Ethernet to Ethernet without magnetics

[ricko_uk]

Hi,
Whenever I designed using Ethernet I always used included the required magnetics. But because of a very tight enclosure they are too big and there would not be enough space for the connectors between the two PCBs.

So I was wondering whether it is possible to connect two Ethernet devices/ICs directly to each other by removing the magnetics on both sides?

If so, is it as simple as that or are there special considerations or special cases that need to be carefully addressed?

Thank you as usual!

[ajb]

Sure: you can capacitively couple a pair of PHYs without magnetics. Here's one appnote on the subject, there's a lot more material or there: https://www.ti.com/lit/an/snla088a/snla088a.pdf

[TheMG]

You can absolutely do away with the magnetics if you're only connecting between two PCBs within the same device. It's actually pretty common when for instance connecting between PCBs on a common backplane, or even between ICs on the same PCB.

 Assuming you're not using RJ45 connectors? If you are, they do make them with integrated magnetics that are really not much larger than a plain jack.

[ricko_uk]

Thank you Ajb and TheMG