Microchip Launches PCIe 3.1 Ethernet Bridges with LPSS for Enhanced Power Efficiency

Embedded and automotive designers now have a new, power‑efficient solution from Microchip: the LAN7430 and LAN7431 PCIe 3.1 Ethernet bridges. Both devices integrate power, clocks, and an Ethernet PHY (LAN7430) or a Reduced Gigabit Media‑Independent Interface (LAN7431) for alternative PHYs and switches, simplifying board design and reducing component count.

Key to the power savings is the Low‑Power Sub‑State (LPSS) L1.1 “snooze” and L1.2 “off” modes, which allow the high‑speed PHY circuitry to shut down when idle. This feature delivers measurable battery life improvements for portable and automotive systems.

When connected to a host SoC or processor, the bridges provide 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connectivity via PCIe 3.1, offering up to 2.5 GT/s in each direction. The LAN7431’s RGMII interface enables designers to implement IEEE 802.3bw‑2015 (100Base‑T1) and IEEE 802.3bp‑2016 (1000Base‑T1) over a single twisted pair, supporting real‑time Ethernet, IEEE 1588‑2008 (PTP), and IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP) precision time protocols. An automotive variant of the LAN7431 exceeds AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualification.

Microchip backs these products with a comprehensive support package: worldwide technical assistance, design‑review services, and fully released drivers for Linux and Windows. The company’s customer‑driven obsolescence policy guarantees continued availability as long as demand exists.

Designed as a true single‑chip solution, both LAN7430 and LAN7431 operate from a single 3.3 V supply, eliminating the need for complex power‑management circuitry. They include a JTAG (IEEE 1149.1) Test Access Port for thorough testing, and LINK MD diagnostics with Time‑Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to pinpoint cable harness issues such as opens, shorts, and impedance mismatches.

Microchip also offers free LANCheck online design review, the MPLAB® Connect software for easy OTP and optional EEPROM programming, WHQL‑certified drivers, and Linux mainline kernel drivers for networking and PTP/gPTP synchronization. Evaluation boards (EVB‑LAN7430 and EVB‑LAN7431) are available to accelerate integration.