PHY Chip

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for PHY Chip

Definition

The PHY (Physical Layer) Chip is a critical component within a Network Interface Controller (NIC) responsible for implementing the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI model. It handles the analog signal transmission and reception over the physical medium (e.g., copper cable, fiber optic), including modulation, line coding, signal conditioning, and clock recovery. It interfaces between the digital MAC (Media Access Control) layer and the physical network medium. This directory entry provides reference specifications for a typical industrial-grade PHY chip. The device is fabricated on silicon and supports data rates of 10/100/1000 Mbps per IEEE 802.3, with auto-negotiation. It operates from a 3.3 V ±10% supply and is rated for an industrial temperature range of -40 to 85 °C. Power consumption ranges from 0.5 to 1.2 W depending on link speed. The chip is offered in a QFN-48 package (7x7 mm) per JEDEC standards. The MAC interface is RGMII or MII per IEEE 802.3. It provides ESD protection of ±8 kV (HBM) per IEC 61000-4-2. It supports cable lengths up to 100 m over Cat5e UTP. Latency is ≤1 µs (store-and-forward), and jitter is ±50 ps (RMS) per IEEE 802.3. These values are typical reference ranges; actual performance may vary by model and application. Always verify model-specific specifications and standards compliance with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement or design-in.

Working Principle

The PHY chip converts digital data frames from the MAC layer into analog electrical or optical signals suitable for transmission over the network cable. On reception, it performs the reverse process: it conditions the incoming analog signal, recovers the clock and data, demodulates the signal, and converts it back into a digital bitstream for the MAC layer. This involves processes like encoding/decoding (e.g., 4B/5B, 8B/10B), scrambling/descrambling, and signal equalization to compensate for channel impairments.

Common Materials

Silicon

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Data Rate	10/100/1000 Mbps	Auto-negotiation supportedIEEE 802.3
Supply Voltage	3.3 ±10% V	Core and I/O
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Industrial grade
Power Consumption	0.5–1.2 W	Depends on link speed
Package Type	QFN-48	7x7 mmJEDEC
Interface	RGMII/MII	MAC interfaceIEEE 802.3
ESD Protection	±8 kV	HBMIEC 61000-4-2
Cable Length	100 m	Cat5e UTPIEEE 802.3
Latency	≤1 µs	Store-and-forward
Jitter	±50 ps	RMSIEEE 802.3

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

Transmitter
Converts digital data to analog signals and drives them onto the physical medium.

Material: Silicon (integrated circuits)
Receiver
Amplifies, conditions, and converts incoming analog signals back to digital data.

Material: Silicon (integrated circuits)
Clock Data Recovery (CDR) Circuit
Extracts the clock signal from the incoming data stream to synchronize reception.

Material: Silicon (integrated circuits)
Line Driver
Amplifies the signal to ensure it can travel the required distance over the cable.

Material: Silicon (integrated circuits)

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for PHY Chip.

Applied To / Applications

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

Network Interface Controller (NIC)

View system integration details

Manufacturers of PHY Chip

Manufacturer profiles associated with PHY Chip.

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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 · Page last updated 6 September 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a PHY chip in a network interface?

The PHY chip implements the physical layer of the OSI model, handling signal transmission and reception over the network medium. It converts digital data from the MAC layer to analog signals for transmission and performs the reverse on reception.

What data rates does this PHY chip support?

According to the reference data, it supports 10/100/1000 Mbps with auto-negotiation, per IEEE 802.3. Actual supported rates may vary by model; check the datasheet.

What is the operating temperature range?

The reference operating temperature is -40 to 85 °C, indicating industrial grade suitability. Confirm the exact range for the specific part number.

What interface does it use to connect to the MAC?

The reference interface is RGMII or MII, per IEEE 802.3. Verify the interface options for the specific PHY chip model.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification

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voltage:	1.8V to 3.3V (operating voltage range)
data rate:	10 Mbps to 100 Gbps (depending on PHY standard)
temperature:	-40°C to 125°C (typical industrial range)
power consumption:	100 mW to 2W (typical active range)

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards