MAC Address Register: Supply_Voltage 1.8V to 3.3V

Q: What happens if the MAC Address Register fails?

Failure causes network communication disruption as the controller cannot identify itself or validate addresses, requiring component replacement or MAC address reprogramming if supported.

Q: Can MAC addresses be changed in industrial registers?

Most industrial registers use One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory for security, making addresses permanent. Some EEPROM-based versions allow limited reprogramming under controlled conditions.

Q: How does this component differ from consumer versions?

Industrial versions feature extended temperature ranges, higher reliability standards, vibration resistance, and compliance with industrial safety and security protocols like IEC 62443.

Component Specifications

Definition

The MAC Address Register is a non-volatile memory component integrated into Media Access Control (MAC) Controllers, designed to store the unique 48-bit or 64-bit hardware address assigned during manufacturing. This register maintains the device's network identity across power cycles and system resets, enabling reliable communication in industrial Ethernet networks. It interfaces with the controller's address recognition logic to filter incoming frames and validate outgoing transmissions according to IEEE 802 standards.

Working Principle

The register operates through permanent storage technology (typically OTP, EEPROM, or flash memory) that retains the MAC address without power. During system initialization, the MAC controller reads this address and loads it into working registers for frame processing. The stored value is used for source address insertion in outgoing frames and destination address comparison for incoming frames, ensuring proper network layer identification in industrial communication protocols.

Materials

Silicon substrate with CMOS technology, embedded non-volatile memory cells (floating-gate transistors), copper/aluminum interconnects, ceramic or plastic packaging (QFN, BGA, or SOP formats), gold bonding wires, and lead-free solder balls.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Package	QFN-16, BGA-24, or SOP-8
Interface	SPI, I2C, or parallel bus
Storage Type	OTP/EEPROM/Flash
Write Cycles	1 (OTP) to 100,000+ (EEPROM/Flash)
Address Length	48-bit (IEEE 802) or 64-bit (EUI-64)
Retention Time	>10 years
Supply Voltage	1.8V to 3.3V
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C (industrial grade)

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO/IEC 8802-3, IEEE 802.3, IEC 61131, IEC 62443

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

MAC Controller

A hardware component within a Network Interface Controller (NIC) that manages Media Access Control (MAC) layer operations.

View Product Details

MAC (Media Access Control) Controller

A hardware component within a Network Interface Controller (NIC) that manages data frame transmission and reception over a network medium according to the MAC protocol.

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Address corruption due to electromagnetic interference
Physical damage from industrial environment conditions
Unauthorized address cloning in security-critical applications
Single point of failure in network communication chain

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Memory cell degradation from excessive write cycles or voltage spikes
Failure: Bit errors in stored MAC address leading to network identification failures
Mitigation: Implement error correction codes (ECC), voltage regulation circuits, and write-cycle monitoring

Trigger: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) during handling or operation
Failure: Permanent damage to memory cells or interface circuits
Mitigation: Incorporate ESD protection diodes, proper grounding, and conformal coating

Trigger: Temperature extremes beyond specified operating range
Failure: Data retention failure or read/write malfunctions
Mitigation: Use industrial-grade components with extended temperature ratings and thermal management

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Address bit error rate < 10^-12, voltage variation ±5%, temperature drift ±0.1% per °C

Test Method

IEEE 1149.1 boundary scan for connectivity, memory read/write verification at temperature extremes, ESD testing per IEC 61000-4-2, vibration testing per IEC 60068-2-6

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Manufacturers of MAC Address Register

Manufacturer profiles associated with MAC Address Register.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the MAC Address Register fails?