1
\$\begingroup\$

Is it possible to connect some MCUs together in a star topology, without using any hub or switch? EDIT: There will be a main MCU in the star topology and it will be receiving 2 different GPS datas (From 2 other MCU's). There will be POE coming to the main MCU also. This main MCU will be sending those GPS datas to another two MCU's. All the communication will be done with ethernet. This is the network roughly.

I was thinking using splitter for POE data coming to the Main MCU and using the data of it only. 10 Mbit communication speed will be enough, the events are not that time crucial. However, for designing the circuit what kind of components I will need for the main MCU PCB. I thought there must be a transceiver but then I saw that switches also do the job of the transceivers. There will be no internet connection in the network. So I thought maybe without switches or hubs that might be possible.

Edit 2: Looks like it is doable with only using an ethernet connector.

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ I would say no. See this: electronics.stackexchange.com/a/51764/257525 \$\endgroup\$
    – Stackoverflowsuperbad
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 6:19
  • \$\begingroup\$ Please edit your question and greatly improve it. Show your own work and own findings in considerable detail with any schematic. The schematic tool here is easy to use. Explain here all of what you are trying to do and why, instead of firing it off in one line then expanding your question in discussion comments as you're doing below. It's a Q&A site rather than a discussion forum. The better the quality of question, the better the quality of the answers you will attract. Thanks. \$\endgroup\$
    – TonyM
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 7:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ If you control the networking stack, you can abuse Ethernet hardware into ring topology. If all the devices behave, it will work. Sort of. But it will not be Ethernet anymore. \$\endgroup\$
    – fraxinus
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 8:02
  • \$\begingroup\$ @TonyM Added in edit. \$\endgroup\$
    – Raxian
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 8:11

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
\$\begingroup\$

You will have to use a switch IC. You could opt to not use the magnetics and cables.
You'll be on your own though, its a strange application.

\$\endgroup\$
7
  • \$\begingroup\$ But it says :" Ethernet switch ICs are electrical components that provide control and switching capabilities to ethernet switches. They are usually attached to the circuit board of an ethernet switch and work together with the power supply and fans to ensure optimum switching. " So I will need a switch still I guess. \$\endgroup\$
    – Raxian
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 6:36
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @Raxian yes, but only the chip, it can be part of your board, without cables. \$\endgroup\$
    – Jeroen3
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 7:02
  • \$\begingroup\$ So will I need both IC switch and Ethernet switch or only the IC switch? With no transceivers and anything \$\endgroup\$
    – Raxian
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 7:04
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @Raxian you'd need a chip in the category of LAN9355. \$\endgroup\$
    – Jeroen3
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 7:04
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @Raxian, you're now expanding your question, adding details as you go instead of at the beginning. Please see comment above. \$\endgroup\$
    – TonyM
    Commented Sep 28, 2020 at 7:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.