ENC28J60-I/ML - 10BASE-T Ethernet Controller | Microchip
MPN: ENC28J60-I/ML ✓ ActiveENC28J60-I/ML Overview
An Ethernet controller is a semiconductor that manages packet transmission and reception between a host processor and an Ethernet physical layer. The ENC28J60 belongs to the stand-alone Ethernet controller category rather than a conventional high-speed Ethernet MAC IC. Its integrated 10BASE-T PHY connects directly to 10BASE-T network hardware, while the SPI interface allows a microcontroller or other SPI host to access registers and packet buffers.
Key features include IEEE 802.3-compatible 10BASE-T operation, an integrated MAC and PHY, 8 Kbytes of transmit and receive packet buffer memory, and a compact 28-QFN package. The SPI interface provides a straightforward connection to embedded processors, while the integrated PHY reduces the number of active components needed for a basic Ethernet endpoint. The 6 mm by 6 mm package also supports space-constrained embedded equipment.
The ENC28J60-I/ML is intended for low-speed 10BASE-T networks rather than Fast Ethernet designs. Its architecture is appropriate when low network throughput, low component count, and a simple host interface are more important than 100BASE-TX performance. The ENC28J60 supports 8 Kbytes of buffer RAM for packet handling, while the SPI host controls the device through its command and register set.
Typical applications include embedded Ethernet bridges, industrial monitoring equipment, access-control systems, building automation nodes, laboratory instruments, and small network-connected controllers. These systems can use the integrated PHY to avoid a separate Ethernet transceiver while retaining a conventional SPI connection to a microcontroller.
A primary design consideration is the distinction between the 10BASE-T ENC28J60 and the 100BASE-TX ENC424J600. The ENC424J600 supports faster Ethernet but uses a different package and requires a different PCB layout. Designs should not treat those devices as footprint-compatible replacements. Confirm magnetics, RJ-45 integration, grounding, decoupling, and signal-integrity requirements in the manufacturer application guidance before releasing the layout.
Drop-in alternatives for ENC28J60-I/ML — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with ENC28J60-I/ML (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Data Rate, Device Type.
ENC28J60/ML
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →ENC28J60T/ML
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →ENC28J60T-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ENC28J60-I/ML Specifications
| Device Type | 10BASE-T stand-alone Ethernet controller |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3 |
| Data Rate | 10 Mbit/s |
| Integrated Functions | MAC and PHY |
| Host Interface | SPI serial interface |
| Packet Buffer Memory | 8 Kbytes |
| Supply Voltage | 3.1 V to 3.6 V |
| Nominal I/O Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Pin Count | 28 pins |
| Package | 28-QFN (6 mm x 6 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial-grade -I |
ENC28J60-I/ML 28-qfn (6 mm x 6 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ENC28J60-I/ML (28-qfn (6 mm x 6 mm) package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for ENC28J60-I/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ENC28J60-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Monitoring Controller, Building Automation Node, Networked Access Control Unit, Laboratory Instrument Interface, IoT Sensor Gateway, Embedded Ethernet-to-SPI Bridge.
Industrial Monitoring Controller
The ENC28J60-I/ML fits industrial monitoring equipment that must report sensor measurements over 10BASE-T without requiring a separate Ethernet transceiver. Its integrated MAC and PHY reduce the number of components between the host processor and copper network, while the 28-QFN package measures 6 mm by 6 mm for compact controller boards. The industrial-grade -I ordering suffix is appropriate when specified by the system environmental plan. Because the link supports 10 Mbit/s, it is suitable for supervisory telemetry, alarm events, configuration updates, and periodic sensor data rather than continuous high-bandwidth transfers. The SPI interface allows a microcontroller to access packet memory and controller registers while the 8 Kbytes of buffer RAM support receive and transmit packet handling.
Recommended
Building Automation Node
The ENC28J60-I/ML is appropriate for a compact building-automation node that communicates with a controller or supervisory system over 10BASE-T Ethernet. The integrated MAC and 10BASE-T PHY simplify the hardware path from the SPI host to the physical network, while the small 28-QFN footprint preserves board area for sensors and relay or lighting interfaces. A 10 Mbit/s link is more than adequate for room controllers, occupancy data, HVAC commands, and status updates. Design teams should confirm the operating-temperature limits in the manufacturer datasheet and preserve the ENC28J60 reference-layout guidance around the PHY, magnetics, and grounding. The -I variant is preferable when the enclosure environment exceeds the standard-grade operating range.
Recommended
Networked Access Control Unit
The ENC28J60-I/ML can provide the Ethernet communication path for a low-cost access-control unit that sends credential events, door states, and audit records to a central server. Its integrated MAC and PHY eliminate a separate 10BASE-T transceiver, and its SPI interface is suitable for connecting the controller to a small embedded MCU. The 10 Mbit/s Ethernet rate is appropriate for sporadic access events and administrative traffic. The 6 mm by 6 mm 28-QFN package also leaves more board area available for relay drivers, credential-reader interfaces, and power supervision. Before production, evaluate the complete datasheet for supply current, temperature limits, reset behavior, and system timing, because those values were not included in the supplied verified excerpts.
