SMSC launches Hi-speed USB 2.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet device with power management support

HAUPPAUGE, USA: SMSC has introduced its LAN7500, an industry-leading, fully integrated Hi-Speed USB 2.0-to-Gigabit Ethernet device.

The LAN7500 offers an integrated 10/100/1000 physical layer and power management enhancements such as “Wake on LAN” mode, which allows systems to enter a low power state and wake on desired network traffic, thereby conserving resources during downtimes.

SMSC’s LAN7500 is also the industry’s first fully integrated Hi-Speed USB 2.0–to-Gigabit Ethernet device to receive certification from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF).

“Speed and connectivity are cornerstones of SMSC’s line of networking solutions,” said Rolf Mahler, Director and General Manager of SMSC’s Networking Solutions group. “For applications that require a connectivity bridge, we are delivering plug-and-play usability to allow for a network connection between the USB host and Ethernet port. Delivering this in a single-chip solution makes the most out of power and space requirements.”

The latest in SMSC’s growing family of USB-to-Ethernet solutions, the new LAN7500 is compliant with USB specification V1 & V2 as well as IEEE 802.3/802.3u/802.3ab Ethernet standards. SMSC’s NetDetach low power technology allows the host processor to enter into a C3 power state for additional power savings. Additionally the LAN7500 needs only a single 25MHz crystal to drive both the USB and Ethernet PHYs, thereby reducing developer BOM cost.

SMSC’s integrated USB-based networking solution provides added flexibility for the routing and placement of network connections anywhere in the developer’s system. Additionally The LAN7500 supports a wide range of drivers for the most recent versions of Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

The LAN7500 has been benchmarked at 350 megabits-per-second (Mbps) sustained data transfer rate, ideal for universal docking stations, network printers, DTV/PVR and set-top box applications.

The LAN7500 is available in a small form factor 8x8mm 56-pin QFN package, which is lead-free and RoHS compliant. It is available in both commercial (0 to 70 degree Celsius) and industrial (-40 to +85 degree Celsius) temperature ranges. The LAN7500 offers extremely robust electrostatic-discharge (ESD) protection.

Qualification samples and evaluation kits are available now with mass production slated for the end of December 2010.