What is the use of magnetics in Ethernet?

Magnetics are part of the Ethernet specification for xBASE-T networks, and as such, they are required for all Ethernet enabled equipment. The magnetics protect against faults and transients, including rejection of common mode signals between the transceiver IC and the cable.

How do Ethernet transformers work?

The first transformer blocks DC and most static generated fields (from moving cables across the floor or people) , this means that DC currents are blocked and if you connect an ethernet to to different devices, they might be at different potentials but DC current will not pass between them.

Why isolation transformer is used in Ethernet?

What is the purpose of the transformer? The primary purpose is isolation. Typically they are also used as part of the signal conditioning, turning a pair of single ended drives into a differential signal on transmit and establishing the correct common mode voltage for the receiver on receive.

What are pulse transformers?

A pulse transformer is an enhanced transformer that produces electrical pulses of great velocity and constant amplitude. They are often used in the transmitting of digital information and in transistors (particularly with gate drive circuits).

Is Ethernet galvanically isolated?

Ethernet offers galvanic isolation by design. All connections are transformed coupled. However this does not guarantee that no noise at all might creep into a networked device.

What are the properties of Ethernet Magnetics?

The properties that Ethernet magnetics need to have are specified in the standard – for example, a transformer for a 100BASE-T connection is required to have an inductance value of at least 350µH when a DC bias of 8mA is applied. Since these attributes are fixed, it may seem like Ethernet magnetics components are all the same.

Should you add Magnetics to your Ethernet design?

If you’re adding wired Ethernet to a design, you will of course have to consider magnetics.

What Magnetics do I need for Ethernet isolation?

The Ethernet standard is clear on the properties the magnetics need to have. For example, a transformer for a 100BASE-T connection is required to have an inductance value of at least 350µH when a DC bias of 8mA is applied. So all magnetics modules designed for Ethernet isolation will have this in common.

What are xmagnetics and how do they work?

Magnetics are part of the Ethernet specification for xBASE-T networks, and as such, they are required for all Ethernet enabled equipment. The magnetics protect against faults and transients, including rejection of common mode signals between the transceiver IC and the cable.