KSZ8041RNL - 10/100BASE-TX RMII PHY | Microchip Technology
Référence : KSZ8041RNL ✓ ActifKSZ8041RNL Présentation
An Ethernet PHY is the physical-layer interface between a media access controller and a copper Ethernet network. Within the hierarchy of Ethernet controllers, PHYs, interface transceivers, and semiconductors, the KSZ8041RNL converts digital MAC data into differential 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX signals and converts received Ethernet signals back into RMII digital data. The RMII interface reduces the number of parallel data signals required between the PHY and MAC while supporting 100 Mb/s operation.
The key features include support for both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX networks, an RMII-only configuration, a 25 MHz input reference, and a generated 50 MHz RMII reference output. According to the Microchip datasheet 00002245B, the RNL version is an enhanced RMII implementation that does not require a 50 MHz system clock. Microchip also identifies automatic MDI/MDI-X capability in the KSZ8041 product family, reducing the need for manual crossover handling.
The mixed-signal architecture separates the digital control and clock paths from the analog line-driver and receive functions. This is important in compact embedded systems because the Ethernet magnetics, crystal, decoupling network, and high-speed digital RMII traces all influence signal integrity. Power-supply noise and imperfect clock routing can therefore affect otherwise correct firmware and media-access-controller configurations.
Typical uses include embedded Linux systems, industrial controllers, set-top boxes, access equipment, printers, and embedded network bridges that connect a conventional RMII MAC to a 10/100 Ethernet network. The part can also support a design needing the MAC to receive a stable 50 MHz reference generated by the PHY. The manufacturer product page lists related KSZ8041 variants for MII, SMII, RMII, and fiber support, so interface requirements should be checked before substitution.
Designers should provide the specified crystal, clock-support components, Ethernet transformer, decoupling capacitors, and a layout that keeps sensitive analog and differential Ethernet traces isolated from noisy digital circuitry. The power-up strapping pins configure speed, duplex, auto-negotiation, power-down behavior, and PHY address, and their values are latched during reset. The hardware design checklist should be followed because incorrect strap resistors or reset timing can produce an unintended operating mode even when the clock and power rails are correct.
This page combines the verified Microchip datasheet details, distributor availability, package information, interface distinctions, and practical migration considerations in a format that helps engineers evaluate the KSZ8041RNL before PCB layout or a second-source decision.
Alternatives de remplacement direct pour KSZ8041RNL — même boîtier, compatible broche à broche. Les références à boîtier différent nécessitant une retouche du PCB sont exclues.
Variantes de cette série
Modèles de la même série directement compatibles avec KSZ8041RNL (même facteur de forme et même empreinte) — différant par Package.
KSZ8041NL-AM
✅ Remplacement directContactez-nous pour le prix
Voir la fiche technique →KSZ8051RNL
✅ Remplacement directContactez-nous pour le prix
Voir la fiche technique →KSZ8041RNL Spécifications
| Product Type | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX physical-layer transceiver |
| Ethernet Data Rate | 10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s |
| Host Interface | Full RMII |
| Number of Drivers/Receivers | 1/1 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 3.135 V to 3.465 V |
| Supply Configuration | Single supply |
| Input Reference Clock | 25 MHz crystal |
| RMII Reference Output | 50 MHz to the media access controller |
| External 50 MHz System Clock | Not required for the RNL version |
| Boîtier | 32-VFQFN exposed-pad package, 5 mm x 5 mm |
| Type de montage | Surface mount |
| Lead-Free Package Option | Yes, 32-pin lead-free QFN package |
| Power-Down Configuration | Configurable through power-up strapping |
| Speed and Duplex Configuration | Configurable through power-up strapping |
| Auto-Negotiation Configuration | Configurable through power-up strapping |
| PHY Address Configuration | Configurable through power-up strapping |
| Ethernet Magnetics | External 10/100BASE-TX magnetic isolation required |
Guide de configuration des broches du KSZ8041RNL yes, 32-pin lead-free qfn package
Configuration des broches du KSZ8041RNL (boîtier yes, 32-pin lead-free qfn package). La numérotation des broches, les fonctions et les schémas de connexion sont définis dans la fiche technique du fabricant. Consultez-la pour l'empreinte exacte et les directives de soudage.
Aucune donnée de brochage détaillée disponible pour KSZ8041RNL.
Consultez la fiche technique pour la configuration complète des broches.
Applications typiques
KSZ8041RNL convient pour 6 applications: Embedded Linux Ethernet Interface, Industrial Control Terminal, Network Access Equipment, Set-Top Box and Media Controller, Printer and Embedded Network Bridge, Energy Monitoring and HMI Controller.
Embedded Linux Ethernet Interface
The KSZ8041RNL fits an embedded Linux platform that connects a conventional media access controller to a 10/100 Mb/s copper Ethernet network. Its full RMII interface minimizes parallel host-side signals, while the 25 MHz crystal and generated 50 MHz RMII reference provide a defined clock relationship for the MAC. The 3.135 V to 3.465 V supply range also aligns with conventional 3.3 V digital systems. In implementation, the PHY sits between the RMII MAC and an external Ethernet isolation transformer, so the principal engineering consideration is preserving clock and signal integrity rather than adding a separate 50 MHz oscillator.
Recommandé
Industrial Control Terminal
KSZ8041RNL is appropriate for industrial control terminals that require deterministic wired Ethernet without the pin count of an MII interface. The full RMII connection supports both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX operation, and the PHY-generated 50 MHz reference avoids requiring another 50 MHz clock source. The transceiver is used between the controller's Ethernet MAC and a 10/100 Ethernet magnetic network interface. Industrial deployment should still evaluate surge protection, isolation, enclosure grounding, and environmental qualification because those requirements are not established by the supplied distributor excerpts.
Recommandé
Network Access Equipment
The KSZ8041RNL can provide the copper Ethernet physical layer in access equipment such as gateways, bridges, and management controllers. A full RMII interface gives the host processor a compact path to a 10/100 Mb/s network, while support for both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX permits negotiation with legacy and modern links. The device is placed upstream of the external network magnetics, and its mixed-signal construction addresses Ethernet signaling-distance and power-consumption requirements. A practical design must preserve the 25 MHz reference path and isolate the differential pairs from high-current switching circuitry.
Recommandé
Set-Top Box and Media Controller
KSZ8041RNL suits set-top boxes and media controllers that expose 10/100 Ethernet while communicating with an RMII-capable host processor. Using the PHY's 50 MHz RMII reference output can simplify synchronization between the MAC and physical layer. The 32-VFQFN package also supports compact mixed-signal layouts, but thermal and assembly planning must account for the exposed pad and local copper. The Ethernet channel requires an external isolation transformer and controlled impedance routing so clock, data, and differential-pair behavior remain predictable.
Recommandé
Printer and Embedded Network Bridge
The KSZ8041RNL can add a wired 10/100 Ethernet port to a printer, embedded bridge, or service appliance with an RMII MAC. The transceiver supports both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX, allowing the host to use the link speed negotiated by the PHY. Its 25 MHz input reference and 50 MHz RMII output define a consolidated clock arrangement that can simplify the host design. Board implementation should separate the Ethernet magnetics and analog supply region from processor clocks and switching regulators, while preserving the documented strap and reset sequence.
Recommandé
Energy Monitoring and HMI Controller
KSZ8041RNL is applicable to energy-monitoring equipment and human-machine interfaces that communicate with a host processor over RMII and connect to an Ethernet supervisory network. Support for 10 Mb/s legacy links as well as 100 Mb/s links improves compatibility with existing plant networks. The PHY provides the 50 MHz RMII reference used by the MAC, reducing the need for a separate system clock. For equipment installed near motors or industrial sensors, layout and filtering are critical because the Ethernet magnetics, crystal loop, and exposed-pad power connection must remain quiet and thermally stable.
Recommandé
Récapitulatif des produits recommandés
Données de référence d'ingénierie pour KSZ8041RNL — comparaison, recommandations de conception et informations de conformité.
Guide de sélection
Comparaison avec les alternatives
| Paramètre | Ce produit | KSZ8041NL | KSZ8051RNL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 32-VFQFN exposed pad, 5 mm x 5 mm | 32-VFQFN exposed pad, 5 mm x 5 mm | 32-VFQFN, 5 mm x 5 mm |
| Ethernet Support | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX | 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX | 10/100BASE-TX |
Principaux différenciateurs
- Eliminates the need for a separate 50 MHz RMII system-clock source (vs KSZ8041NL)
- Full RMII implementation in a compact 5 mm by 5 mm package (vs KSZ8041NL)
- Supports both legacy and fast Ethernet rates (vs KSZ8051RNL)
Notes de conception
Follow the official KSZ8041RNL Hardware Design Checklist 00002702A for the 25 MHz crystal, RMII clock, Ethernet magnetics, and exposed-pad layout. Keep the crystal loop compact, provide the specified load capacitance, route the 50 MHz RMII reference as a controlled clock, and preserve a continuous ground path beneath the PHY. The verified evidence does not provide component values, so capacitor and crystal-load selections must come from the manufacturer reference design rather than estimation.
Decouple the 3.135 V to 3.465 V PHY supply at the package and connect the exposed thermal pad to the appropriate ground plane using the manufacturer land pattern. Separate the Ethernet and digital supply paths from switching-node connections, and place high-frequency bypass capacitance close to the supply pins. The supplied data does not specify the recommended capacitor values or thermal resistance, so those quantities require the manufacturer datasheet before layout release.
Do not substitute KSZ8041NL or KSZ8051RNL solely because their packages are similar. KSZ8041NL uses a different system-clock arrangement, and the KSZ8051RNL comparison data is incomplete. A valid substitution requires matching RMII pin functions, clock direction, supply limits, strap behavior, reset timing, and register compatibility. Reel or tape-and-reel orderable codes must not be treated as distinct drop-in alternatives because they represent packaging differences rather than engineering alternatives.
Route the 50 MHz RMII reference and RMII data signals as short, controlled-impedance traces with continuous return paths, while keeping the 25 MHz crystal away from the Ethernet transformer and switching-regulator area. Differential 10/100BASE-TX pairs should remain symmetric and isolated from digital clocks. Use the manufacturer's reference layout for spacing and via guidance; the verified excerpts do not include trace-impedance values or layer-stack recommendations.
Informations de conformité
The Microchip product page confirms that KSZ8041NL and KSZ8041RNL are available in 32-pin lead-free QFN packages. The verified excerpts mention RoHS and REACH only in a generic comparison-page snippet and do not provide their actual status, so those fields remain unknown. The 32-QFN Ethernet interface is not presented as an AEC-Q100-qualified automotive device.