Recommended
Laboratory Instrument Interface
The ENC28J60-I/ML is useful for laboratory instruments that need basic Ethernet management or data exchange without a high-throughput Ethernet interface. Its SPI host connection supports integration with a test controller, while the integrated MAC and PHY reduce analog and high-speed isolation requirements around the network path. Typical traffic includes command exchange, status reporting, configuration downloads, and sampled measurement data. The 10BASE-T limit means instrument designers should avoid designs that stream large files continuously. The 28-QFN package is compact, but engineers must follow the manufacturer's land pattern and exposed-pad recommendations and provide appropriate Ethernet magnetics and RJ-45 protection. The industrial ordering suffix should be checked against the instrument's ambient-temperature specification.
Recommended
IoT Sensor Gateway
The ENC28J60-I/ML can connect a small IoT sensor gateway to a 10 Mbit/s Ethernet backbone while avoiding a dedicated high-speed Ethernet controller. The SPI interface allows the gateway MCU to move packets through the ENC28J60's 8 Kbytes of buffer RAM, and the integrated 10BASE-T PHY reduces connector-board complexity. This arrangement suits aggregation nodes that combine several local sensors and periodically upload readings or accept configuration commands. It is less suitable for image or high-frequency sensor streaming because the Ethernet PHY operates at 10BASE-T. Layout should account for the small 6 mm by 6 mm package, maintain short return paths around the PHY, and follow the reference magnetic-network interface. Firmware must also handle the device through its documented SPI register and interrupt behavior.
Recommended
Embedded Ethernet-to-SPI Bridge
The ENC28J60-I/ML is well matched to an embedded Ethernet-to-SPI bridge because its native host interface is SPI and its MAC and PHY are integrated. A microcontroller can use the bridge to terminate a 10BASE-T connection and exchange commands with sensors, actuators, or local peripherals. The 8 Kbytes of packet-buffer RAM provides a defined packet-handling resource, while the compact QFN package supports densely populated control boards. Application traffic must remain consistent with the 10 Mbit/s link, and the design should avoid assuming that the controller implements a complete TCP/IP stack. The manufacturer documentation and application guidance should define SPI clock limits, interrupt handling, buffer access, and reset procedures before the host firmware is committed.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ENC28J60-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ENC28J60/ML | ENC28J60T/ML | ENC28J60T-I/ML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 28-QFN (6 mm x 6 mm) | 28-QFN (6 mm x 6 mm) - same package | 28-QFN (6 mm x 6 mm) - same package | 28-QFN (6 mm x 6 mm) - same package |
| Device Type | 10BASE-T stand-alone Ethernet controller | 10BASE-T stand-alone Ethernet controller | 10BASE-T stand-alone Ethernet controller | 10BASE-T stand-alone Ethernet controller |
| Data Rate | 10 Mbit/s | 10 Mbit/s | 10 Mbit/s | 10 Mbit/s |
| Integrated Functions | MAC and PHY | MAC and PHY | MAC and PHY | MAC and PHY |
| Packet Buffer Memory | 8 Kbytes | 8 Kbytes | 8 Kbytes | 8 Kbytes |
| Host Interface | SPI serial interface | SPI serial interface | SPI serial interface | SPI serial interface |
| Supply Voltage | 3.1 V to 3.6 V | 3.1 V to 3.6 V | 3.1 V to 3.6 V | 3.1 V to 3.6 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial-grade -I | Standard grade; exact limits require datasheet confirmation | T-grade ordering option; exact limits require datasheet confirmation | T-I grade ordering option; exact limits require datasheet confirmation |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated MAC and PHY (vs ENC28J60/ML)
- Same-footprint temperature-grade options (vs ENC28J60T/ML)
- Compact integrated Ethernet interface (vs ENC28J60T-I/ML)
Design Notes
Use the manufacturer's ENC28J60 layout and component-placement guidance for the 28-QFN footprint, exposed pad, supply connections, and PHY-to-magnetics path. The verified package is 6 mm by 6 mm, so pad and courtyard tolerances should be checked against the current package drawing rather than inferred from a generic 28-QFN library footprint. Keep the PHY and crystal-support component placement within the distances shown in the reference design.
Treat the Ethernet magnetics, RJ-45 connection, PHY traces, and protective network as one EMI-controlled subsystem. Follow the reference schematic and layout for the required magnetic components and separation rules, and provide a low-impedance chassis or shield path according to the enclosure and grounding design. Avoid routing sensitive analog or high-speed host signals alongside the PHY and magnetics region.
Do not assume that a device with an Ethernet PHY automatically supports a complete TCP/IP stack. The ENC28J60 provides Ethernet framing and packet-buffer functions, while host firmware or an external stack must implement the required higher-layer protocols. Also verify SPI mode, maximum SPI clock, interrupt polarity, reset timing, and buffer-management procedures against the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing firmware.
Compliance Information
The supplied excerpts identify an industrial-temperature ordering option but do not provide verified RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. ENC28J60-I/ML is an industrial interface IC rather than an automotive-qualified device, so AEC-Q100 is not applicable unless the manufacturer explicitly identifies a qualified variant.
