BCM5396IFB

Overview

The BCM5396IFBG is a single-chip 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch manufactured by Broadcom Limited. It integrates sixteen 1.25G SerDes/SGMII port interfaces for connecting to external Gigabit PHYs or fiber modules. The device features a 256 KB on-chip packet buffer and supports up to 4K unicast MAC addresses. It includes an internal management port (IMP) with GMII/RGMII/RvMII/MII interfaces for CPU connection without a PHY. Operating at a 1.2V core voltage, the chip consumes approximately 2.2W of power. It is housed in a 256-pin FBGA package measuring 17 mm x 17 mm.

Feature Summary

• Integrates sixteen 1.25G SerDes/SGMII interfaces for flexible connectivity to external Gigabit PHYs or optical modules.
• Includes a 256 KB on-chip packet buffer and hardware-based address management supporting up to 4K MAC addresses.
• Provides an internal management port (IMP) with multiple interface options (GMII/RGMII/RvMII/MII) for direct CPU attachment.
• Supports advanced network protocols including IEEE 802.1Q VLANs, QoS with four queues, and Spanning Tree variants.

Applications

• Desktop switching solutions requiring low-cost Gigabit Ethernet functionality.
• WebSmart applications and embedded network devices.
• Industrial control systems and networking equipment.
• Edge computing nodes and IoT infrastructure.

Procurement Notes

Verify component authenticity through authorized distributors or official manufacturer channels. Confirm RoHS compliance status via current datasheets. Check for End-of-Life (EOL) notifications as availability may be restricted. Ensure proper handling for moisture-sensitive devices during storage and assembly processes.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring a high-density 16-port Gigabit solution with integrated SerDes interfaces. Consider the 256-pin FBGA package constraints for PCB layout. Evaluate thermal requirements given the 2.2W total power consumption. Verify compatibility with external PHYs or SFP modules using the specified SGMII/SerDes standards.

Part Context

The BCM5396 series represents Broadcom's entry into cost-effective, high-performance Gigabit switching. It utilizes a 0.13-micron CMOS process to integrate MACs, a non-blocking switch fabric, and address management. This integration reduces board space compared to discrete solutions, targeting compact networking appliances.

Replacement Considerations

Check for official Broadcom replacement part numbers or updated revisions. Verify pin-to-pin compatibility if substituting with similar 16-port switches from other vendors. Ensure software drivers and configuration tools are compatible with the new component.