BCM5396KFBG

Overview

The Broadcom BCM5396KFBG is a single-chip 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for SOHO and subnetwork applications. It integrates sixteen 1.25G SerDes/SGMII interfaces, one GMII/RGMII/MII management port, and seventeen IEEE-compliant MACs within a 0.13 µm CMOS process. The device features a non-blocking 17-Gigabit Ethernet switch fabric and a 256-KB packet buffer memory. It supports up to 4k unicast MAC addresses, jumbo frames up to 9 KB, and VLAN configurations including 802.1Q tag VLANs and port-based support. Power consumption is rated at less than 2.5W with a 1.2V core voltage.

Feature Summary

• Integrates sixteen SGMII/SerDes interfaces and one dedicated management interface for flexible connectivity options.
• Supports advanced traffic management through four 802.1p QoS or DiffServ priority queues and per-port rate control.
• Provides robust network security and stability via 802.1x MAC security and Spanning Tree protocol support.
• Enables simplified configuration and managed operation through an integrated SPI interface.

Applications

• Standalone Gigabit Ethernet switches for small office/home office environments
• Gigabit Ethernet control plane and backplane applications
• WebSmart and fully managed switch designs requiring 802.1Q VLANs

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix KFBG against the manufacturer's current documentation to confirm package type and pinout compatibility. Confirm availability status as this component may be subject to discontinuation notices. Ensure that any ordering suffixes do not alter the functional specifications unless explicitly stated in the official datasheet.

Selection Notes

Select this component for designs requiring a high degree of integration with minimal external components. It is suitable for applications where low power consumption and small form factors are critical. Consider the available interface modes when designing connections to external PHYs or CPUs to ensure signal integrity and proper impedance matching.

Part Context

The BCM5396 belongs to Broadcom's eighth-generation switch-on-a-chip family. It represents a shift towards highly integrated solutions that reduce board space and system cost by combining switching fabric, MACs, and SerDes cores into a single die. This generation focuses on providing cost-effective Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for desktop and enterprise edge needs.

Replacement Considerations

Consult the official Broadcom product transition notifications for confirmed substitute part numbers. Verify that any replacement maintains the same 256-pin FBGA footprint and electrical characteristics to ensure mechanical and functional compatibility without redesigning the host PCB.

FAQ

What types of interfaces does the BCM5396 integrate?

It integrates sixteen 1.25G SerDes/SGMII interfaces for connecting to external Gigabit Ethernet devices and one GMII/RGMII/MII interface for connection to a CPU or management entity.

How does the BCM5396 handle large data packets?

The device supports jumbo frames up to 9 KB, which improves efficiency for high-performance connections to servers by reducing the percentage of overhead on the link.

Is the BCM5396 suitable for managed switch applications?

Yes, it supports Spanning Tree, Rapid Spanning Tree, and 802.1x MAC security, making it suitable for fully managed applications that require these protocols.