LAN9250/ML - 10/100 Ethernet Controller | Microchip
MPN: LAN9250/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
LAN9250/ML Overview
An Ethernet controller is an interface IC that connects an embedded processor or microcontroller to a physical Ethernet network. It combines media-access control, packet data handling, transmit and receive buffering, and a physical-layer transceiver in one device. The LAN9250 series is intended to reduce integration effort by placing the controller and PHY together while preserving support for embedded host buses and serial interfaces.
The LAN9250/ML combines 10/100 Ethernet connectivity with integrated PHY functionality. Its packet FIFOs are intended to accommodate high-latency applications, while its memory-buffer architecture optimizes packet granularity and helps reduce packet loss. The product description specifically identifies performance, flexibility, ease of integration, and system cost control as design priorities for embedded applications.
Typical use cases include industrial embedded controllers, networked data-acquisition equipment, building-control systems, communications modules, and other MCU-based products that require an Ethernet port. The verified data lists an 8/16-bit interface and SPI/SQI interface options in distributor descriptions, allowing the device to fit systems using parallel or serial host connectivity. The 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V supply options are useful for systems with multiple embedded power domains.
A key design consideration is that the Ethernet PHY and host interface still require careful PCB implementation, including adequate power distribution, controlled-impedance routing, and separation between sensitive analog and digital sections where required by the datasheet layout guidance. The verified sources identify the LAN9250 as IEEE 802.3/802.3u compliant, but detailed timing, pin-level, and electrical requirements should be confirmed against the manufacturer datasheet.
This page consolidates verified manufacturer and distributor information, interface characteristics, application context, and sourcing links for LAN9250/ML engineers evaluating embedded Ethernet connectivity.
Drop-in alternatives for LAN9250/ML — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
No drop-in alternatives available for this product.
Request AlternativesLAN9250/ML Specifications
| Product Type | 10/100 Base-T/TX Ethernet controller with integrated PHY |
| Ethernet Speed | 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage Options | 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V |
| Host Interface | 8-bit or 16-bit interface and SPI/SQI |
| Package | 64-pin QFN |
| Package Dimensions | 9 mm x 9 mm |
| Controller Architecture | Single-chip Ethernet controller and PHY |
| Transmit FIFO | Present; capacity not provided |
| Receive FIFO | Present; capacity not provided |
| Packet Buffer Architecture | Optimized packet granularity |
| Latency Support | Designed to accommodate high-latency applications |
| Packet-Loss Features | Features designed to reduce or eliminate packet loss |
| Ethernet Compliance | IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.3u |
| Industrial Positioning | 10/100 industrial Ethernet controller |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
LAN9250/ML 9 mm x 9 mm Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for LAN9250/ML (9 mm x 9 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 LAN9250/ML.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
LAN9250/ML is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Embedded Controller, Networked Data Acquisition, Building and Automation Equipment, Communications and Gateway Equipment, Networked Monitoring Systems, Embedded Control and HMI Platforms.
Industrial Embedded Controller
The LAN9250/ML fits industrial embedded controllers that need a dedicated 10/100 Ethernet connection alongside a microcontroller or application processor. Its integrated controller and PHY combine the network-facing functions in one 64-pin QFN device, while the verified 8/16-bit and SPI/SQI host-interface options provide flexibility for different processor architectures. The device supports 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V supply options, which can simplify integration into mixed-voltage embedded systems. The design still requires a proper Ethernet magnetic interface, connector, firmware driver, and PCB layout that follows the Microchip datasheet and reference design.
Recommended
Networked Data Acquisition
The LAN9250/ML is appropriate for measurement and data-acquisition equipment that must move sampled data over a 10/100 Ethernet network. Its transmit and receive FIFOs are specifically identified as useful for high-latency applications, while the packet-buffer architecture optimizes packet granularity and is designed to reduce or eliminate packet loss. A host processor can connect through the documented 8/16-bit or SPI/SQI interface options and manage packet processing with vendor-supported drivers. The main engineering checks are sustained packet rate, host processing latency, Ethernet timing, and the separation of network routing from sensitive analog measurement circuitry.
Recommended
Building and Automation Equipment
The LAN9250/ML can support building-control, HVAC, access-control, and industrial automation products that require embedded Ethernet connectivity. The single-chip controller and PHY architecture reduces the number of external network-interface blocks needed on a compact controller board. Its 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps modes support the two common Fast Ethernet rates, and the stated IEEE 802.3/802.3u compliance provides a standards-oriented starting point. Engineers should confirm the final controller operating-temperature, isolation, surge, ESD, and regulatory requirements in the manufacturer documentation before using it in deployed building or industrial environments.
