What are the ground considerations when using an Ethernet PHY interface?
A7. With any electrical system, choosing the appropriate grounding scheme is crucial for proper operation. There are three main types of electrical grounds: earth ground, signal ground, and chassis ground. Although similar in function, each of the grounds is used differently. Secondly, the grounds may also be at a different electrical potential with respect to each other. There are several reasons why a designer may choose to have more than one ground in a particular design. The main reasons deal with noise reduction and signal isolation. When using an Ethernet PHY, it is important to isolate the signals from the CAT-5 Ethernet cable to the reset of the system. This is done by using specialized Ethernet magnetics with each side of the transformer referenced to the appropriate ground. Please notice the two separate grounds in Figure 3. Figure 3. Typical Ethernet PHY connection.
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