Microchip Technology VSC8574XKS-01

Overview

VSC8574XKS-01 from Microsemi (now Microchip) is a quad-port 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet PHY IC with integrated IEEE 1588v2 timestamping engine, Synchronous Ethernet support, and QSGMII/SGMII MAC interface. It delivers precise sub-50 ns timestamp resolution, supports one-step and two-step transparent/boundary clock modes, and operates across all four ports simultaneously at full gigabit line rate over Cat5e/6 copper or fiber media via SerDes.

For engineers reviewing the VSC8574XKS-01 datasheet, VSC8574XKS-01 pinout, VSC8574XKS-01 application, or VSC8574XKS-01 equivalent, this device is selected for carrier-grade timing-critical infrastructure - including metro Ethernet switches, IEEE 1588 grandmaster/transparent clocks, Synchronous Ethernet distribution nodes, and time-aware packet network elements requiring deterministic latency and traceable PTP synchronization.

Technical Context

The VSC8574XKS-01 implements four independent 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs with full-duplex operation, each supporting autonegotiation, Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), and Ring Resiliency. Its SerDes subsystem handles QSGMII/SGMII-to-1000BASE-X and QSGMII/SGMII-to-100BASE-FX conversion, enabling flexible MAC-to-media bridging across copper and fiber.

The embedded IEEE 1588v2 timestamping engine includes dedicated hardware for packet ingress/egress timestamping, local time counter with <100 ps resolution, serial timestamp output interface, and support for Y.1731 OAM delay measurements. It also provides dual 1588_PPS outputs and configurable 1588_DIFF_INPUT_CLK for external reference alignment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 256-pin TQFP (22 mm × 22 mm, 0.5 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with Marvell 88E1512 and Intel I210-IT, the VSC8574XKS-01 uniquely integrates quad-port PHY, QSGMII/SGMII SerDes, hardware 1588v2, and SyncE in a single TQFP package - enabling compact, low-latency, carrier-class timing nodes without external timing co-processors or clock conditioning ICs.

Availability

VSC8574XKS-01 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for carrier Ethernet switches, IEEE 1588 transparent clocks, Synchronous Ethernet distribution nodes, and time-aware industrial controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for VSC8574XKS-01 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 - specializes in high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, communications, and industrial infrastructure, with deep expertise in timing, synchronization, and secure connectivity.

The VSC8574XKS-01 belongs to Microsemi's Carrier Ethernet PHY product line, engineered specifically for telecom infrastructure requiring IEEE 1588v2 precision, Synchronous Ethernet compliance, and robust Layer 1 timing integrity in metro and access networks.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the VSC8574XKS-01 in a network timing architecture?

The VSC8574XKS-01 serves as a quad-port Ethernet PHY with integrated IEEE 1588v2 hardware timestamping and Synchronous Ethernet clock recovery. In network timing architectures, it functions as a precision timing anchor - performing packet-level timestamping, generating PPS signals, recovering and distributing SyncE clocks, and enabling one-step transparent clock operation. Its design ensures deterministic latency and sub-50 ns timestamp accuracy essential for mobile fronthaul and carrier-grade PTP deployments.

Does the VSC8574XKS-01 support both copper and fiber media interfaces?

Yes, the VSC8574XKS-01 supports Cat5e/6 twisted-pair copper via its 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs and fiber media through its integrated SerDes subsystem. It natively handles QSGMII/SGMII-to-1000BASE-X and QSGMII/SGMII-to-100BASE-FX conversion, allowing direct connection to SFP modules or fiber transceivers without external SerDes chips. This dual-media capability makes the VSC8574XKS-01 suitable for hybrid access networks where copper and fiber coexist.

How does the ActiPHY power management feature benefit system-level power consumption?

The ActiPHY power management in the VSC8574XKS-01 implements three distinct operational states - low-power, link partner wake-up, and normal operating - enabling dynamic power scaling based on link activity. During idle periods, it reduces power by over 40% compared to conventional PHYs while maintaining fast link re-establishment. This directly lowers thermal load and extends uptime in fanless or thermally constrained carrier equipment, without sacrificing IEEE 1588 timing stability or SMI responsiveness.

Can the VSC8574XKS-01 be used as a boundary clock in IEEE 1588 networks?

Yes, the VSC8574XKS-01 fully supports IEEE 1588 boundary clock (BC) operation in both one-step and two-step configurations. Its hardware timestamping engine captures timestamps on packet ingress and egress, and its local time counter maintains sub-100 ps resolution. The device also provides dual 1588_PPS outputs and configurable 1588_DIFF_INPUT_CLK, enabling precise synchronization to upstream grandmasters and accurate time dissemination to downstream domains - meeting ITU-T G.8275.1 BC requirements.

What package type and pin count does the VSC8574XKS-01 use?

The VSC8574XKS-01 uses a 256-pin TQFP package measuring 22 mm × 22 mm with 0.5 mm pitch. This RoHS-compliant, lead-free package supports standard surface-mount assembly and provides sufficient I/O density for quad-port Ethernet, QSGMII/SGMII SerDes, dual recovered clocks, GPIOs, and comprehensive management interfaces - all while maintaining thermal performance suitable for telecom chassis environments.