Recommended
Communications and Gateway Equipment
The LAN9250/ML is suited to communications modules and gateways that must bridge an embedded processor to a wired Ethernet segment. Its host-interface flexibility allows the design to choose between an 8/16-bit parallel connection and SPI/SQI connectivity, depending on processor resources and bus topology. The integrated PHY avoids a separate physical-layer block, while the documented 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V options can support multiple embedded supply domains. Product developers still need to implement the Ethernet transformer or magnetic path, connector isolation requirements, firmware networking stack, and production EMC testing.
Recommended
Networked Monitoring Systems
The LAN9250/ML can provide wired network connectivity for remote monitoring systems that report measurements, status, or alarms from an embedded platform. The 10/100 Ethernet capability is suitable for supervisory control traffic and ordinary industrial telemetry, while the integrated PHY supports a compact board design. The verified source identifies large transmit and receive data FIFOs and a memory-buffer architecture intended to manage packet granularity efficiently, which can help absorb short host-processing delays. For battery- or sensor-based systems, calculate the complete Ethernet power budget and thermal behavior from the datasheet because those operating details are not supplied in the verified web data.
Recommended
Embedded Control and HMI Platforms
The LAN9250/ML is appropriate for embedded human-machine interfaces and control platforms that need wired network access for configuration, diagnostics, and remote control. The host can use the documented parallel 8/16-bit interface or SPI/SQI connectivity, allowing the network function to coexist with a display, storage, or real-time control subsystem. Its integrated controller and PHY reduce component count compared with a discrete implementation, but the Ethernet path still needs careful magnetic-interface and signal-integrity design. Confirm processor driver support, interrupt behavior, and system memory requirements before committing to a board layout.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LAN9250/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product |
|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology |
| Package | 64-pin QFN, 9 mm x 9 mm |
| Ethernet Speed | 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps |
| Supply Voltage Options | 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V |
| Host Interface | 8-bit or 16-bit and SPI/SQI |
| Controller and PHY | Integrated single-chip Ethernet controller and PHY |
| Ethernet Standards | IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.3u |
| Packet FIFO | Transmit and receive data FIFOs |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated controller and PHY in one device (vs Discrete Ethernet controller-plus-PHY designs)
- Multiple verified host-interface options (vs Ethernet interfaces limited to one host-bus style)
- Low-voltage supply-option flexibility (vs Single-rail-only Ethernet controller designs)
- Packet buffering for latency-sensitive transfers (vs Ethernet controllers without documented transmit and receive FIFOs)
Design Notes
Use the Microchip LAN9250 datasheet and reference layout for the exact 64-pin QFN land pattern, exposed-pad treatment, power distribution, and Ethernet routing. Keep the Ethernet differential pair as a controlled-impedance route with continuous reference-plane support, and place PHY, magnetic-interface, and connector components according to the manufacturer’s recommended topology. The supplied verified data confirms the package and integrated PHY but does not provide the full land pattern or trace rules.
Plan the LAN9250 power rails around the verified 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 3.3 V options, but confirm which rail applies to each supply and I/O domain in the manufacturer datasheet. Place required bypass capacitors close to the device and provide low-impedance ground connections. Do not select capacitor values or rail sequencing solely from distributor summaries; use the official electrical-characteristics and layout sections.
Treat the Ethernet differential pair and PHY-related analog connections as controlled-impedance paths. Minimize discontinuities, branch stubs, and unnecessary copper changes, and keep switching or high-current paths away from sensitive network circuitry. Validate insertion loss, return loss, and radiated emissions against the actual stack-up and enclosure. The verified data confirms Ethernet operation but does not provide trace-length or impedance targets.
Do not assume that a related LAN9250 family ordering code is automatically a drop-in replacement. Verify the exact package pinout, host interface, voltage domains, timing, software driver, and PHY/magnetic-interface requirements. Similarly, a distributor listing does not prove current stock, numeric pricing, lifecycle commitment, or a production lead time. Confirm those items with Microchip or an authorized distributor before releasing a design to manufacturing.
Compliance Information
The verified sources identify IEEE 802.3 and IEEE 802.3u compliance and describe the device as an industrial Ethernet controller. RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals statuses were not supplied and are therefore recorded as unknown.
