Editorial Technical Reference

Network Interface Controller (NIC)

This page explains how Network Interface Controller (NIC) is classified within Computer, Electronic and Optical Product Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

Hardware component that enables network connectivity for industrial communication gateways

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Network Interface Controller (NIC) in a manufacturing environment
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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Network Interface Controller (NIC)

Definition
A Network Interface Controller (NIC) is an essential hardware component within an Industrial Communication Gateway that provides the physical interface for connecting to various industrial networks. It facilitates data transmission between the gateway and field devices, PLCs, sensors, and other industrial equipment by converting data into appropriate network signals and protocols. The NIC is designed for industrial environments, supporting data rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps with auto-negotiation per IEEE 802.3. It interfaces with the host system via a PCIe x1 slot (compatible with x4, x8, x16 slots) per PCIe 2.0. Operating temperature ranges from -40 to 85°C, and it requires a 3.3 V DC supply with typical power consumption of 2.5 W at full load. The NIC includes ESD protection up to ±8 kV (contact discharge) per IEC 61000-4-2 and surge protection up to ±2 kV (line-to-line) per IEC 61000-4-5. Its dimensions are 120×80×20 mm (half-height bracket) and weight is 150 g including bracket. The mean time between failures (MTBF) is 100,000 hours at 40°C per Telcordia SR-332. Materials include a printed circuit board, integrated circuits, copper connectors, and a plastic housing. This NIC is a component intended for integration into industrial gateways; it is not a standalone product. For procurement, verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
The NIC operates by receiving data from the gateway's processor, converting it into electrical signals suitable for the specific network medium (Ethernet, PROFINET, EtherCAT, etc.), and transmitting it through physical connectors. It also receives incoming signals, converts them back to digital data, and passes them to the gateway for processing. The controller manages network protocols, error checking, and data flow control.
Common Materials
Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Integrated Circuits, Copper connectors, Plastic housing
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Data Rate10/100/1000 MbpsAuto-negotiation supportedIEEE 802.3
Interface TypePCIe x1Compatible with x4, x8, x16 slotsPCIe 2.0
Operating Temperature-40–85 °CIndustrial grade
Supply Voltage3.3 V DCTypical, ±5%
Power Consumption2.5 WMax at full load
MTBF100000 hAt 40°CTelcordia SR-332
ESD Protection±8 kVContact dischargeIEC 61000-4-2
Surge Protection±2 kVLine-to-lineIEC 61000-4-5
Dimensions120×80×20 mmHalf-height bracket
Weight150 gIncluding bracket

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

Components / BOM
  • PHY Chip
    Physical layer transceiver that converts digital data to analog signals for transmission
    Material: Semiconductor silicon
  • MAC Controller
    Media Access Controller that manages data flow and protocol handling
    Material: Integrated circuit
  • Connector Port Part
    Physical interface for network cable connection
    Material: Copper alloy with plastic housing
  • Magnetics Module
    Provides electrical isolation and signal conditioning
    Material: Ferrite cores and copper windings

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: N/A (electronic component)
other spec: Operating voltage: 3.3V ±5%, Power consumption: <2.5W typical
temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Media Compatibility
✓ Ethernet/IP industrial networks ✓ PROFINET communication systems ✓ Modbus TCP/IP protocols
Unsuitable: High EMI/RFI environments without proper shielding
Sizing Data Required
  • Required network bandwidth (e.g., 1Gbps, 10Gbps)
  • Industrial protocol support requirements
  • Environmental protection rating needed (e.g., IP rating, operating temperature)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Thermal degradation
Cause: Prolonged overheating due to inadequate cooling, high ambient temperatures, or dust accumulation on heatsinks leading to solder joint fatigue, component drift, and eventual failure.
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage
Cause: Improper handling during installation or maintenance, lack of grounding, or environmental static buildup causing immediate or latent failure of sensitive semiconductor components.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Intermittent or complete loss of network connectivity despite functional cables/ports
  • Abnormal LED behavior (e.g., flickering, incorrect colors, or no activity lights) or audible coil whine from the NIC
Engineering Tips
  • Ensure proper airflow and regular cleaning of server/rack environments to prevent dust buildup and maintain optimal operating temperatures for NIC components.
  • Implement ESD-safe handling procedures (wrist straps, mats) during installation/replacement and use surge-protected power/UPS systems to guard against electrical transients.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ISO/IEC 11801: Information technology - Generic cabling for customer premises ANSI/TIA-568.2-D: Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standards CE Marking (EU Directive 2014/35/EU): Low Voltage Directive for electrical equipment safety

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Connector Pin Alignment: +/-0.1mm
  • PCB Trace Width Tolerance: +/-10%
Quality Inspection
  • Signal Integrity Testing (Eye Diagram Analysis)
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing
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.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Network Interface Controller (NIC)

2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Sichuan Odot Automation System Co., Ltd.
Sichuan, CN
Also makes: Protocol Gateway/Converter, Industrial Switch, Digital Output Module and 9 more
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Network Adapter Module”
View source page ↗ odotautomation.com · recorded 2026-08-22
View profile Send enquiry
Tendzone
Shenzhen, Guangdong, CN
Also makes: Conference Audio and Video System, Power Amplifier
Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources
Listed there as: “Network Adapters”
View source page ↗ tendzone.net · recorded 2026-09-16
View profile Send enquiry

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Buyer enquiry

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the data rate of this NIC?

The NIC supports data rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps with auto-negotiation, as per IEEE 802.3. Actual performance depends on the network and configuration.

What is the operating temperature range?

The operating temperature range is -40 to 85°C, making it suitable for industrial environments. Ensure proper thermal management in your application.

What protection features does it have?

It provides ESD protection up to ±8 kV (contact discharge) per IEC 61000-4-2 and surge protection up to ±2 kV (line-to-line) per IEC 61000-4-5. These are reference values; verify with the manufacturer.

Is this NIC a standalone product?

No, it is a component designed for integration into industrial communication gateways. It is not a standalone network adapter for end users.

Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Communication Gateway
View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Network Interface Controller (NIC).

Network Interface Card Network Adapter

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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 · Page last updated 13 October 2026

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