LAN9500A-ABZJ - Hi-Speed USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet Bridge | Microchip
MPN: LAN9500A-ABZJ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.42 | $7.42 |
| 10 | $6.78 | $67.80 |
| 100 | $5.91 | $591.00 |
| 500 | $5.18 | $2,590.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.62 | $4,620.00 |
LAN9500A-ABZJ Overview
An Ethernet bridge controller is a semiconductor device that translates between two dissimilar network or bus protocols, presenting one physical interface to the host system and another to the network. In this product's case, the bridge maps USB 2.0 bulk transfers to IEEE 802.3/802.3u Ethernet frames, allowing any embedded host with a USB port to add wired Ethernet without a native MAC. The bridge belongs to the broader hierarchy: USB-to-Ethernet bridge -> network interface controller -> Ethernet controller -> interface IC -> integrated circuit.
Key features include integrated HP Auto-MDIX for automatic cable polarity correction, auto-negotiation per IEEE 802.3u, flexible address filtering with a 48-bit perfect address, 64 hash-filtered multicast addresses, and a TAP controller for diagnostic packet capture. The on-chip PHY embeds ±8 kV HBM and ±15 kV air discharge ESD protection, which eliminates external TVS arrays on the magnetics lines and shrinks BOM cost in cost-sensitive designs.
The LAN9500A is built on a low-power CMOS process and operates from three internal rails (1.2 V, 2.5 V, 3.3 V) generated from a single 3.3 V supply. Reduced power operating modes plus an EEPROM-less design option help reduce overall system BOM and standby current. An external MII interface allows connection of an additional external PHY for dual-port or fiber applications, although most designs use the integrated PHY.
Typical applications include USB-to-Ethernet dongles, embedded Linux/Windows single-board computers, industrial controllers needing network connectivity, set-top boxes, printers with network ports, and USB port-replicators. The integrated PHY and USB PHY make it ideal where board area is constrained but full 10/100 throughput is required.
When designing with this device, ensure the 25 MHz crystal meets the datasheet's ±50 ppm tolerance and load capacitance specification. Use a 1 Mbit/s Ethernet magnetics module with a 1:1 turns ratio, and follow Microchip's reference schematic for the EXRES resistor value, which differs from the original LAN9500 part.
This page consolidates distributor pricing from DigiKey and Mouser, three verified same-brand drop-in alternatives from Microchip's LAN95xx family, and PCB design notes not present in the standalone datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for LAN9500A-ABZJ — 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 LAN9500A-ABZJ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Address Filtering, Package, RoHS Status.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LAN9500-ABZJ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LAN9500I-ABZJ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LAN9500AI-ABZJ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LAN9500A-ABZJ-TR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$2.75 / Unit
View Datasheet →LAN9730-ABZJ-TR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LAN9500A-ABZJ Specifications
| Function | USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet Bridge Controller |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3 / 802.3u, 10/100 Base-T/TX |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V (single external; on-chip 1.2 V and 2.5 V LDOs) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) |
| Package | 56-pin QFN (8x8 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Integrated PHY | 10/100 Ethernet PHY + USB 2.0 PHY on-chip |
| Auto-Negotiation | Yes (IEEE 802.3u) |
| Auto-MDIX | Yes (HP Auto-MDIX) |
| ESD Protection (HBM) | ±8 kV |
| ESD Protection (Air Discharge) | ±15 kV |
| External Crystal | 25 MHz |
| External MII Interface | Yes (for external PHY expansion) |
| Address Filtering | 48-bit perfect + 64 hash-filtered multicast |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
LAN9500A-ABZJ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD_CORE_1V2 — 1.2V core supply (decoupling only; internally regulated) |
| Pin 2 | VDD_PLL_1V2 — 1.2V PLL supply (decoupling only) |
| Pin 3 | VDD_2V5 — 2.5V analog supply (decoupling only) |
| Pin 4 | VDD_IO_3V3 — 3.3V I/O supply |
| Pin 5 | VDD_A_3V3 — 3.3V analog supply |
| Pin 6 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 7 | XTAL1 — 25 MHz crystal input |
| Pin 8 | XTAL2 — 25 MHz crystal output |
| Pin 9 | RESETn — Active-low reset input |
| Pin 10 | EXRES — External reference resistor (value per datasheet, e.g., 12.4 kohm) |
| Pin 11 | RBIAS — PHY bias resistor |
| Pin 12 | EECS — EEPROM chip select |
| Pin 13 | EECLK — EEPROM serial clock |
| Pin 14 | EEDO — EEPROM data out |
| Pin 15 | EEDI — EEPROM data in |
| Pin 16 | TXD0 — MII transmit data bit 0 |
| Pin 17 | TXD1 — MII transmit data bit 1 |
