What is an Ethernet Network Card Chip in the Internet of Things?

In the Internet of Things (IoT), Ethernet network card chips play a vital role. They are key components for efficient and stable communication between IoT devices and the network.

The following is a detailed introduction of Ethernet network card chips by the IoT cloud platform. We explain this concept comprehensively and in depth.

Basic Concepts of Ethernet Network Card Chips

Ethernet network card chips, also known as Ethernet controller chips or network interface controllers (NICs), are integrated circuits (ICs) that are responsible for connecting computers or other IoT devices to Ethernet networks to send, receive, and process data. This chip is usually embedded in network devices such as computers, routers, switches, industrial controllers, and various IoT devices, becoming a bridge for these devices to communicate with the network.

Working Principle of Ethernet Network Card Chips

The working principle of Ethernet network card chips mainly involves the following levels:

Physical Layer (PHY) Interface:

• Responsible for converting digital signals into electrical signals suitable for transmission over Ethernet.
• Support different transmission rates, such as 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 1Gbps, etc., and even higher rate options (such as 10Gbps, 40Gbps, 100Gbps, etc.).

Data link layer protocol processing:

• Implement the basic functions of the Ethernet protocol stack, including MAC (media access control) address processing, frame encapsulation and decapsulation, error detection (such as CRC check), etc.
• Through these processes, ensure that data can be transmitted correctly and efficiently in the network.

Network interface:

• Responsible for data transmission between devices and networks.
• The network card chip is connected to a computer or other device through interface types such as RJ-45, SFP, PCIe, etc. to realize data exchange and communication.

Main functions of Ethernet network card chips

Ethernet network card chips mainly undertake the following functions in the Internet of Things:

Data communication:

• Network card chips are the key to realizing data communication between IoT devices and between devices and servers.
• It can encapsulate the data generated by the device into Ethernet frames and transmit it to the target device or server through the network.

Network access:

• The network card chip provides the ability for IoT devices to access the Ethernet network.
• By configuring the relevant parameters of the network card chip (such as IP address, subnet mask, gateway, etc.), the device can successfully access the network and communicate with other devices.

Network management:

• Many Ethernet network card chips support network management protocols such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
• This allows network administrators to remotely monitor, manage and troubleshoot IoT devices through these protocols.

Security:

• Some advanced Ethernet network card chips also provide security features such as data encryption, access control, etc.
• These features help protect IoT devices from the risk of network attacks and data leakage.

Types and classifications of Ethernet network card chips

Ethernet network card chips can be classified according to different standards. The following are several common classification methods:

Classification by transmission rate:

• 10Mbps network card chip: suitable for IoT devices that do not require high transmission rates.
• 100Mbps network card chip (Fast Ethernet): provides a higher transmission rate than 10Mbps, suitable for devices that require faster data transmission.
• 1Gbps network card chip (Gigabit Ethernet): provides a gigabit-level transmission rate, suitable for high-performance IoT devices or servers.
• Higher-speed network card chips: such as 10Gbps, 40Gbps, 100Gbps, etc., are suitable for scenarios with extremely high requirements for transmission rate.

Classification by interface type:

• RJ-45 interface network card chip: uses RJ-45 crystal head to connect the network cable, which is a common Ethernet interface type.
• SFP interface network card chip: uses small pluggable module (SFP) to connect optical fiber or network cable, suitable for scenarios that require long-distance transmission or high-speed transmission.
• PCIe interface network card chip: connected to the computer motherboard through the PCIe slot, providing a high-speed data transmission channel.

Classification by bus type:

• ISA bus network card chip: an earlier computer bus type, which is now less used.
• PCI bus network card chip: widely used in early computers and servers.
• USB bus network card chip: connected to the computer through the USB interface, suitable for scenarios that require portability or flexibility.

Classification by application scenario:

• Desktop network card chip: suitable for desktop devices such as personal computers and workstations.
• Server network card chip: provides higher transmission rate and richer functions, suitable for scenarios such as servers and data centers.
• Industrial-grade network card chip: has higher stability and reliability, suitable for scenarios such as industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing.
• Internet of Things network card chip: optimized for the characteristics of Internet of Things devices, providing low power consumption, small size and other features.

Ethernet network card chips are core components in network devices. They support network connections at different speeds and are widely used in various network devices. The following are some common Ethernet network card chip products and their brief introductions:

Common Ethernet network card chips

Realtek series

• RTL8153-VC-CG: Gigabit network card Ethernet controller chip, supports high-speed network connection, and is widely used in various network devices.
• RTL8111H-CG: Gigabit Ethernet controller chip, providing stable network connection performance.
• RTL8166EH-CGT: Original REALTEK QFN32 Ethernet controller network card chip IC, supports high-speed data transmission.

Intel series

• Intel I210: Low-cost, high-reliability Gigabit Ethernet chip, using PCIe 2.0 interface, suitable for servers and industrial control and other fields.
• Intel X520-DA2: 10G network card chip, supports dual-port 10G network connection, suitable for high-performance network needs.

Broadcom Series

• Broadcom BCM5719: High-performance Gigabit Ethernet controller chip, supports PCI Express 2.0 interface and multiple peripheral interfaces, widely used in high-end servers and network storage.

Marvell Series

• Marvell Yukon 88E8059: Highly integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller chip, supports PCI Express interface, has low power consumption and excellent performance.

Atheros Series

• Atheros AR8161: Highly integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller chip, supports PCI Express 2.0 interface, suitable for desktops, laptops and industrial control.

