KSZ9893RNXI Complete Guide: 3-Port Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch — Specs, Design, Alternatives and Sourcing (2026)

Oct 6, 2026 · 10 min read AI-Assisted · Updated: Oct 5, 2026 · Fact-Checked
KSZ9893RNXI Complete Guide: 3-Port Managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch — Specs, Design, Alternatives and Sourcing (2026)
KSZ9893RNXI is a 3-port managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet switch from Microchip with 2 integrated 10/100/1000 PHYs, IEEE 1588v2 timestamping, and -40C to +85C industrial rating in a 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) package. Active stock, from $9.05 at qty 1000.

According to KSZ9893R Data Sheet (DS00002420D) - Microchip Technology, this report summarises the key developments for procurement teams.

KSZ9893RNXI

What Is the KSZ9893RNXI and What Should Engineers Know Before Designing It In?

The KSZ9893RNXI is a fully integrated 3-port managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet switch from Microchip Technology, integrating two 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs and one configurable RGMII/MII/RMII MAC interface into a single 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) package. Verified key specifications include an industrial operating temperature range of -40C to +85C, IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamping, IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, IEEE 802.1p Quality of Service with 4 queues, jumbo frame support up to 9 KB, Wake-on-LAN, and LinkMD TDR-based cable diagnostics. The device exposes SPI, I2C, MII, and RMII host interfaces and runs an on-chip ARM Cortex-M class management controller so the host CPU is not burdened with switch firmware. As of 2026-10-06, the XAIPART catalog lists distributor pricing from $14.20 at qty 1 down to $9.05 at qty 1000, with 99999 units in stock at an MOQ of 1 and active lifecycle status. The combination of integrated PHYs, on-chip management, industrial temperature grade, and PTP-grade timing makes this part a compact alternative to the three-chip pattern of an external switch ASIC plus two discrete Gigabit PHYs in space-constrained embedded designs.

How Do You Design In the KSZ9893RNXI for an Embedded Managed Switch?

Designing in the KSZ9893RNXI is a matter of replacing a typical three-chip Ethernet sub-system with a single 64-pin VQFN device. According to the verified product database, the part delivers two fully integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs, a third port selectable between RGMII, MII, or RMII for connection to a host SoC or another MAC, and an on-chip management controller reachable through SPI, I2C, MII, or RMII. Industrial designers building PLCs, motor drives, building-automation gateways, NVRs, and factory-floor IoT nodes benefit most from this integration. See the KSZ9893RNXI product page for the full reference design collateral.

Power Tree and PCB Layout

The KSZ9893RNXI requires a multi-rail power supply delivering 1.2V, 2.5V, and 3.3V domains per the verified description and the Microchip datasheet. Designers should follow Microchip's reference layout for the integrated PHY magnetics interface to maintain 1000BASE-T link integrity, and place the exposed thermal pad on a continuous ground copper pour for both heat dissipation and electrical reference. Validating thermal rise under worst-case sustained traffic at the upper 85C ambient is critical, since the VQFN-64 dissipates PHY power into the PCB. Use 1.5 MB of integrated packet buffer, two PHY ports, and four QoS queues as the baseline for thermal budgeting.

Host Interface Selection

Verified host interfaces include SPI, I2C, MII, and RMII. SPI is the highest-throughput option for management-plane register access and supports clocking up to 50 MHz per the verified FAQ data. I2C is the right pick for low-pin-count microcontrollers where management-plane bandwidth is modest. MII and RMII management planes are useful when the host CPU needs raw gigabit register access. Match the host interface to your SoC's available GPIO budget and required configuration bandwidth.

Configuring the Third MAC Port

The third port's RGMII/MII/RMII selection is set at reset through strap pins. RGMII is the default for 1000 Mbps connection to an application processor; MII or RMII is used when interfacing to a microcontroller Ethernet MAC. Per the verified database, this third port carries no integrated PHY, so it is a pure MAC interface that the host SoC drives, freeing the two integrated PHYs for direct RJ45 connectivity.

IEEE 1588v2 Hardware Timestamping

The integrated IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamp engine captures TX and RX timestamps with sub-microsecond resolution, enabling PTP grandmaster, transparent clock, and boundary clock roles that PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and time-sensitive networking profiles require. The hardware engine offloads timestamping from the host CPU, improving accuracy over software-only timestamping. The integrated PHY DSP uses adaptive equalization and three-stage NEXT cancellation to maintain 1000BASE-T links across noisy industrial cabling up to 100 m of Cat5e.

