Communica stocks a wide range of communication integrated circuits (Ethernet PHYs, USB controllers, CAN transceivers, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, RF ICs and cellular modems) with the South African maker, student and engineering team in mind. Buying locally means faster access to parts when a prototype schedule or production run cannot wait, VAT invoices for procurement, and branch collection from Samrand, Pretoria CBD or Cape Town to avoid courier delays.
Local advantages that matter
- Immediate pickup and same-day collection options from branches-see our branch hours and locations at Branches & Trading Hours.
- Account quotes, VAT invoices, and support for education and tertiary projects-suitable for labs and departmental procurement.
- Access to multiple brands and compatible alternatives to reduce lead-time risk when a specific part is backordered.
What counts as a communication IC
Communication ICs include physical-layer transceivers (Ethernet PHYs, CAN/LIN), protocol controllers (USB, UART bridges, SPI-based radio controllers), RF front-end ICs, low-power BLE/Wi-Fi SoCs and cellular modules. Selecting the right device requires matching interface, voltage domain, package, supported data rates and regulatory-appropriate antennas or module certifications when applicable.
Specification callouts to check
- Interface and data rate (e.g., 10/100/1000 Mbps PHY, USB 2.0 full/HS)
- Voltage rails and power-down modes for battery projects
- Package type and footprint compatibility with your PCB
- Reference designs, driver support and example firmware
Compare product ranges and filter by function on our collections page to narrow choices: Shop by Category. For a broad search across brands and form-factors, use the all-products index at All Products.
Quick spec comparison table
| Type | Typical use | Key spec |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet PHY | Wired networking for controllers | 10/100/1000 Mbps, RMII/MII |
| USB controller | Host/device interfaces for peripherals | USB 2.0/3.0, ULPI support |
| BLE/Wi-Fi SoC | IoT endpoints, mesh and sensor nodes | Low-power modes, integrated stack |
If you prefer to explore by brand names commonly stocked for communication projects, view our shop-by-brand listings at Shop by Brand. Communication ICs in stock.
