BCM5238UA3KQMG

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Overview

The Broadcom BCM5238 is a single-chip, eight-port Fast Ethernet transceiver designed for low-power applications using 1.8V CMOS technology. It performs all physical layer functions for 100BASE-TX full- or half-duplex Ethernet on Category 5 UTP cable and 10BASE-T full- or half-duplex Ethernet on Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable. The device supports Serial Media Independent Interface (SMII) and Source Synchronous SMII (SSSMII). It operates from 1.8V and 2.5V/3.3V power supplies with I/O compatible at either 2.5V or 3.3V. The chip includes HP Auto-MDIX, digital adaptive equalization, and supports up to 150 meters of error-free operation. It is available in a 128-pin PQFP or 256-ball BGA package.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Feature Summary

• Single-chip integration of eight independent Fast Ethernet transceivers
• Supports HP Auto-MDIX for automatic crossover detection and correction
• Fully integrated digital adaptive equalization for signal integrity
• Compatible with both 2.5V and 3.3V I/O levels

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Applications

• Fast Ethernet switches
• Network hubs
• Industrial Ethernet controllers

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Procurement Notes

Verify the specific package type required for your design, as the BCM5238 is available in both 128-pin PQFP and 256-ball BGA configurations. Ensure that the power supply rails match the device's requirement for 1.8V core voltage and 2.5V or 3.3V I/O voltage. Confirm that the interface protocol aligns with either standard SMII or Source Synchronous SMII (SSSMII) before finalizing component selection.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Selection Notes

Select this component when high port density and low power consumption are critical constraints. The BCM5238 offers the lowest per-port power solution among comparable octal transceivers. Consider the 256-ball BGA package for compact board layouts requiring the smallest footprint per port. Verify that the host controller supports the necessary SMII or SSSMII signaling rates for proper data throughput.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Part Context

The BCM5238 belongs to Broadcom's OCTAL-Φ family of transceivers, utilizing the proprietary all-DSP Digi-Φ architecture. This family targets high-density switching applications where space and power efficiency are paramount. It serves as a cost-effective alternative to discrete PHY solutions by integrating multiple ports into a single silicon die.

Drivers, Receivers, Transceivers Replacement Considerations

No direct public substitute part numbers are confirmed for the BCM5238. Designers should evaluate other octal Fast Ethernet transceivers from different manufacturers if availability is an issue, ensuring compatibility with SMII/SSSMII interfaces and 1.8V/3.3V power domains.