TDK's ALT4532-EVA-01 evaluation board is a tool to simplify evaluation of the discrete LAN magnetics solution based on the ALT4532 series transformer and the ACM2012E series common-mode filter combination. This evaluation board configuration supports the 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard. TDK has developed the ALT4532M and the smaller version ALT3232M series pulse transformers in an SMD package using an automated winding process that provides excellent frequency performance and manufacturing consistency due to the fully automated winding and assembly process.

When used in conjunction with the appropriate common-mode filter (ACM2012E in this case or the smaller multilayer type MCZ series), it provides the complete solution for LAN magnetics comparable or better than traditional LAN magnetics modules and typically in a smaller overall footprint. The proposed ALT + ACM solution can reduce overall placement area significantly (~40%) depending on the configuration versus a traditional LAN module. The ALT4532M-EVA-01 evaluation board allows for quick performance evaluation, signal integrity, and EMC testing of the solution. The solution is compatible with other Ethernet standards (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T) by means of interchanging different common-mode filters.