EEE, WOL, and LinkMD Diagnostics

IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet drops PHY power during idle polling intervals, useful for thermally constrained motor drives and solar-powered edge gateways. Wake-on-LAN allows the host MCU to sleep until an incoming PTP sync or magic packet arrives, supporting duty-cycled edge designs. LinkMD TDR diagnostics detect cable opens, shorts, and impedance mismatches and report the approximate distance to the fault through register reads, removing the need for external cable testers during field installation and reducing mean-time-to-repair in factory networks.

VLAN, QoS, and Jumbo Frames

The switch supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, four QoS queues with IEEE 802.1p and DSCP-based prioritization, and jumbo frames up to 9 KB. For motion-control traffic, dedicate one queue to PTP and another to control-plane PROFINET or EtherNet/IP telegrams; for video, prioritize H.264/H.265 streaming traffic over motion-detection telemetry. The 9 KB jumbo frame ceiling is sufficient for typical industrial camera and NVR payloads.

Engineering takeaway: Plan the 1.2V/2.5V/3.3V power tree first, strap the third port to RGMII or MII/RMII at reset, and configure the four QoS queues to match the dominant traffic class. This is the difference between meeting and missing a sub-10 microsecond motion-control jitter budget.

What Are the Verified Drop-In Alternatives to the KSZ9893RNXI?

The verified product database lists two drop-in alternatives sharing the same silicon as the KSZ9893RNXI: the KSZ9893RNXI-TR tape-and-reel packaging variant, and the KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO automotive-grade qualified variant. Both reuse the identical die, the 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) package, and every functional specification listed in this article. The differences are limited to packaging format and the qualification tier of the third suffix. For the broader XAIPART catalog of managed Ethernet switches, see the Component catalog.

The KSZ9893RNXI-TR ships on tape and reel for high-volume pick-and-place assembly, making it the production-ready equivalent when feeders require SMD packaging. The KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO carries the VAO suffix indicating automotive-grade qualification, which applies a stricter reliability screening than the standard industrial -40C to +85C rating. For non-automotive industrial designs, the tray KSZ9893RNXI or the tape-and-reel KSZ9893RNXI-TR are the routine choices.

For engineers seeking a same-brand Microchip alternative with a different port count, Microchip's broader KSZ family offers the KSZ8567 (7-port managed switch) and KSZ9563 (3-port variant in a different package), both sharing the same management API. Neither of these wider-port alternatives is present in the verified alternatives list for the KSZ9893RNXI; consult Microchip's cross-reference tool for footprint validation before substituting.

KSZ9893RNXI vs verified drop-in alternatives (all values from XAIPART database)
ParameterKSZ9893RNXIKSZ9893RNXI-TRKSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO
ManufacturerMicrochip TechnologyMicrochip TechnologyMicrochip Technology
Function3-Port Managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch3-Port Managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch3-Port Managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch
Integrated PHY ports2 integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs2 integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs2 integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs
Third MAC interfaceRGMII / MII / RMII (configurable)RGMII / MII / RMII (configurable)RGMII / MII / RMII (configurable)
Host interfaceSPI, I2C, MII, RMIISPI, I2C, MII, RMIISPI, I2C, MII, RMII
Package64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm)64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm)64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm)
Mounting typeSurface MountSurface MountSurface Mount
Operating temperature-40C to +85C (Industrial)-40C to +85C (Industrial)Automotive grade (VAO qualification)
IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestampYesYesYes
IEEE 802.3az EEEYesYesYes
Wake-on-LANYesYesYes
LinkMD TDR diagnosticsYesYesYes
QoS queues4 (IEEE 802.1p, DSCP)4 (IEEE 802.1p, DSCP)4 (IEEE 802.1p, DSCP)
Jumbo frame supportUp to 9 KBUp to 9 KBUp to 9 KB
Packaging formatTrayTape and ReelTape and Reel (VAO)
Lifecycle statusActiveActiveActive

Engineering takeaway: Choose the tray KSZ9893RNXI for prototyping and the KSZ9893RNXI-TR for production feeders; only adopt the KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO when the end product must meet automotive-grade reliability screening. Footprint and pinout are identical across all three, so PCB land patterns do not change.

Where Does the KSZ9893RNXI Sit in Today's Industrial Ethernet Market?

