nodes connect to a single shared cable path, significantly reducing the wiring density compared to point-to-point connections.
Timeline
October 2026: Microchip released the new 10BASE-T1S transceivers and endpoint devices for sample purchase.
The Tech Race
Automotive networking is currently moving toward zonal architectures to replace complex legacy wiring harnesses with streamlined Ethernet backbones. Microchip's latest release directly targets this shift by simplifying the physical layer for low-bandwidth sensors and actuators.
Engineers working on vehicle zonal architectures and industrial automation can now procure sample units for prototyping. These devices require compliance with AEC-Q100 and ISO 26262 functional safety standards for integration into final production environments.
The takeaway
These transceivers signal a push toward eliminating dedicated point-to-point wiring in favor of shared-bus Ethernet designs. Watch for product announcements from other suppliers adopting the 10BASE-T1S standard to compete with these newly sampled devices.
Further reading
For more on how new architectures are changing chip design, visit Semiconductors.
Source note: This article includes information reported by All About Circuits.
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