Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising: a first power domain that includes a first component that operates at a first voltage level; a second power domain that includes a media access controller (MAC) that operates at a second voltage level; and a third power domain that includes a physical media access (PHY) device that operates at a third voltage level; wherein the first voltage level is higher than the second voltage level; and wherein the second voltage level is unreferenced; further including: a first reinforced electrical isolation circuit disposed on a first circuit path that includes at least one signal lane that extends between the first power domain and the second power domain; and a second reinforced electrical isolation circuit disposed on a second circuit path that includes at least one signal lane that extends between the MAC device and the PHY device.

Abstract: An Ethernet or other communications module can amplify and reinforce a signal received from a non-local source without requiring a transformer or other magnetic component. A semiconductor integrated difference amplifier circuit can be used to amplify and reinforce a differential mode component of the received signal, while also attenuating a common mode component of the received signal. A transmission compensation network can generate a phase-shifted version of a locally transmitted signal being placed on the same communication terminals as the received signal during full duplex communications, for cancellation of such locally transmitted signal at inputs of a local receiver circuit. This can enhance detection of the received signal generated by the non-local source.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising: a first power domain that includes a first component that operates at a first voltage level; a second power domain that includes a media access controller (MAC) that operates at a second voltage level; and a third power domain that includes a physical media access (PHY) device that operates at a third voltage level; wherein the first voltage level is higher than the second voltage level; and wherein the second voltage level is unreferenced; further including: a first reinforced electrical isolation circuit disposed on a first circuit path that includes at least one signal lane that extends between the first power domain and the second power domain; and a second reinforced electrical isolation circuit disposed on a second circuit path that includes at least one signal lane that extends between the MAC device and the PHY device.