F104X8A

Overview

The F104X8A is a quad-port 10/100/1000BASE-T PHY with an integrated QSGMII MAC interface, manufactured by NXP USA Inc. (originally Freescale Semiconductor). It supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standards. The device features ActiPHY power management for low-power states and link partner wake-up capabilities. It includes VeriPHY cable diagnostics and comprehensive testing features such as loopbacks and packet generation. The component operates within standard industrial temperature ranges and utilizes a Serial Management Interface (SMI) for configuration.

Feature Summary

• Integrates four Gigabit Ethernet ports with a Quad-SGMII MAC interface to reduce PCB trace count.
• Supports inline powering via IEEE 802.3af PoE standards for connected devices.
• Includes advanced cable diagnostics and testing tools for network maintenance.
• Features energy-efficient operation modes compliant with modern power-saving requirements.

Applications

• Industrial Ethernet switches
• Building automation systems
• Network infrastructure equipment

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific ordering suffix against the manufacturer's official documentation to ensure correct package type and temperature rating. Confirm that the component meets all necessary regulatory compliance standards for your target market before finalizing procurement decisions.

Selection Notes

Select this component when a high port density solution is required with minimal routing complexity. The integrated QSGMII interface simplifies the connection to the host processor. Ensure the design supports the required voltage levels and clock configurations specified in the electrical characteristics section of the datasheet.

Part Context

This part belongs to the F104S8A series of Ethernet PHY transceivers. It was originally developed by Vitesse Semiconductor and later acquired by Freescale Semiconductor, which is now part of NXP. The series is designed for high-performance networking applications requiring reliable Gigabit connectivity.

Replacement Considerations

Check for pin-to-pin compatible alternatives from current NXP product lines. Verify that any substitute maintains the same QSGMII interface and PoE support capabilities.

FAQ

Does the F104X8A support Power over Ethernet?

Yes, the device supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet for inline-powered devices.

What interface connects the PHY to the MAC?

It uses a Quad-SGMII (QSGMII) serial interface to connect to the host MAC.

How does the device manage power consumption?

It utilizes ActiPHY technology to enter low-power idle states and supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE).