Analog Devices Global

Ralph Patrick McCormick

Andreas Koch

Stefan Hacker

An apparatus is provided comprising: a first power domain that includes a first component that operates at a first voltage level; a second power domain that includes a media access controller (MAC) that operates at a second voltage level; and a third power domain that includes a physical media access (PHY) device that operates at a third voltage level; wherein the first voltage level is higher than the second voltage level; and wherein the second voltage level is unreferenced; further including: a first reinforced electrical isolation circuit disposed on a first circuit path that includes at least one signal lane that extends between the first power domain and the second power domain; and a second reinforced electrical isolation circuit disposed on a second circuit path that includes at least one signal lane that extends between the MAC device and the PHY device.

Physical isolation between MAC and PHY ethernet connections

An Ethernet or other communications module can amplify and reinforce a signal received from a non-local source without requiring a transformer or other magnetic component. A semiconductor integrated difference amplifier circuit can be used to amplify and reinforce a differential mode component of the received signal, while also attenuating a common mode component of the received signal. A transmission compensation network can generate a phase-shifted version of a locally transmitted signal being placed on the same communication terminals as the received signal during full duplex communications, for cancellation of such locally transmitted signal at inputs of a local receiver circuit. This can enhance detection of the received signal generated by the non-local source.

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Haverhill, MA, United States of America

Ralph Patrick McCormick