What does the Microchip PD-9601GCI do?

It is an industrial single-port Power over Ethernet midspan that injects power into an Ethernet connection so a compatible powered device can receive power and Gigabit data through one cable.

How much power can the PD-9601GCI deliver?

Microchip states that the product supports up to 90 watts under its specified operating conditions and complies with IEEE 802.3bt.

What should buyers verify before ordering an industrial PoE solution?

Confirm the powered-device class, required wattage, data rate, input voltage, operating temperature, mounting method, surge requirements, connector type, cable length and regional compliance.

Industrial Connectivity · 2026-07-21

Microchip Launches Industrial 90W PoE Midspan: RFQ Notes for Factory Automation Buyers

Microchip’s PD-9601GCI industrial PoE midspan delivers up to 90W of power and Gigabit data over one Ethernet cable, giving factory-automation buyers a new deployment option for cameras, sensors and connected equipment.

Industrial PoE midspan connecting factory automation equipment over Ethernet

Editorial illustration: JZP Components

Direct Answer for Buyers

Microchip has introduced the PD-9601GCI, an industrial-grade single-port Power over Ethernet midspan designed to add up to 90W of power to an existing Gigabit Ethernet link. For procurement teams, the practical value is that compatible cameras, sensors, access devices and other connected equipment can be deployed without replacing a non-PoE network switch or installing a separate AC outlet at every endpoint.

Key Takeaways

The PD-9601GCI is designed to comply with IEEE 802.3bt and deliver up to 90W over one Ethernet cable.
It supports 10/100/1000 Mbps data and dual 20V-to-60V DC input.
Microchip specifies operation from -40°C to 75°C, with 90W available up to 65°C and derating at the upper end of the range.
The enclosure is rated IP30 and supports DIN-rail, wall or panel mounting.
Microchip says the product is available in production quantities.

What Happened?

Microchip expanded its Power over Ethernet portfolio with the PD-9601GCI industrial midspan. A midspan sits between a conventional Ethernet switch and the powered device, injecting DC power onto the network cable while passing the data connection through.

The new model targets factories and other challenging installations where existing switches may not support PoE or where replacing network infrastructure would increase cost and downtime. The product combines high-power PoE, Gigabit Ethernet, industrial temperature capability, surge protection and flexible mounting in a sealed metal enclosure.

Market Signal

This is a product-availability signal for industrial connectivity rather than a broad semiconductor shortage alert. It shows continued demand for higher-power edge devices such as machine-vision cameras, industrial wireless access points, controllers and connected sensing equipment. Buyers should expect PoE power budgets, thermal limits and surge requirements to become more important as endpoint power increases.

Why It Matters for Electronics Buyers

Power over Ethernet can reduce field wiring by carrying both power and data on one cable. In retrofit projects, a midspan can preserve the installed Ethernet switch while adding PoE only where required. That can simplify deployment and help manufacturers package a powered network accessory together with their equipment.

However, “up to 90W” is not the same as guaranteed delivered power in every installation. Cable resistance, operating temperature, PoE class negotiation, connector quality and the powered device’s actual input requirements must be checked before approval.

Components and Product Groups to Review

Industrial PoE midspans and injectors
PoE PSE controller ICs and powered-device controller ICs
Ethernet PHYs, switches and isolation magnetics
RJ45 connectors, terminal blocks and industrial cable assemblies
TVS diodes, surge-protection devices and common-mode chokes
DC-DC converters, hot-swap controllers and power-management ICs
Machine-vision cameras, access-control devices and industrial wireless equipment

RFQ / BOM Checklist

Exact part number and input-power option
Required quantity and project forecast
IEEE 802.3af/at/bt class and required endpoint wattage
Data rate: 10/100/1000 Mbps or higher
DC input voltage range and connector type
Operating temperature and expected derating
DIN-rail, wall or panel mounting requirement
Surge, EMC, safety and regional compliance requirements
Cable type, cable length and environmental conditions
Target price and delivery schedule

JZP Components Sourcing Note

JZP Components supports industrial networking and automation BOM sourcing, including PoE controllers, Ethernet PHYs, interface ICs, surge-protection devices, DC-DC converters, connectors, magnetics, MCUs, sensors and hard-to-find supporting components. Send the exact manufacturer part number, quantity, power class, temperature range and approved alternatives for a faster supply check.

Submit RFQ / BOM

Buyer FAQ

Can the PD-9601GCI be used with a normal Ethernet switch?

Yes. A PoE midspan is installed after the switch and adds power to the outgoing Ethernet link, provided the endpoint is a compatible powered device.

Does the product always provide the full 90W at 75°C?

No. Microchip’s documentation indicates 90W operation up to 65°C and lower available power at the top of the specified temperature range. Buyers should verify the thermal derating curve for the actual installation.

What is the main purchasing risk?

The main risk is approving a device based only on the headline wattage. Confirm PoE class, delivered power at the endpoint, cable loss, temperature, input voltage, surge protection, mounting and compliance before ordering.

Sources & Further Reading

This is an original JZP Components procurement briefing written from a sourcing and RFQ perspective.