The LAN9252 from Microchip Technology is a 2/3-port EtherCAT slave controller. It comes with dual integrated Ethernet PHYs that each contain a full-duplex 100BASE-TX transceiver and support 100 Mbps (100BASE-TX) operation. It supports four process data interfaces - SPI/SQI, HBI, and a 16-bit digital I/O. SPI and SQI (high speed SPI) provide a low pin count synchronous slave interface that facilitates communication between the device and a host system. The LAN9252 supports HP Auto-MDIX which enables the use of direct connect or cross-over LAN cables. 100BASE-FX is supported via an external fiber transceiver. This LAN9252 device provides system developers a cost-effective solution for EtherCAT slave implementations. The LAN9252 includes a 3-port EtherCAT slave controller with 4 Kbytes of dual port memory (DPRAM), four sync managers, three fieldbus memory management units (FMMUs), and a 64-bit distributed clock, whereas the host bus interface facilitates the same via a high-speed asynchronous slave interface. For simple digital modules without micro-controllers, the LAN9252 can also operate in digital I/O mode where 16 digital signals can be controlled or monitored by the EtherCAT master.

The EtherCAT standard allows system developers to implement a high level of integration, flexibility, and stability required to provide solutions for today's evolving industrial market. With this licensing agreement, Microchip delivers the necessary IP coupled with its industrial Ethernet product portfolio and its long history of being a leading industrial supplier to deliver solutions that increase overall system efficiency and reduce system costs.