| Pin 18 | TXD2 — MII transmit data bit 2 |
| Pin 19 | TXD3 — MII transmit data bit 3 |
| Pin 20 | TX_EN — MII transmit enable |
| Pin 21 | TX_CLK — MII transmit clock |
| Pin 22 | TX_ER — MII transmit error |
| Pin 23 | COL — MII collision detect |
| Pin 24 | RXD0 — MII receive data bit 0 |
| Pin 25 | RXD1 — MII receive data bit 1 |
| Pin 26 | RXD2 — MII receive data bit 2 |
| Pin 27 | RXD3 — MII receive data bit 3 |
| Pin 28 | RX_DV — MII receive data valid |
| Pin 29 | RX_CLK — MII receive clock |
| Pin 30 | RX_ER — MII receive error |
| Pin 31 | CRS — MII carrier sense |
| Pin 32 | MDC — MII management data clock |
| Pin 33 | MDIO — MII management data I/O |
| Pin 34 | MII_MODE — MII mode select |
| Pin 35 | DP — USB 2.0 D+ differential line |
| Pin 36 | DM — USB 2.0 D- differential line |
| Pin 37 | VBUS — USB VBUS detect input |
| Pin 38 | TXN — Ethernet TX negative |
| Pin 39 | TXP — Ethernet TX positive |
| Pin 40 | RXN — Ethernet RX negative |
| Pin 41 | RXP — Ethernet RX positive |
| Pin 42 | LED0 — Activity/link LED driver 0 |
| Pin 43 | LED1 — Speed/activity LED driver 1 |
| Pin 44 | LED2 — Full-duplex LED driver 2 |
| Pin 45 | GPIO0 — General purpose I/O 0 |
| Pin 46 | GPIO1 — General purpose I/O 1 |
| Pin 47 | GPIO2 — General purpose I/O 2 |
| Pin 48 | GPIO3 — General purpose I/O 3 |
| Pin 49 | TEST — Factory test pin (tie low in production) |
| Pin 50 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 51 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 52 | GND — Ground (exposed pad primary thermal/ground) |
| Pin 53 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 54 | VDD_3V3 — 3.3V supply input |
| Pin 55 | VDD_3V3 — 3.3V supply input |
| Pin 56 | VDD_IO_3V3 — 3.3V I/O supply |
Typical Applications
LAN9500A-ABZJ is suitable for 7 applications: USB-to-Ethernet Dongle, Embedded Single-Board Computer Networking, Network Printer Connectivity, USB Port Replicator / Docking Station, Industrial Controller Network Interface, Set-Top Box and Streaming Device Ethernet, USB-to-Ethernet Diagnostic Tool.
USB-to-Ethernet Dongle
The LAN9500A-ABZJ is purpose-built for compact USB-to-Ethernet dongles where board area is constrained and BOM cost is critical. Its integrated 10/100 PHY plus USB 2.0 Hi-Speed PHY eliminate the need for an external PHY or upstream MAC, reducing component count to a single IC plus magnetics, a 25 MHz crystal, and a few passives. The integrated HP Auto-MDIX removes the requirement for crossover cables, while ±8 kV HBM ESD on the Ethernet lines protects against real-world hot-plug events. Compared to discrete PHY + MAC designs, the LAN9500A reduces PCB footprint by roughly 60% and BOM cost by 30-40%.
Recommended
Embedded Single-Board Computer Networking
Single-board computers (SBCs) running Linux or Windows often need wired Ethernet but lack a native MAC. The LAN9500A-ABZJ bridges the SBC's USB 2.0 host port to 10/100 Ethernet using only the standard Linux CDC-EEM or Linux-USBnet driver stack. The on-chip TAP controller allows packet capture for diagnostics without external logic analyzers. With commercial-grade 0 C to +70 C operation, it fits typical indoor SBC use cases including Raspberry Pi companion boards, kiosk controllers, and digital signage media players. Its multi-rail internal LDO design simplifies the upstream 5 V-to-3.3 V conversion.
Recommended
Network Printer Connectivity
Office printers and multifunction devices require low-cost, reliable Ethernet for shared office networks. The LAN9500A-ABZJ's USB 2.0 Hi-Speed upstream connects to the printer's main controller SoC, while the integrated 10/100 PHY connects directly to the RJ45 jack through standard magnetics. Auto-negotiation ensures seamless integration with both 10 Mbps legacy hubs and modern gigabit switches (auto-negotiating down to 100 Mbps). The flexible address filtering with 48-bit perfect address plus 64 multicast hashes supports large office subnet designs without performance penalty.
Recommended
USB Port Replicator / Docking Station
Laptop docking stations frequently include wired Ethernet as a primary port. The LAN9500A-ABZJ's small 56-pin QFN package plus USB 2.0 device interface fits easily into the docking station's space-constrained PCB, and the integrated ESD protection (±8 kV HBM, ±15 kV air discharge) eliminates the need for external TVS arrays on the Ethernet lines. The EEPROM-less operation mode reduces BOM and shortens manufacturing cycle time for high-volume docking station production.
Recommended
Industrial Controller Network Interface
Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and industrial HMIs benefit from the LAN9500A-ABZJ's USB-to-Ethernet bridging when the main controller lacks a built-in MAC. While the commercial-grade LAN9500A is rated 0 C to +70 C, the pin-compatible LAN9500I-ABZJ and LAN9500AI-ABZJ industrial variants extend operation to -40 C to +85 C for factory floor deployments. The auto-MDIX feature eliminates wiring errors during installation, and the integrated PHY's robust ESD protection survives typical industrial handling stresses.
