This Microchip Gigabit Ethernet physical layer (PHY) transceiver is based on its commercially available technology already used in other industries and incorporates a highly reliable, military-grade plastic package that meets the requirements of applications ranging from combat vehicles to aircraft cockpits and onboard communication systems. The VSC8541RT Ethernet transceiver is a solution with RGMII (Reduced Gigabit Media Independent Interface) and GMII interfaces that also supports RMII and MII Megabit interfaces. The transceiver is immune to interference from atmospheric radiation and has an operating temperature range of -55 to 125 °C. Product features include full wafer and assembly batch traceability; test descriptions, electrical parameters and fault coverage; a type approval report; and a certificate of conformity.

Because it is a technology based on a commercial device, Microchip's PHY RMII/RGMII Ethernet transceiver allows system designers to use commercial devices in an early stage before moving to military-grade components, thus significantly reducing development time and cost.

The RMII/RGMII transceiver is the most advanced, high-reliability solution designed for extreme environments and is based on the company's product portfolio for aerospace, defense, and space applications. The device complements the company's product range with an extended temperature range, which includes the following certified devices:
• 8-bit AVR® microcontrollers with A/D and D/A converters, CAN (Controller Area Network) and motor control interfaces
• 16-bit dsPIC® digital signal controller for digital power management
• 32-bit ARM microcontroller with memory protection mechanisms and 100 Mbit Ethernet connectivity
• Standalone 16-bit A/D converter with 200 megasamples per second (MSPS)

In addition to continuing to introduce innovations such as those based on commercial technology, Microchip works with manufacturers and system integrators to manage obsolescence, support customer efforts to minimize redesign work and extend lifespan, thereby reducing total system costs.

Availability
The PHY RMII / RGMII VSC8540/41 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver is now available as a sample and is supplied in a plastic or ceramic package.