Microchip LAN9514-JZX: A 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub with Integrated 10/100 Ethernet Controller

The Microchip LAN9514-JZX represents a highly integrated solution designed to expand connectivity in space-constrained and power-sensitive embedded systems. This single-chip device combines a 4-port USB 2.0 hub with a fully-featured 10/100 Ethernet controller, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from industrial computers and set-top boxes to network-attached storage and point-of-sale terminals.

A primary advantage of the LAN9514-JZX is its high level of integration. By consolidating two critical functions into a single 64-pin package, it significantly reduces the bill of materials (BOM), minimizes PCB footprint, and simplifies overall system design. This integration lowers both power consumption and cost, which are crucial factors for mass-produced commercial products.

The USB hub section provides four downstream ports supporting all USB 2.0 speeds: High-Speed (480 Mbps), Full-Speed (12 Mbps), and Low-Speed (1.5 Mbps). It features individual port power control and over-current detection, allowing for robust management of connected peripherals. The integrated Ethernet controller incorporates a dedicated Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) transceiver, supporting both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX standards. It includes a full suite of advanced features such as IEEE 802.3az Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE), VLAN tagging, and checksum offloading, which reduces the processing burden on the host CPU.

The device connects to an external host processor via a standard USB 2.0 upstream port and presents the Ethernet functionality as a USB Communications Device Class (CDC) interface. This allows it to operate with generic drivers on most major operating systems, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of implementation. The LAN9514-JZX is engineered for robust performance and reliability, operating over industrial temperature ranges to meet demanding environmental conditions.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip LAN9514-JZX is a highly integrated, cost-effective solution that successfully addresses the challenge of adding multiple USB ports and reliable Ethernet connectivity to embedded systems. Its combination of a robust 4-port hub and a feature-rich network controller in a single chip makes it a superior choice for designers aiming to optimize space, power, and system architecture.

Keywords: Integrated USB Hub and Ethernet, Embedded Systems Connectivity, Single-Chip Solution, USB 2.0 Hub, 10/100 Ethernet Controller