ENC28J60-I/SS

Controllers Overview

The ENC28J60-I/SS is a standalone Ethernet controller manufactured by Microchip Technology, designed for IEEE 802.3 compatibility. It integrates a MAC and a 10Base-T PHY within a single chip, supporting full and half-duplex modes at 10 Mbps. The device communicates with host microcontrollers via an SPI interface operating at clock speeds up to 20 MHz. It features an 8-Kbyte dual-port SRAM buffer for packet storage and includes hardware-managed circular receive FIFOs. The component operates on a supply voltage ranging from 3.1V to 3.6V and supports an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. It is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package.

Controllers Feature Summary

• Integrates a complete MAC and 10Base-T PHY with automatic polarity detection and correction capabilities.
• Provides internal DMA for fast data movement and hardware-assisted checksum calculation for network protocols.
• Supports programmable receive packet filtering including unicast, multicast, broadcast, and pattern matching.
• Features two programmable LED outputs for link status and network activity indication.

Controllers Applications

• Embedded systems requiring standard Ethernet connectivity via SPI interfaces.
• Industrial control networks and PLC communication modules.
• Smart metering and remote monitoring sensor nodes.

Controllers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'I/SS' confirms the industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) and the SSOP-28 package type. Ensure the ordering part number matches the required tape-and-reel or tube packaging format if applicable. Confirm RoHS compliance status through official manufacturer documentation prior to procurement.

Controllers Selection Notes

Select this component when a cost-effective, standalone Ethernet solution is required for 10 Mbps applications. It is suitable for microcontrollers lacking integrated MAC/PHY peripherals but possessing an SPI interface. Consider the 8KB RAM limitation for high-throughput scenarios and verify that the host system can support the necessary level shifting if operating at 5V logic levels.

Controllers Part Context

This part belongs to the ENC28J60 family of standalone Ethernet controllers. The 'I' suffix denotes the industrial temperature rating, while '/SS' specifies the 28-pin Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP). Other variants include SOIC and QFN packages, as well as commercial temperature grades.

Controllers Replacement Considerations

Direct pin-compatible replacements are limited due to the specific integration of MAC and PHY functions. Review Microchip's newer Ethernet controller families for potential upgrades, ensuring SPI compatibility and memory size requirements are met before substitution.

Controllers FAQ

Does the ENC28J60 support 100 Mbps Ethernet speeds?

No, the ENC28J60 is strictly a 10Base-T controller supporting only 10 Mbps data rates.

What is the maximum SPI clock speed for the ENC28J60?

The SPI interface supports clock speeds up to 20 MHz.

Is the ENC28J60 compatible with 5V logic inputs?

Yes, the SPI CS, SCK, SI inputs, and RESET pin are 5V tolerant, though output levels may require level shifting for 5V hosts.