Hello all
I just finished a schematic for ethernet implementation on my board (first time).
I went with external transformers because I wanted to get more familiar with the topic.
Also, I included BoB Smith termination since so many reference designs use this, and I am nowhere near the level to question those.
My main concern is seeing people not use ESD diodes on these ports and I am not sure how they "get away" with that.
People in youtube mostly used Magjacks with shielding.
Do you neccesarily need chassis ground for this?
What if I have a plastic enclosure? how safe is it to connect ESD diodes to system ground?
Can you use shielded Ethernet that connects to system ground?
Some argue also that Bob Smith termination helps agains ESD, specifically the 1000pF 2KV capacitor. But again this is to system ground as I understood.