Microchip LAN9513-JZX: A 3-Port USB 2.0 Hub and 10/100 Ethernet Controller
The Microchip LAN9513-JZX is a highly integrated single-chip solution that combines a 3-port USB 2.0 hub with a 10/100 Ethernet controller. This powerful integration addresses a critical need for space-constrained and power-sensitive embedded applications, providing essential connectivity functions while minimizing the system's footprint and design complexity.
At its core, the device features a high-performance USB 2.0 hub controller with three downstream ports. One of its key advantages is that all three ports support battery charging detection, enabling connected devices like smartphones and tablets to charge efficiently. The integrated 10/100 Ethernet controller includes a full Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) transceiver, complying with the IEEE 802.3/802.3u standards. This eliminates the need for an external PHY component, simplifying the bill of materials (BOM) and reducing overall cost.
A significant architectural benefit of the LAN9513-JZX is its use of a single USB upstream port. This design is crucial as it allows both the Ethernet controller and the entire USB hub to communicate with the host processor over just one USB interface. This not only saves valuable host processor resources, such as additional USB root ports or PCIe lanes, but also streamlines driver development and system configuration.
The device is housed in a compact 64-pin QFN package, making it an ideal choice for applications where board real estate is at a premium. It is particularly well-suited for a wide range of embedded systems, including set-top boxes, digital televisions, network printers, industrial control systems, and thin clients. Its robust integration helps designers create feature-rich products that require both multiple USB peripherals and reliable wired network connectivity without compromising on size or power consumption.
The Microchip LAN9513-JZX successfully merges a 3-port USB hub and a 10/100 Ethernet controller into a single, efficient chip. Its key strengths lie in its high level of integration, which simplifies design and reduces costs, its support for battery charging on all ports, and its efficient use of host resources via a single upstream USB connection. This makes it an outstanding connectivity solution for modern embedded designs.
Keywords: USB 2.0 Hub, 10/100 Ethernet Controller, Battery Charging Detection, Single-Chip Solution, Embedded Systems.
