www.ti.

com TI Tech Note

Application Brief
How to Extend Ethernet Cable Reach to 150 Meters in
Building Automation Designs

Reduction in cost of automation and increase in the there is now an extra point of potential failure. Adding
knowledge base for automation technology has led repeaters also slows the data transfer because
to its expansion in a wide range of sectors, including instead of just accounting for the propagation delay of
building automation. Building automation is increasing the cable, you also add the ingress and egress of two
the safety and comfort of those who occupy the PHYs in series. The DP83825I is specifically designed
space. Smart HVAC systems and security camera to address applications where remote nodes are
networks are deployed in most commercial spaces separated by large distances which can go beyond
and expanding to residential spaces. Ethernet-based the maximum distance defined by IEEE specification.
topologies are important in building automation
DP83825I is the industry’s smallest form factor
because it provides a reliable communication channel
10/100Mbps Ethernet PHY with a footprint of 3mm
that is not easily snooped and can support
x 3mm. It is also optimized to operate with
the growing bandwidth requirements of building
power as low as 127mW during normal operation.
automation end equipments. Ethernet is flexible
Figure 2 shows a high level block diagram of a
in its use and has almost universal acceptance.
typical DP83825I system. Small size, low power,
This has allowed Ethernet communication to spread
and long cable reach makes the DP83825I a
in automation technologies. With advancements in
very attractive choice for Ethernet based building
connected applications often used in smart buildings,
automation applications which have strict size and
use of Ethernet is expected to increase.Figure 1
power restrictions while requiring communication over
shows an example of building automation architecture
long distances. DP83825I can be used with any
that uses Ethernet for communication between
Ethernet MAC that supports RMII as shown in the
various domains.
system block diagram.
Remote Access Monitoring Station
RMII DP83825I
Ethernet MAC 10/100 Mbps Magnetics RJ-45
Ethernet Physical Layer

Ethernet LAN

25 MHz Status
Building Video Miscellaneous
HVAC Crystal or Oscillator LEDs
Security Surveillance Applications

Thermostat
Access
Protection
Video
Monitoring
E Meters Figure 2. DP83825I System Block Diagram
Valve and Elevator Lighting
IP Cameras
actuator control Control Control
DP83825I supports 150m communication distance on
Figure 1. Building Automation Architecture regular Cat5e Ethernet cable. This allows DP83825I
Example systems to avoid using repeaters, reduce data path
latency, and keep costs down. The small form factor
One of the most difficult engineering aspects of allows designers to make compact Ethernet systems.
Ethernet based building automation is the extreme Figure 3 shows a comparison of IP camera network
distances between nodes. IEEE defined a 100-m with and without DP83825I.
Physical Layer, but often times this is not enough
to address building automation needs. Often times
Ethernet end nodes like sensors and cameras are
located physically far away from a central switch
or monitoring station. In cases where distances are
longer than 100-m, an Ethernet repeater is needed
to boost the signal strength. This increases the
complexity, cost, and dependencies in the system as

SNLA312 – JUNE 2020 How to Extend Ethernet Cable Reach to 150 Meters in Building Automation 1
Submit Document Feedback Designs
Copyright © 2021 Texas Instruments Incorporated
TI Tech Note www.ti.com

In conclusion, DP83825I offers size and performance

IP Camera
Ethernet Repeater
Ethernet Link Ethernet Link
Switch
100m 50m
Or
Monitoring Station advantages to help building automation Ethernet
IP Camera Network without DP83825I applications while complying with standard Ethernet
system design requirements. Additional information
Ethernet Link
IP Camera can be found in the documents listed in Table 1.
Switch
Or
Monitoring Station
150m
System design collateral like evaluation module and
IP Camera Network with DP83825I reference designs are also available as listed in Table
2.
Figure 3. IP Camera comparison with and without
DP83825I Table 1. Adjacent Reference Documents
Literature Number Details
The DP83825I's optimized voltage mode line driver SNLS638 DP83825I Data Sheet
and receiver compensates for signal degradation,
Selection and specification of crystals for
enabling use of 150-m cable length while meeting SNLA290 Texas Instruments ethernet physical layer
IEEE requirements for Bit Error Rate. The voltage transceivers
mode line driver schematic connection example is
show in Figure 4. As with any Ethernet PHY, there Table 2. Reference Evaluation Board
are some standard design requirements that need to EVM Name Details
be met for optimum device performance. The design DP83825EVM Evaluation Module for DP83825I
requirements details for DP83825I long cable reach TIDA-010046 DP8325I POE Reference Design
performance are mentioned in the product datasheet,
SNLS638.
TD+ TX+ PIN 1
TD+

TD- TD- TX- PIN 2

1 …F 0.1 …F
DP83825I
10/100 Mbps RJ-45
Ethernet Physical Layer GND GND
RD+ RD+ RX+ PIN 3

RD- RX- PIN 6

RD-
1 …F 0.1 …F
75 75
MAGNETICS
GND GND
(integrated CMC)
1000pF

GND

Figure 4. DP83825I MDI Connections

2 How to Extend Ethernet Cable Reach to 150 Meters in Building Automation SNLA312 – JUNE 2020
Designs Submit Document Feedback
Copyright © 2021 Texas Instruments Incorporated
 IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
TI PROVIDES TECHNICAL AND RELIABILITY DATA (INCLUDING DATA SHEETS), DESIGN RESOURCES (INCLUDING REFERENCE
DESIGNS), APPLICATION OR OTHER DESIGN ADVICE, WEB TOOLS, SAFETY INFORMATION, AND OTHER RESOURCES “AS IS”
AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD
PARTY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
These resources are intended for skilled developers designing with TI products. You are solely responsible for (1) selecting the appropriate
TI products for your application, (2) designing, validating and testing your application, and (3) ensuring your application meets applicable
standards, and any other safety, security, regulatory or other requirements.
These resources are subject to change without notice. TI grants you permission to use these resources only for development of an
application that uses the TI products described in the resource. Other reproduction and display of these resources is prohibited. No license
is granted to any other TI intellectual property right or to any third party intellectual property right. TI disclaims responsibility for, and you
will fully indemnify TI and its representatives against, any claims, damages, costs, losses, and liabilities arising out of your use of these
resources.
TI’s products are provided subject to TI’s Terms of Sale or other applicable terms available either on ti.com or provided in conjunction with
such TI products. TI’s provision of these resources does not expand or otherwise alter TI’s applicable warranties or warranty disclaimers for
TI products.
TI objects to and rejects any additional or different terms you may have proposed. IMPORTANT NOTICE

Mailing Address: Texas Instruments, Post Office Box 655303, Dallas, Texas 75265
Copyright © 2022, Texas Instruments Incorporated