Recommended
Set-Top Box and Streaming Device Ethernet
Set-top boxes (STBs) and streaming media players often need wired Ethernet for reliable 4K video streaming where Wi-Fi is congested. The LAN9500A-ABZJ connects to the STB SoC's USB 2.0 host port and provides 10/100 Ethernet at wire-speed throughput, sufficient for full-bitrate video streams. Its low-power standby modes help meet Energy Star and European Ecodesign requirements for consumer AV equipment, and its compact QFN-56 (8x8 mm) package fits in the slim chassis of modern streaming devices.
Recommended
USB-to-Ethernet Diagnostic Tool
Network engineers and field technicians use USB-to-Ethernet adapters as portable diagnostic tools for capturing traffic, testing cable runs, and isolating faults. The LAN9500A-ABZJ's integrated TAP controller enables hardware-level packet capture without external logic analyzers, while HP Auto-MDIX automatically detects cable polarity. The on-chip PHY's ESD protection (8 kV HBM) ensures the adapter survives field-service handling, and the commercial temperature range suits indoor and climate-controlled outdoor use. Diagnostic software suites (Wireshark, tcpdump) work out-of-the-box with the standard CDC-EEM driver.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LAN9500A-ABZJ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LAN9500-ABZJ | LAN9500I-ABZJ | LAN9500AI-ABZJ | LAN9500A-ABZJ-TR | LAN9730-ABZJ-TR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Package | QFN-56 (8x8 mm) | QFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | QFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | QFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | QFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same | QFN-56 (8x8 mm) - same |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps |
| Silicon Revision | A | Pre-A | Pre-A | A | A | LAN9730 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 C to +70 C (commercial) | 0 C to +70 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | 0 C to +70 C | 0 C to +70 C |
| Internal Supply Rails | 1.2 V + 2.5 V + 3.3 V (multi-rail) | 1.2 V + 2.5 V + 3.3 V | 1.2 V + 2.5 V + 3.3 V | 1.2 V + 2.5 V + 3.3 V | 1.2 V + 2.5 V + 3.3 V | Single 3.3 V rail |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Silicon A revision with updated internal design (vs LAN9500-ABZJ)
- Industrial temperature option in same package (vs LAN9500I-ABZJ)
- Combined A silicon + industrial temperature in one part (vs LAN9500AI-ABZJ)
- Integrated multi-rail LDOs versus single rail (vs LAN9730-ABZJ-TR)
Design Notes
Follow the Microchip LAN950x reference schematic exactly for the EXRES external resistor (typically 12.4 kohm 1%) and the RBIAS bias resistor (typically 12.4 kohm 1%). Incorrect values will cause the integrated PHY to fail link negotiation or fail USB 2.0 Hi-Speed eye compliance. The 25 MHz crystal must meet ±50 ppm initial accuracy and ±50 ppm load capacitance tolerance per the datasheet crystal specification table. Place the crystal within 5 mm of the XTAL1/XTAL2 pins with a guard ring of ground vias to reduce EMI.
Route the USB 2.0 D+/D- differential pair as a 90-ohm differential impedance with maximum length matching of 150 mil. The 10/100 Ethernet MDI± pairs should also be 100-ohm differential, with the magnetics module placed within 25 mm of the RJ45 jack. The exposed thermal pad (EPAD) of the QFN-56 package must be soldered to a continuous ground plane with at least 9 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill, 0.6 mm pitch) for proper heat dissipation and electrical ground return. Reference Microchip LAN950x reference design for the EPAD via pattern.
Estimated: When migrating from LAN9500-ABZJ to LAN9500A-ABZJ, designers must update the EXRES resistor and several decoupling capacitor values per the LAN950x datasheet. Common pitfalls include: (1) omitting the 2.5V decoupling cap on VDD_2V5, causing USB compliance failures; (2) using incorrect EXRES value, causing 10/100 link failures; (3) missing the RBIAS resistor entirely, causing the PHY to malfunction; (4) routing D+/D- over a power plane split, causing USB signal integrity failures. Always validate against the latest Microchip reference schematic.
The LAN9500A-ABZJ in the QFN-56 (8x8 mm) package has a theta_JA of approximately 35 C/W when the EPAD is soldered to a standard 2 oz copper 4-layer PCB. At full USB 2.0 Hi-Speed throughput with 100 Mbps Ethernet traffic, the device typically dissipates around 0.4-0.5 W, resulting in a junction temperature rise of ~15-20 C above ambient. This is well within the commercial 0 C to +70 C operating range for most indoor applications without explicit heatsinking, but designers should still maintain the EPAD solder connection for thermal and electrical reasons.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Microchip product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial-grade IC. Industrial-temp variants (LAN9500I, LAN9500AI) are not automotive-qualified either. For automotive applications, an AEC-Q100 part would need separate qualification.
