Feature-rich Ethernet switches suit low-power IIoT

“Ethernet’s use in industrial communications is increasingly widespread as the industry looks to modernize their networks onto this ubiquitous standard,” said Larry O’Connell, director of product marketing at Microsemi. “As a leading integrated circuit, systems and software provider with a power-optimised and flexible Ethernet networking portfolio, we are expanding our offering to support a wide range of industrial Ethernet applications. The addition of our new Ocelot devices expands our portfolio and provides IIoT customers with a cost-effective solution that does not compromise on features, unlike competitive offerings.”

According to ARC Advisory Group, the industrial Ethernet switch market is now over $1 billion annually and expected to grow at double-digit rates for the next five years.

Microsemi's Ocelot family includes:

• VSC7511, a four-port, layer 2 gigabit Ethernet switch with four fully integrated copper PHYs
• VSC7512, a 10-port, layer 2 gigabit Ethernet switch with four fully integrated copper PHYs
• VSC7513, an eight-port, layer 2/3 gigabit Ethernet switch
• VCS7514, a 10-port layer 2/3 gigabit Ethernet switch

In addition to leveraging Microsemi’s technology to offer low power, small package sizes, 1588 timing and ring protection, the Ocelot switches feature optimized port configurations, unmanaged and managed options, and IStaX software optimized for the industrial market.

Microsemi’s Ocelot product family is sampling now, with production scheduled for summer 2016. Evaluation boards for the devices are available now.