Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TM4C129ENCPDT, , DP83869HM
My application is building off of a previous design using a copper ethernet port into the built-in 100BASE-TX MAC/PHY in the TM4C129ENCPDT micro. My directive is to convert that from a copper RJ45 to an SFP connection such that we can use either a copper RJ45 module or a 100BASE-FX fiber module.
Because of the lack of the -FX support in the microcontroller, I was looking into using a media converter IC to be able to go from the SFP interface to the micro. I was reading TIDU510B for Copper-to-Fiber 100BASE-FX or 1000BASE-X Media Converter Reference Design and thinking about using the DP83849 for this. But that IC uses the MII which, unless I change microcontroller part numbers, is internal between the MAC and PHY and not available as an external interface.
I was wondering if I could use this part, or one like it, as a pass through. For example, connect the SFP to port A as a 100BASE-FX configured port and connect Port B to the microcontroller's PHY, leaving the MII unused. Is that completely ludicrous?
Any other proposed solutions would be welcome as well. Thanks!
