Texas Instruments DP83848QSQX/NOPB – Automotive 10/100‑Mbps Ethernet PHY in 40‑WQFN
A compact, AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualified PHY for robust 10/100BASE‑T(X) networking in automotive and industrial designs.
Quick Summary
- Manufacturer/Brand: Texas Instruments
- Series: DP83848Q‑Q1
- MPN: DP83848QSQX/NOPB
- Category: Interface > Ethernet PHY Transceivers
- Package: 40‑WQFN, Tape & Reel (TR)
- Mounting: Surface Mount (SMT)
- Operating Temperature: –40°C to 105°C (Grade 2)
- Compliance: IEEE 802.3/802.3u, AEC‑Q100 Grade 2, RoHS (lead‑free /NOPB)
Overview
The Texas Instruments DP83848QSQX/NOPB is an automotive‑qualified 10/100‑Mbps Ethernet physical layer (PHY) transceiver designed for reliable connectivity in harsh environments. Part of the DP83848Q‑Q1 series, this device supports both 10BASE‑T and 100BASE‑TX Ethernet standards and interfaces to the MAC through either MII or RMII. Housed in a space‑efficient 40‑pin WQFN package, the DP83848QSQX/NOPB fits modern, compact ECUs and industrial nodes where board area is at a premium.
This PHY integrates the essential features designers expect for robust networking: IEEE 802.3 compliance, auto‑negotiation, auto‑MDI/MDIX for automatic crossover detection, loopback modes for bring‑up and test, and link status indication for deterministic system behavior. With an ambient operating range of –40°C to 105°C and AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualification, the DP83848QSQX/NOPB is well‑suited for automotive gateways, infotainment and telematics ECUs, as well as ruggedized industrial Ethernet applications.
Key Features and Value
- 10/100‑Mbps line‑rate Ethernet PHY for legacy and modern embedded networking
- IEEE 802.3 (10BASE‑T) and IEEE 802.3u (100BASE‑TX) compliance
- Dual MAC interface options: MII and RMII for flexible SoC/MCU pairing
- Auto‑negotiation and auto‑MDI/MDIX to simplify cabling and deployment
- Loopback and basic diagnostics to speed design validation and production test
- AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualification for –40°C to 105°C ambient operation
- 3.3 V typical supply, enabling straightforward power tree integration
- 40‑WQFN package for compact, high‑density PCB layouts
- RoHS compliant (/NOPB lead‑free finish)
These capabilities cut time to market and reduce risk by handling common PHY tasks internally, minimizing external circuitry and easing bring‑up across a wide range of networks.
Detailed Specifications
- Ethernet standards: IEEE 802.3 (10BASE‑T), IEEE 802.3u (100BASE‑TX)
- Data rate: 10/100 Mb/s
- MAC interface: MII, RMII
- Auto‑MDI/MDIX: Yes
- Auto‑negotiation: Yes
- Loopback/diagnostics: Loopback, link status, basic diagnostics
- Supply voltage (typ): 3.3 V
- Operating temperature: –40°C to 105°C (AEC‑Q100 Grade 2)
- ESD protection: Integrated (see datasheet for details)
- Low‑power features: Energy‑detect/power‑down modes (see datasheet)
- Package: 40‑WQFN
- Mounting type: Surface Mount
- Pin count: 40
Not specified in the provided data (refer to datasheet): current consumption in various modes, exact reference clocking requirements, strap pin behavior, detailed timing, transformer selection guidelines, and PHY register map specifics.
Package, Footprint, and Thermal Considerations
The DP83848QSQX/NOPB comes in a 40‑pin WQFN package that enables small PCB footprints and excellent thermal characteristics via an exposed pad (consult the datasheet for the exact land pattern and thermal pad recommendations). The surface‑mount package aligns well with automated assembly in automotive and industrial production lines. Pay careful attention to:
- Thermal pad connection and via stitching to ground for heat spreading
- High‑current return paths around magnetics and RJ‑45 interface
- Separation of noisy digital traces from sensitive analog portions near the PHY interface to the transformer
Package mechanical dimensions, pin pitch, and land‑pattern details are not specified here—always follow the dimensions and layout notes in the TI datasheet.
Interface Topology and System Integration
A typical system places the Texas Instruments DP83848QSQX/NOPB between a host processor (with integrated MAC) and the external Ethernet magnetics/RJ‑45. Key integration points:
- MAC connection: Choose MII or RMII based on host support and available I/O; RMII can reduce pin count and routing complexity. Electrical and timing specifics are defined in the datasheet.
- Media interface: 10/100BASE‑TX requires external magnetics (isolation transformer) and a compatible RJ‑45 connector per IEEE 802.3.
- Auto‑MDI/MDIX: Eliminates the need to manage straight‑through vs. crossover cables at the application layer, improving user experience in fielded systems.
- Diagnostics and loopback: Built‑in loopback modes and link status indications can accelerate board bring‑up and make in‑line production testing more predictable.
Clocking, strap configuration, and PHY register initialization sequences are design‑dependent and not specified in the provided data; consult the TI datasheet for definitive guidance.
Applications
- Automotive networking and gateways
- Infotainment and telematics ECUs
- Industrial Ethernet nodes
- Legacy 10/100BASE‑TX network interfaces
The AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 rating and –40°C to 105°C operating range make the DP83848QSQX/NOPB particularly attractive for vehicles and harsh industrial environments, while its small 40‑WQFN package supports dense, multilayer designs.
Power and Energy Modes
While explicit current consumption figures are not provided here, the Texas Instruments DP83848QSQX/NOPB includes energy‑detect and power‑down modes to help reduce system power during idle or disconnected states. Designers can leverage these modes under software control or strap configurations to minimize thermal load and extend overall system efficiency. For quantitative limits and mode entry/exit timing, see the TI datasheet.
