Ethernet Integrated Circuit
Ethernet ICs are the silicon chips that allow electronic devices to connect to networks via cables. If Wi-Fi is like a wireless “walkie-talkie,” then an Ethernet IC is the physical “nervous system”. It converts digital data from processors (CPUs/MCUs) into electrical or optical signals for transmission over twisted-pair cables or fiber optics.
IC-Mart Your Trusted Source for Ethernet Chips
(from leading manufacturers)
Global Manufacturers and Typical Models
| Manufacturer | Ethernet PHY | Controller | Switch IC | Bridge / PoE / Others |
| Microchip | LAN8720A, KSZ8081, KSZ9031 | KSZ8851 (SPI), LAN9221, LAN9252 | KSZ8995, KSZ9897, KSZ8795 | LAN7800 (USB Bridge), PD69208 (PoE) |
| Texas Instruments (TI) | DP83848, DP83867, DP83TC811 | – | – | TPS23753A, TPS23881 (PoE) |
| Realtek | RTL8211F, RTL8201F | RTL8111H, RTL8125B | RTL8367, RTL8305NB | RTL8153, RTL8152 (USB Bridge) |
| Marvell | 88E1512, 88E1111 (Alaska Series) | AQC113, AQC107 | 88E6176, 88E6390 (Link Street) | – |
| Intel | – | I210-AT, I350-AM2, X710 | – | – |
| Broadcom | BCM54210, BCM54612 | – | BCM53125, BCM53134 (RoboSwitch) | BCM59121 (PoE) |
| Analog Devices (ADI) | ADIN1200, ADIN1300 | – | – | LTC4266, LT4276 (PoE) |
| ASIX | – | – | – | AX88179, AX88772 (USB to Ethernet) |
| WIZnet | – | W5500, W6100 (Full Hardware Stack) | – | – |
Leading Domestic (Chinese) Manufacturers
A. Ethernet PHY (Core Replacement Area)
PHY chips have the highest domestic adoption rate. They primarily compete with Realtek and TI.
| Manufacturer | Typical Models | Speed / Features | Industry Benchmark / Replacement |
| Motorcomm | YT8511 / YT8521 / YT8531 | 100M/1000M (GbE) | RTL8211, DP83867 |
| YT8010 / YT8011 | Automotive 100M/1000M | Marvell 88Q2112, Broadcom | |
| JLSemi | JL1101 / JL2101 | Industrial / Automotive PHY | RTL8201, RTL8211 |
| KG Micro | KG7011 | Automotive / Industrial GbE PHY | Focuses on TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) |
| Core-vision | CV8011 / CV8211 | 10/100/1000M PHY | Security and Industrial Monitoring |
B. Ethernet Switch ICs (Industrial & Enterprise)
Switch chips have high technical barriers. Domestic solutions now cover 5-port mini switches up to 400G data center chips.
| Manufacturer | Typical Models | Category / Performance | Application Scenario |
| Centec | CTC5118 / CTC7132 | Industrial / Enterprise Core Switch | Marvell, Broadcom |
| TsingMa / GoldenGate | 440G – 880G High Performance | Data Centers, Core Networks | |
| Motorcomm | YT8801 / YT8951 | 5-8 Port Switch IC | Smart Home, Industrial Routers |
| ZTE | Self-developed series | Core Routing / Broadband | Carrier-grade Equipment |
| KG Micro | KG65xx / KG6xxx | TSN Switch IC | Automation, Automotive Backbone |
C. Ethernet Controllers & Bridges
These include NIC chips and Serial/USB-to-Ethernet chips for PC, server, or MCU expansion.
| Manufacturer | Typical Models | Interface Type | Industry Benchmark |
| Motorcomm | YT9215 | PCIe to GbE (NIC) | Intel i210 |
| WCH | CH395 / CH9121 | SPI / Serial to Ethernet | Industrial IoT, Built-in Stack |
| ASIX | AX88179 / AX88772 | USB to Ethernet (Bridge) | High market share in China |
| Geehy | APM32F417 | High-performance MCU with MAC | Embedded Industrial Control |
3. Key P2P (Pin-to-Pin) Replacement Logic
- Realtek RTL8211F $\rightarrow$ Motorcomm YT8531: The top domestic GbE PHY replacement. Used in firewalls, switches, and routers.
- TI DP83848 $\rightarrow$ JLSemi JL1101 or Motorcomm YT8511: Common in industrial control boards.
- Intel i210 (NIC) $\rightarrow$ Motorcomm YT9215: targets industrial PCs and domestic servers.
- Realtek RTL8153 (USB 3.0 to GbE): Few domestic mass-production alternatives exist. ASIX remains the top choice, though Motorcomm is entering with integrated solutions.
Ethernet ICs Core Definition
Ethernet ICs implement the IEEE 802.3 standard. They operate at the Physical Layer (PHY) and Data Link Layer (MAC).
- Tasks: Data framing, error checking, signal modulation, and collision avoidance.
Core Categories
| Category | Function | OSI Layer | Typical Use Case |
| PHY | Signal Modulation | Layer 1 | Networking with a MAC-enabled host |
| Controller | Protocol Framing | Layer 2 | Embedded devices, PCs, Servers |
| Switch | Multi-port Forwarding | Multi-port | Routers, Switches, Automotive Gateways |
| Bridge | Interface Conversion | Cross-bus | USB NICs, Laptop Docking Stations |
| PoE | Power Management | Physical Support | IP Cameras, Wireless APs, IP Phones |
Application Scenarios
- Industrial Automation: Used in PLCs, HMIs, and robotics for stable communication.
- Networking Infrastructure: High-performance chips for switches, routers, and 5G base stations.
- Security (IP Surveillance): Utilizes PoE to provide power and high-definition video over a single cable.
- Automotive Ethernet: High-bandwidth chips for ADAS, infotainment, and central gateways.
- Consumer & Office: Provides low-latency connectivity for laptops, docking stations, and smart TVs.