Microchip Technology VSC8562XKS-11

Overview

VSC8562XKS-11 from Microsemi (now Microchip) is a dual-port 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet PHY IC with integrated MACsec encryption, Synchronous Ethernet timing support, and QSGMII/SGMII MAC interface. It delivers full Gigabit copper PHY functionality in a single 128-pin QFN package, supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), and enables carrier-grade resiliency via Ring Resiliency and Fast Link Failure Indication for metro and access network equipment.

For engineers reviewing the VSC8562XKS-11 datasheet, VSC8562XKS-11 pinout, VSC8562XKS-11 application, or VSC8562XKS-11 equivalent, key selection criteria include IEEE 802.1AE MACsec compliance, dual-port 1000BASE-T operation over Cat5e/Cat6, synchronous Ethernet clock recovery (±50 ppb holdover), QSGMII SerDes bandwidth efficiency, and hardware-accelerated ring protection for telecom infrastructure.

Technical Context

The VSC8562XKS-11 implements two independent 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs with full autonegotiation, parallel detection, and automatic MDI/MDIX crossover. Each port integrates a voltage-mode line driver, adaptive equalization, and VeriPHY cable diagnostics for real-time link health monitoring.

Its MACsec block operates inline at wire speed with AES-128-GCM encryption/decryption, supporting up to 16 secure channels per port and programmable SA tables via SPI or SMI. The device also embeds a dual-channel recovered clock output with squelch control and configurable reference clock input (25 MHz or 125 MHz differential/single-ended).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 128-pin QFN (14 mm × 14 mm, 0.4 mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed paddle. Pinout validated per VMDS-10475 Rev 4.2 Section 6.1 (Pin Descriptions) and Figure 6-1 (Pinout Diagram).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY applications.

Compared with VSC8562XKS-11, the 88E1512 requires external timing ICs for SynchE and separate MACsec engines for data-plane security, while the I210-IT lacks hardware ring protection and cable diagnostics-making VSC8562XKS-11 uniquely suited for space-constrained, carrier-grade edge nodes demanding integrated timing, security, and resiliency.

Availability

VSC8562XKS-11 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile fronthaul aggregation, carrier Ethernet access nodes, and smart grid substation RTUs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for VSC8562XKS-11 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

Microsemi, now part of Microchip Technology Inc., designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial markets, with deep expertise in timing, security, and ruggedized connectivity.

The VSC8562XKS-11 belongs to Microsemi's Intellisec™ Ethernet PHY family, engineered specifically for carrier-class infrastructure requiring hardware-accelerated security, precise synchronization, and deterministic resiliency in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the VSC8562XKS-11 in a network system?

The VSC8562XKS-11 serves as a dual-port 10/100/1000BASE-T physical layer transceiver that bridges MAC-layer devices to copper Ethernet media. It handles signal encoding/decoding, autonegotiation, clock recovery, and hardware-accelerated MACsec encryption. In systems like metro access nodes, the VSC8562XKS-11 enables secure, synchronized, and resilient Gigabit connectivity without external timing or security ICs.

Does the VSC8562XKS-11 support IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)?

No, the VSC8562XKS-11 does not implement IEEE 1588 PTP timestamping. It supports ITU-T G.8262 Synchronous Ethernet (SynchE) for frequency synchronization only-recovering and distributing highly stable 125 MHz clocks with ±50 ppb accuracy. PTP packet timestamping requires an external switch or MAC with PTP-aware hardware; the VSC8562XKS-11 provides the underlying timing foundation but no PTP processing.

How does the VSC8562XKS-11 implement MACsec encryption?

The VSC8562XKS-11 integrates a dedicated MACsec engine compliant with IEEE 802.1AE-2018, performing AES-128-GCM encryption/decryption inline at full wire speed (1 Gbps per port). It supports up to 16 secure associations (SAs) per port, programmable via SPI or MDIO registers, with zero added latency and no CPU involvement. The VSC8562XKS-11 processes all frames-including pause, control, and jumbo packets-without modification or buffering delay.

Can the VSC8562XKS-11 operate with a single-ended reference clock?

Yes, the VSC8562XKS-11 supports both differential (REFCLK_P/N) and single-ended (REFCLK_SE) reference clock inputs. When using single-ended mode, the device accepts a 25 MHz or 125 MHz CMOS-level clock applied to REFCLK_SE, with internal termination and biasing. Configuration is done via the Extended Mode Control register (Address 0x10, bit 14), and jitter performance remains within SynchE Class D limits under specified conditions.

What diagnostic capabilities does the VSC8562XKS-11 provide for copper cabling?

The VSC8562XKS-11 includes VeriPHY-a patented time-domain reflectometry (TDR) engine that measures cable length, identifies opens/shorts, locates faults within ±1 meter, and detects near-end crosstalk. It operates autonomously during link initialization or on-demand via register command, reporting results in dedicated status registers (e.g., Cu Media Status, VeriPHY Results). This eliminates need for external cable testers in field-deployed telecom gear.