Qinheng Micro Series

• CH390: Ethernet controller chip, internal integrated MAC controller and PHY, supports 10/100M Ethernet, suitable for dual-port and multi-port solutions.
• CH182: Physical layer transceiver chip, supports 10/100M Ethernet specification, and is compatible with a variety of MCUs, MPUs, FPGAs and DSPs. Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronic is an integrated circuit design company founded in 2004. Since its establishment, it has focused on the research and innovation of chip design and application technology in the field of connection and control in the field of the Internet of Things, and chips and solutions that can communicate with each other. The company’s main products include: wired network, wireless network, USB and PCI interface chips, and microcontrollers integrating the above interfaces. Technically involved: analog detection (ADC), intelligent control (MCU), human-computer interaction (HID/LED/LCD/TouchKey), network communication (Ethernet/BLE), interface communication (USB/PCI/PCIE), data security (U disk/SATA disk encryption, single-lead, isolation), Internet of Things protocol (embedded protocol stack, cloud service), providing “perception + control + connection + cloud gathering” solutions.

Lithium Battery Charge Management System – Boost Converter – SM5308 Highly Integrated Mobile Power SOC – IoT System Chip

Application of Ethernet network card chips in the Internet of Things

Ethernet network card chips are widely used in the Internet of Things. The following are several typical application scenarios:

Smart home:

• Ethernet network card chips are embedded in smart routers, smart gateways and other devices to achieve interconnection between smart home devices.
• Through the Ethernet network, users can remotely control smart home devices such as smart bulbs, smart sockets, smart cameras, etc.

Industrial Automation:

• In the field of industrial automation, Ethernet network card chips are widely used in industrial computers, industrial controllers, sensors and other equipment.
• Through the Ethernet network, these devices can realize functions such as remote monitoring, data collection and analysis, and improve the efficiency and reliability of industrial production.

Smart City:

• Ethernet network card chips are used in various IoT devices in smart cities, such as intelligent transportation systems, environmental monitoring systems, public safety systems, etc.
• These devices realize real-time data transmission and processing through Ethernet networks, providing decision support and services for city managers.

Internet of Vehicles:

• In the field of Internet of Vehicles, Ethernet network card chips are used in equipment such as on-board computers and on-board communication systems.
• Through the Ethernet network, these devices can realize communication and data sharing between vehicles, improving the safety and efficiency of traffic.

Development trend of Ethernet network card chips

With the continuous development of IoT technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, Ethernet network card chips are also constantly innovating and developing. Here are several major development trends:

High-speed:

• With the continuous advancement of network technology, the transmission rate of Ethernet network card chips is also increasing.
• In the future, higher-speed network card chips will become mainstream to meet the needs of IoT devices for high-speed data transmission.

Low power consumption:

• In response to the demand for low power consumption of IoT devices, Ethernet network card chips are also constantly optimizing their power consumption performance.
• By adopting advanced processes and design technologies, the power consumption of network card chips will be further reduced, extending the battery life of IoT devices.

Miniaturization:

• With the trend of miniaturization and integration of IoT devices, Ethernet network card chips are also constantly reducing their size and weight.
• Miniaturized network card chips can better meet the needs of IoT devices and improve the portability and flexibility of devices.

Intelligent:

• In the future, Ethernet network card chips will be more intelligent and have more functions and features.
• For example, support more network protocols, provide stronger security and stability, support remote management and troubleshooting, etc.

Fusion:

• With the continuous development of IoT technology, Ethernet network card chips will be integrated with other communication technologies (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).
• This integration will enable IoT devices to access different types of networks more flexibly, improving the interoperability and compatibility of devices.

Selection and purchase suggestions for Ethernet network card chips

When selecting and purchasing Ethernet network card chips, you need to consider the following factors:

Demand matching:

• Choose the right network card chip type according to the needs of IoT devices. For example, for devices that require high-speed data transmission, you should choose a network card chip with a Gigabit or higher speed; for devices that require low power consumption, you should choose a low-power network card chip.

Brand and quality:

• Choose a well-known brand and reliable network card chip manufacturer. These manufacturers usually have more advanced technology and a more complete quality control system, and can provide more reliable products and services.

Compatibility and scalability:

• Consider the compatibility and scalability of network card chips with IoT devices. Ensure that the network card chip is compatible with other devices and network protocols, and has sufficient scalability to adapt to the development of future networks.

Technical support and after-sales service:

• Choose manufacturers that provide good technical support and after-sales service. These manufacturers can provide users with more convenient technical support and solutions, reducing users’ usage and maintenance costs.

Market status and development prospects of Ethernet network card chips

At present, the Ethernet network card chip market is showing a booming trend. With the continuous promotion of Internet of Things technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the demand for Ethernet network card chips is also increasing. At the same time, with the continuous advancement of technology and the intensification of market competition, the performance and price of network card chips are also constantly optimized and improved.

In the future, the Ethernet network card chip market will continue to maintain a rapid growth trend. On the one hand, the continuous development of Internet of Things technology and the continuous expansion of application fields will provide more opportunities for the network card chip market; on the other hand, the continuous advancement of technology and the reduction of costs will also promote the further development of the network card chip market. Therefore, it can be foreseen that Ethernet network card chips will play a more important role in the field of Internet of Things and provide strong support for the development of Internet of Things.

Conclusion

In summary, Ethernet network card chips are an indispensable and important component in the Internet of Things. It realizes the interconnection and data communication between devices by connecting IoT devices to the Ethernet network.

With the continuous development of IoT technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, Ethernet network card chips will play a more important role in the future.

Therefore, we should pay close attention to the development trend and market dynamics of Ethernet network card chips to provide strong support for the development of the Internet of Things.
If you want to purchase IoT chips in China, please contact us. IoT cloud platform provides the best IoT products for global IoT customers.
If you need to promote your IoT products or want to contribute IoT articles on our website, you can contact us at any time.