Compliance and Reliability
- Automotive: AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualified
- Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 (10BASE‑T), IEEE 802.3u (100BASE‑TX)
- Environmental: RoHS compliant; /NOPB indicates lead‑free finish
The combination of IEEE compliance and AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualification ensures that the DP83848QSQX/NOPB meets both performance and reliability targets for demanding applications. Integrated ESD protection (see datasheet) further supports robust field operation, especially in connector‑exposed equipment.
Lifecycle, Availability, and Sourcing
- Lifecycle status: Active (per Texas Instruments)
- Availability: Check TI or authorized distributors for current stock and lead times
- Packaging: Tape & Reel (TR); the “X” in DP83848QSQX/NOPB typically denotes reel packaging
- Environmental status: RoHS Compliant (Lead‑free)
- Approved alternates/replacements: None listed in the provided data
For automotive programs, engage authorized TI distributors early to align on lead‑time and forecast requirements. The DP83848QSQX/NOPB’s active lifecycle status is favorable for new designs, but production planning is still essential for long‑term supply continuity.
Part Number Decoding and Ordering Notes
- DP83848QSQX/NOPB is a specific, orderable variant within the DP83848Q‑Q1 family.
- “/NOPB” indicates a lead‑free, RoHS‑compliant device.
- “X” commonly signifies Tape & Reel packaging, which is suitable for automated pick‑and‑place lines.
Always verify the full orderable part number, package option, and temperature grade on the Texas Instruments product page prior to purchase.
Design‑In Checklist
Use this concise checklist to accelerate your first‑pass layout and bring‑up:
- Select MAC interface mode (MII or RMII) that matches your processor capabilities.
- Plan for external 10/100BASE‑TX magnetics and RJ‑45 per IEEE 802.3.
- Provide a clean 3.3 V typical supply rail as specified; observe decoupling and placement guidance in the datasheet.
- Reserve PCB area for the WQFN thermal pad and ensure proper grounding/thermal vias.
- Route differential pairs to magnetics with impedance control and symmetry.
- Implement link/activity LED indicators if required by your system; verify pin mapping in the datasheet.
- Enable or configure auto‑negotiation and auto‑MDI/MDIX as needed.
- Prepare for loopback/diagnostics during bring‑up and manufacturing test.
- Review TI’s ESD and layout recommendations; maintain good separation between analog front‑end and digital switching signals.
Items such as exact clock source requirements, strap resistors, and register defaults are application‑specific and not specified here—consult the TI datasheet for definitive values.
Why Choose the Texas Instruments DP83848QSQX/NOPB?
- Automotive‑grade reliability: AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 and –40°C to 105°C operation reduce risk in vehicle and harsh‑environment deployments.
- Proven 10/100 PHY: Standards compliance and feature completeness make it a dependable drop‑in for many embedded networks.
- Compact packaging: 40‑WQFN minimizes footprint without sacrificing essential PHY functionality.
- Flexible MAC connectivity: MII/RMII support eases processor selection and can simplify routing.
- Streamlined deployment: Auto‑negotiation and auto‑MDI/MDIX help eliminate field issues due to cabling or configuration mismatches.
These advantages translate into faster design cycles, predictable validation, and lower total cost of ownership over the product lifecycle.
Technical Summary at a Glance
- Brand/Manufacturer: Texas Instruments
- Series: DP83848Q‑Q1
- MPN: DP83848QSQX/NOPB
- Data Rate: 10/100 Mb/s line rate
- Ethernet Standards: IEEE 802.3 (10BASE‑T), IEEE 802.3u (100BASE‑TX)
- MAC Interfaces: MII, RMII
- Auto‑MDI/MDIX: Supported
- Auto‑Negotiation: Supported
- Diagnostics: Loopback, link status, basic diagnostics
- Operating Temperature: –40°C to 105°C (Grade 2)
- Supply Voltage (typ): 3.3 V
- Package: 40‑WQFN; SMT; Tape & Reel (TR)
- Compliance: AEC‑Q100 Grade 2; RoHS lead‑free
Where precise electrical characteristics or timing are required, refer to the official TI datasheet.
FAQs
Does this PHY require magnetics for 10/100BASE‑TX?
Yes. 10/100BASE‑TX requires an external Ethernet transformer (magnetics) and an RJ‑45 connector per IEEE 802.3.
Which MAC interfaces are supported by the Texas Instruments DP83848QSQX/NOPB?
The device supports both MII and RMII interfaces to the MAC.
Is the DP83848QSQX/NOPB suitable for automotive environments?
Yes. It is AEC‑Q100 Grade 2 qualified for –40°C to 105°C operation.
What is the typical supply voltage?
3.3 V (typical), per the provided specifications.
What package is used, and how many pins does it have?
A 40‑pin WQFN package designed for surface‑mount assembly.
Is it RoHS compliant?
Yes. The /NOPB suffix indicates a lead‑free, RoHS‑compliant device.
Are specific power consumption numbers available?
Not in the provided data. Power‑down and energy‑detect modes are supported; consult the TI datasheet for detailed current consumption across operating modes.
Are there approved alternates or direct replacements listed?
None are listed in the provided data. Check the Texas Instruments product page for any updates.
Resources
- Texas Instruments Product Page: https://www.ti.com/product/DP83848Q-Q1
- Datasheet (DP83848Q‑Q1): https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/dp83848q-q1.pdf
Note: Some characteristics depend on configuration and operating conditions; always verify your design against the latest TI datasheet and application guidance.