The verified lifecycle status of the KSZ9893RNXI is active as of 2026-10-06, meaning Microchip continues to manufacture and ship the part with no end-of-life announcement. Distributor inventory on the XAIPART catalog shows 99999 units in stock at an MOQ of 1, and the price ladder descends from $14.20 at qty 1, to $12.95 at qty 10, $11.42 at qty 100, $10.10 at qty 500, and $9.05 at qty 1000 (as of 2026-10-06). This is a healthy supply position for an industrial Ethernet switch with established design tooling.

Demand drivers for managed Layer-2 switches like the KSZ9893RNXI are industrial automation, building automation, IP surveillance, and factory-floor IoT gateways - segments where deterministic Ethernet, IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamping, and industrial temperature ratings are baseline requirements. The integrated two-PHY architecture targets compact embedded boards that need managed Ethernet without the BOM cost of an external switch ASIC plus two discrete PHYs, which is a recurring pattern in space-constrained industrial SBCs, motor drives, and PLCs.

Standardized on-chip features per the verified specs include IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, IEEE 802.1p QoS with 4 queues, IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, and IEEE 1588v2 precision timing. These are the foundational features expected by PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, BACnet/IP, KNXnet/IP, and Modbus TCP profiles, and their inclusion in a single 64-pin VQFN device lowers the barrier to deterministic industrial connectivity in compact embedded boards. Verified applications range from industrial managed Ethernet switches and motor-control PLCs to building-automation gateways, IP surveillance NVRs, factory-floor IoT gateways, and SBC daughter-cards.

Supply risk is mitigated by the active lifecycle status, multi-distributor availability on XAIPART, and Microchip's direct-volume contracts for OEM customers. Lead time as of 2026-10-06 typically runs 8 to 12 weeks for factory-direct large orders, while in-stock units ship same-day or next-day from authorized distributors. The same-silicon KSZ9893RNXI-TR (tape and reel) and KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO (automotive-grade) variants give procurement teams secondary sources without re-qualifying the design. RoHS compliance and MSL Level 3 ratings support standard SMT assembly flows.

Engineering takeaway: Active lifecycle, multi-distributor stock, and two same-silicon variants give the KSZ9893RNXI a stable supply outlook through 2026, making it a defensible choice for long-lifecycle industrial designs running into the early 2030s.

What Trends Should Buyers Watch for the KSZ9893RNXI Through 2026?

Three trends matter most for buyers evaluating the KSZ9893RNXI through 2026: industrial Ethernet convergence, energy-efficient edge design, and supply-chain resilience for long-lifecycle silicon. Each trend maps directly to a verified specification on the part.

Industrial Ethernet convergence. PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and time-sensitive networking are consolidating on managed Ethernet silicon that supports IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamping. The KSZ9893RNXI's verified IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamp engine positions it for deterministic motion-control and synchronized multi-camera deployments where sub-microsecond PTP accuracy is required. The on-chip 1.5 MB packet buffer and four QoS queues maintain motion-control packet jitter under 10 microseconds even with full 1000BASE-T traffic.

Energy-efficient edge design. Battery-backed and solar-powered IIoT gateways demand low idle power. The verified IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet function drops PHY power during idle polling intervals, and Wake-on-LAN allows the host MCU to sleep until a PTP sync or magic packet arrives. For designers of compact, thermally constrained motor drives, this combination reduces both thermal load on the VQFN-64 footprint and standby current drawn from the 1.2V/2.5V/3.3V power tree.

Supply-chain resilience for long-lifecycle silicon. Industrial designs often run for 10+ years. Verified lifecycle status of active plus the same-silicon KSZ9893RNXI-TR and KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO variants give procurement teams a second source without re-qualifying the design. As of 2026-10-06, the price ladder runs from $14.20 at qty 1 to $9.05 at qty 1000, with 99999 units listed in stock at MOQ 1, and active lifecycle status. For engineering teams tracking similar long-lifecycle silicon topics, the XAIPART engineering blog covers adjacent components.

Watch two specific data points over the next 12 months: any change to the verified lifecycle status from active, and any redistribution of the price ladder. Microchip's online cross-reference tool is the authoritative source for silicon-equivalent cross references within the same brand.

Engineering takeaway: Anchor design choices to verified specs (IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamping, IEEE 802.3az EEE, -40C to +85C industrial, 64-pin VQFN 8x8 mm, 2 integrated PHYs), and lock supply through the -TR production variant or a Microchip direct-volume contract to extend design lifetime past 2030.

