We’ve reported on 10BASE-T1S and 10BASE-T1L Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) chips from Microchip and Analog Devices in the past, which support Ethernet communication over a single twisted-pair cable. But those chips integrate a full Ethernet PHY or MAC-PHY inside the device.
NXP takes a different approach with their TJA1410 (automotive) and TJF1410 (industrial) Physical Medium Dependent (PMD) transceivers. These new PMDs separate the analog physical layer from the digital Ethernet logic. By integrating the digital portion of the PHY into the host microcontroller or switch, the TJA1410 and TJF1410 only need to handle the essential analog functions for transmitting and receiving signals over the physical medium. They communicate with the host via a 3-pin OPEN Alliance (OA) interface.
TJA1410 and TJF1410 PMD transceivers specifications:
- Networking – 10BASE-T1S (Compliant with IEEE 802.3cg and OPEN Alliance TC14,TC10 specifications)
- Host Interface – 3-pin OA interface (requires host MCU/switch with a 10BASE-T1S digital PHY)
- Data Rate – 10 Mbps multi-drop Ethernet
- Misc
- Supports up to 32 nodes on a single 10BASE-T1S bus (TJF1410)
- Cable length supports up to 100 meters
- OPEN Alliance TC10 / TC14 wake-up signaling
- Local and remote wake-up support
- Advanced diagnostics, including topology discovery
- Power
- 3.3V operation (it’s not clearly stated by the company)
- Low quiescent current consumption.
- Compatible with Power over Data Line (PoDL) implementations
- Package – 8-pin HVSON8 (3 x 3 mm) low-footprint package.
- Safety
- ISO 26262 ASIL B compliant (Automotive variant only)
- AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (Automotive variant only)
- ESD Robustness: ±8 kV HBM.
- High electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance.
NXP mentions that the TJA1410 works with low-cost CAN components to help reduce system cost. On the other hand, the TJF1410 helps industrial systems move from Modbus or RS-485 to simpler Ethernet networks where multiple devices share a single cable.
The company provides Linux drivers for both devices and real-time software support, including support for both AUTOSAR- and non-AUTOSAR-based platforms. They work with host MCUs or switches that integrate the 10BASE-T1S digital PHY on the host controller, such as the S32K5, S32N7, and S32J100 families for the automotive variant, and, for the industrial variant, they will work with NXP’s upcoming members of the MCX A microcontroller series integrating 10BASE‑T1S interfaces.
By utilizing a multi-drop bus topology, these chips eliminate the need for costly point-to-point switched Ethernet connections at the extreme edge of a network. This means developers can daisy-chain multiple sensors, actuators, or zone controllers on a single pair of wires. The TJA1410-EVB board allows engineers to evaluate the solution.
Both the TJA1410 and TJF1410 transceivers are listed on the NXP store and come in HVSON8 packages. The industrial TJF1410 variants are priced around $0.89 per unit for 1K orders, whereas the automotive-grade TJA1410 SKUs go for lower at around $0.44 per unit for 1K orders. The TGA1410-EVB is listed for pre-order on Mouser for $119.99. More information is also available in the press release.
Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication
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