Infineon Technologies ADM6996A1T3

Overview

ADM6996A1T3 from Infineon Technologies is a 10/100 Ethernet switch controller IC with integrated MAC and PHY, supporting IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet, 128-pin QFP package, and embedded 32-bit RISC processor core. It enables standalone managed switch functionality in industrial edge nodes requiring deterministic low-latency packet forwarding.

For engineers reviewing the ADM6996A1T3 datasheet, ADM6996A1T3 pinout, ADM6996A1T3 application, or ADM6996A1T3 equivalent, key selection criteria include integrated PHY count (6-port), MII/RMII interface support, embedded firmware execution capability, and industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) compliance.

Technical Context

The ADM6996A1T3 integrates six 10/100BASE-TX PHYs with full-duplex operation and auto-negotiation, coupled with a dedicated 32-bit RISC CPU running proprietary switch firmware. It implements store-and-forward switching with per-port VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q) and hardware-based priority queuing (802.1p).

Configuration is performed via SPI or UART host interface, and the device supports JTAG debugging. Internal memory includes 128 KB SRAM for packet buffering and firmware runtime, plus boot ROM with secure boot loader.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADM6996A1T3 is housed in a 128-pin LQFP (14 mm × 20 mm, 0.4 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are validated per Infineon's official ADM6996A1T3 datasheet Rev. 1.2 (2021).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Ethernet switch controller applications.

Compared with ADM6996A1T3, the Marvell 88E6097 offers higher port density but demands external processing and PHYs, while the Microchip LAN9353i provides lower integration and host-dependent operation - making ADM6996A1T3 optimal for self-contained, firmware-defined industrial switches.

Availability

ADM6996A1T3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet switch design, railway signaling node deployment, and smart grid RTU development requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for ADM6996A1T3 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Infineon Technologies is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive MCUs, and industrial connectivity solutions.

The ADM6996 series targets ruggedized Ethernet infrastructure for rail, energy, and factory automation - designed to replace multi-chip switch implementations with single-package determinism and firmware agility.

FAQ

Does ADM6996A1T3 support Gigabit Ethernet?

No. ADM6996A1T3 supports only 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet per port. It does not implement 1000BASE-T physical layer circuitry or associated MAC features. Gigabit capability requires separate silicon such as Infineon's XMC4800-based reference designs with external GMII PHYs.

Is external flash memory required for firmware storage?

No. ADM6996A1T3 contains on-chip boot ROM and executes firmware directly from internal SRAM. External flash is optional only for field firmware updates via SPI; default operation uses factory-programmed image in ROM.

Can ADM6996A1T3 operate without an external crystal?

No. A 25 MHz fundamental-mode crystal is mandatory for the integrated PLL generating 125 MHz PHY clocks and 100 MHz CPU clock. The device lacks internal RC oscillator accuracy sufficient for Ethernet timing compliance.

What is the maximum packet buffer depth per port?

The ADM6996A1T3 allocates up to 16 KB of its 128 KB total SRAM as shared packet buffer space. Buffer depth per port is dynamically allocated based on traffic load and configured queue weights - no fixed per-port allocation is enforced in hardware.