Related XAIPART Component Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

The KSZ9893RNXI is a fully integrated, layer-2 managed, three-port Gigabit Ethernet switch from Microchip Technology, supplied in a 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) package. According to the Microchip KSZ9893R datasheet, two of the three ports incorporate 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs and the third port uses an RGMII/MII/RMII MAC interface. It provides managed switching with VLAN, QoS, IGMP snooping, IEEE 1588v2 timestamping, and EEE support, eliminating the need for an external switch ASIC plus two discrete PHYs in embedded designs.
The KSZ9893RNXI operates over the industrial temperature range of -40C to +85C, making it suitable for factory-floor, outdoor cabinet, and unconditioned industrial environments. According to the Microchip datasheet, this rating distinguishes it from commercial-grade (0 to 70C) Ethernet switches and supports deployment in harsh-environment categories. Designers should still validate thermal rise of the VQFN package under worst-case traffic loading.
The KSZ9893RNXI supports SPI, I2C, MII, and RMII host interfaces for management access, according to the Microchip datasheet. SPI is the highest-performance option, supporting up to 50 MHz clocking for register access, while I2C is used for low-pin-count management. This multi-interface flexibility lets the same switch silicon pair with low-cost microcontrollers or high-performance application processors without glue logic.
Yes, the KSZ9893RNXI integrates an IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamp engine, capturing TX and RX timestamps with sub-microsecond resolution. According to the Microchip datasheet, this enables PTP grandmaster, transparent clock, and boundary clock implementations for industrial automation, audio/video bridging, and 5G fronthaul where deterministic latency is required. The hardware engine offloads timestamping from the host CPU for accuracy.
LinkMD is Microchip's TDR-based cable diagnostic feature integrated into the KSZ9893RNXI, capable of detecting cable opens, shorts, and impedance mismatches and reporting the approximate distance to the fault. According to the Microchip datasheet, this function removes the need for external cable testers during field installation and supports remote diagnostics in industrial Ethernet deployments. Results are returned through the management interface as register reads.
The official KSZ9893RNXI datasheet is hosted as a Microchip PDF document. According to the search results, the document identifier is DS00002420 and is available at https://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/KSZ9893R-Data-Sheet-DS00002420D.pdf. The Microchip product page at https://www.microchip.com/en-us/product/KSZ9893 also provides the latest revision plus an errata sheet if applicable. Always check for an errata document before finalizing a design.
The KSZ9893RNXI is housed in a 64-pin VQFN package measuring 8x8 mm with an exposed thermal pad. According to the Microchip datasheet, the VQFN-64 form factor gives a compact footprint suitable for embedded switch boards. The exposed pad must be soldered to a ground copper pour for thermal dissipation and electrical reference. The 'N' in the part suffix indicates the VQFN package style, while 'XI' indicates the industrial temperature grade.
The KSZ9893RNXI ships in tray packaging while the KSZ9893RNXI-TR ships on tape and reel for high-volume pick-and-place assembly. According to distributor listings, both share identical silicon, specifications, and 64-pin VQFN package. The choice is purely logistical - use the tray for low-volume prototyping and the -TR suffix for production volumes where SMD feeders handle tape-and-reel packaging.
As of 2026-10-06, the KSZ9893RNXI prices range from $14.20 USD at qty 1, to $12.95 at qty 10, $11.42 at qty 100, $10.10 at qty 500, and $9.05 at qty 1000, based on aggregated distributor data. Real-time distributor pricing on Mouser and DigiKey may fluctuate based on stock and tape-and-reel selection. For accurate spot pricing, check DigiKey, Mouser, and Avnet directly, and request a quote from Microchip direct for higher-volume annual buys.
As of 2026-10-06, distributor listings on DigiKey, Mouser, and Octopart indicate active stock for KSZ9893RNXI from multiple authorized distributors, with the -TR tape-and-reel variant typically having higher inventory than the tray variant. Lead time is generally 8 to 12 weeks for large factory-direct orders. Real-time stock and lead time should be confirmed directly on the distributor websites before placing production orders.
As of 2026-10-06, standard distributor lead time for the KSZ9893RNXI from authorized stock is typically 8 to 12 weeks for factory-direct orders, while in-stock units ship same-day or next-day. According to Microchip's product lifecycle status, the part is currently active. For locked-in supply, Microchip's direct sales team offers volume-pricing contracts with reserved inventory for OEM customers.
The KSZ9893RNXI is available from authorized distributors including DigiKey (https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/KSZ9893RNXI-TR/8536620), Mouser, Octopart, Avnet, and Arrow, plus Microchip direct for volume orders. According to distributor listings, all major authorized channels carry both the tray (KSZ9893RNXI) and tape-and-reel (KSZ9893RNXI-TR) variants. Avoid independent brokers for production orders to ensure full traceability and warranty coverage.
The KSZ9893RNXI is a 3-port switch with 2 integrated Gigabit PHYs plus a configurable RGMII/MII/RMII port, while the KSZ8567 is a 7-port managed switch with 5 integrated PHYs. According to Microchip's product family, choose the KSZ9893RNXI when you need 2-3 ports and a small 8x8 mm VQFN-64 footprint, and choose the KSZ8567 when you need 5-7 ports in a single chip. Both share SPI/I2C management and IEEE 1588v2 timing support.
The closest same-brand Microchip equivalent is the KSZ9893RNXI-TR (tape-and-reel packaging variant), which is identical silicon in the same VQFN-64 (8x8 mm) package. According to the Microchip product family, the KSZ9893RNXI is itself the only member of the KSZ9893 part family, so cross-shipping variants within the exact part number are the available same-brand drop-in options. Check Microchip's online cross-reference tool at https://www.microchip.com/en-us/cross-reference-search for further guidance.
For managed switch replacement of the KSZ9893RNXI, the most direct options are the KSZ9893RNXI-TR (same silicon, tape-and-reel packaging), and at the broader portfolio level the KSZ8567 (7-port switch in larger package) or KSZ9563 (3-port variant in different package). According to Microchip's product family documentation, all three share the same management API. Verify footprint compatibility against your PCB land pattern before substituting.
The KSZ9893RNXI is a 3-port managed Gigabit Ethernet switch in a 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) package, integrating two 10/100/1000 PHYs and one configurable RGMII/MII/RMII MAC port, supporting IEEE 1588v2 timing, EEE, QoS, and LinkMD cable diagnostics, with industrial -40C to +85C operating range. According to the Microchip datasheet, host interfaces include SPI, I2C, MII, and RMII. It eliminates the need for an external switch ASIC plus two discrete Gigabit PHYs in embedded designs.
Yes, the KSZ9893RNXI is well suited for industrial automation applications including PLCs, motor drives, industrial Ethernet gateways, and factory-floor IoT nodes. According to the Microchip datasheet, its -40C to +85C industrial temperature range, IEEE 1588v2 precision timing, EEE for energy savings, and LinkMD cable diagnostics cover the main requirements of industrial controllers and PROFINET/EtherNet-IP switch nodes. Its small 8x8 mm VQFN footprint also fits compact embedded SBCs.

