Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has expanded its automotive networking portfolio with the launch of the LAN866x family of 10BASE-T1S endpoint devices, designed to accelerate the adoption of zonal architectures and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The new endpoints aim to simplify in-vehicle connectivity by eliminating the need to program software for each network node, reducing system complexity, cost, and deployment timelines.
As automotive designs grow increasingly complex, connecting an expanding number of sensors and actuators poses significant challenges. Traditional architectures often rely on individual microcontrollers and custom software for each node, increasing development effort and slowing time-to-market. The LAN866x endpoints address this by bridging Ethernet packets directly to local digital interfaces using Remote Control Protocol (RCP), enabling centralized control of edge devices without requiring node-specific programming.
By supporting a 10BASE-T1S multidrop topology, the endpoints facilitate an all-Ethernet, zonal approach, reducing cabling and simplifying network management. The solution is particularly suitable for applications including interior and exterior lighting, headlamps, audio systems, and other sensor or actuator-controlled functions. It enables direct Ethernet-to-device bridging for LED drivers, audio streaming between microphones and speakers, and remote control of networked actuators, streamlining integration while maintaining reliability.
Charlie Forni, corporate vice president of Microchip’s networking and communications business unit, said, “With these RCP-enabled endpoint devices, Microchip empowers automotive designers to implement full all-Ethernet zonal architectures for software-defined vehicles. Our goal is to reduce design complexity, accelerate deployment, and provide the tools and documentation needed to bring vehicles to market faster.”
The LAN866x family complements Microchip’s broader Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) solutions, which include transceivers, bridges, switches, and development tools supporting 10BASE-T1S, 100BASE-T1, 1000BASE-T1, and higher-speed standards. These SPE solutions enable high-speed, reliable Ethernet communication over a single twisted pair cable, supporting scalable and interoperable designs for automotive, industrial, and building automation applications.
The LAN866x endpoints are currently available in limited sampling, allowing engineers and OEMs to evaluate the devices ahead of broader adoption.