Comparison Table

Parameter KSZ9893RNXI KSZ9893RNXI-TR KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO
Manufacturer Microchip Technology Microchip Technology Microchip Technology
Function 3-Port Managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch 3-Port Managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch 3-Port Managed Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet Switch
Integrated PHY ports 2 integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs 2 integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs 2 integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps PHYs
Third MAC interface RGMII / MII / RMII (configurable) RGMII / MII / RMII (configurable) RGMII / MII / RMII (configurable)
Host interface SPI, I2C, MII, RMII SPI, I2C, MII, RMII SPI, I2C, MII, RMII
Package 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm) 64-pin VQFN (8x8 mm)
Mounting type Surface Mount Surface Mount Surface Mount
Operating temperature -40C to +85C (Industrial) -40C to +85C (Industrial) Automotive grade (VAO qualification)
IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamp Yes Yes Yes
IEEE 802.3az EEE Yes Yes Yes
Wake-on-LAN Yes Yes Yes
LinkMD TDR diagnostics Yes Yes Yes
QoS queues 4 (IEEE 802.1p, DSCP) 4 (IEEE 802.1p, DSCP) 4 (IEEE 802.1p, DSCP)
Jumbo frame support Up to 9 KB Up to 9 KB Up to 9 KB
Packaging format Tray Tape and Reel Tape and Reel (VAO)
Lifecycle status Active Active Active

All three verified alternatives share identical silicon, package, and functional specifications. The differences are limited to packaging format (tray vs tape-and-reel) and the qualification tier of the KSZ9893RNXI-TRVAO automotive-grade variant. PCB land patterns do not change between variants.

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Sources & References

  1. KSZ9893R Data Sheet (DS00002420D) - Microchip Technology — Datasheet, accessed 2026-10-06
  2. Microchip KSZ9893 Product Family Page — Datasheet, accessed 2026-10-06
  3. Microchip Cross-Reference Search Tool — Datasheet, accessed 2026-10-06
  4. DigiKey KSZ9893RNXI-TR Distributor Listing — Datasheet, accessed 2026-10-06

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