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  • BCM53286MIPBG: A 24-Port Ethernet Switch Chip for Industrial and Edge Networking

    The BCM53286MIPBG, developed by Broadcom, is a highly integrated Fast Ethernet switch SoC designed for cost-effective, scalable Layer 2 access platforms. It supports 24× 10/100 Mbps ports and 2× Gigabit uplinks, integrating MAC, PHY, switching core, QoS engine, and management control interfaces in a compact 256-ball PBGA package. This integration simplifies board-level design and reduces the bill of materials (BOM) cost significantly.

    Product Overview

    Positioned within Broadcom’s Ethernet switch product family, the BCM53286MIPBG is optimized for small to medium-scale managed network systems. Key features include:

    • 24 Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) access ports
    • 2 Gigabit uplink ports (supporting RGMII or SerDes modes)
    • Non-blocking store-and-forward switching architecture
    • Built-in VLAN, QoS, and loop detection functions

    Compliant with industry standards such as IEEE 802.1Q VLAN, 802.1p priority queuing, port aggregation, and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), this chip is ideal for building smart or unmanaged switches.

    Technical Features

    Feature

    Description

    Port Configuration

    24 × 10/100 Mbps + 2 × Gigabit uplink

    PHY Integration

    Integrates 24 Fast Ethernet PHYs, reducing overall system BOM cost

    Switch Architecture

    Store-and-forward, non-blocking core

    QoS Support

    4 queues per port, supporting 802.1p and DSCP mapping

    VLAN Management

    Up to 4K VLAN entries, port-based and tag-based classification

    Management Interfaces

    SPI, MDIO, I²C – compatible with external MCU or EEPROM configuration

    Energy Efficiency

    Supports IEEE 802.3az EEE

    Package

    256-ball lead-free PBGA (RoHS compliant)

    Application Scenarios

    Thanks to its high integration and flexible port configuration, the BCM53286MIPBG is well-suited for:

    • SOHO / SMB Managed Switches:Build lightweight 24+2 port switches with essential VLAN and traffic control features.
    • Industrial Edge Nodes:Integrate into factory automation systems or industrial gateways, with support for VLAN isolation and port mirroring.
    • Video Surveillance Aggregators:Connect up to 24 IPCs with gigabit uplinks for smooth video uplink, storm control, and broadcast suppression.
    • Fiber Access Hubs:Enable uplinks to SFP optical modules via SerDes, offering flexible gigabit backhaul configurations.

    Design Considerations

    To ensure stable system-level deployment, engineers should pay attention to:

    • Power Rail Configuration
      The chip core requires a 1.2V supply, while the PHY and I/O domains operate at 2.5V or 3.3V. Ensure proper power-up sequencing and adequate isolation between power rails.
    • High-Speed Routing
      When using RGMII or SerDes, clock and data lines should be length-matched with controlled impedance.
    • Thermal Management
      With a thermal resistance of ~19–25°C/W, designers are advised to use multi-layer PCBs, ground planes, and via stitching for heat dissipation.
    • Initialization Options
      Supports auto-configuration via EEPROM or software initialization via SPI / I²C / MDIO from an external MCU.

    Comparison with Similar Models

    Broadcom’s enterprise-class Ethernet switch portfolio includes the BCM53xxx series, which spans a full spectrum of solutions—from unmanaged to fully managed platforms. The following table compares the BCM53286MIPBG with three related models featuring similar capabilities.

    Model

    Interface Configuration

    PHY Integration

    Gigabit Support

    VLAN / QoS Capabilities

    Management Interface

    Target Applications

    BCM53286MIPBG

    24 × 10/100 Mbps + 2 × GE

    Integrated 24 FE PHY

    RGMII / SerDes

    4K VLAN, 4 Queues, 802.1p, DSCP

    SPI / MDIO / I²C

    Industrial edge switches, 24+2 managed switch

    BCM53284MKPBG

    24 × 10/100 Mbps + 2 × GE

    Integrated 24 FE PHY

    RGMII / SerDes

    4K VLAN, basic priority control

    SPI / EEPROM

    Entry-level managed switches

    BCM53134SKFBG

    8 × 10/100/1000 Mbps

    Integrated 8 GE PHY

    Full Gigabit

    IEEE 802.1Q, priority scheduling

    EEPROM / MDIO

    Small-scale gigabit switches, PoE applications

    Note: These devices belong to the BCM53xxx family and are provided to support flexible selection based on system-level requirements.

    Tailored for mid-sized access switching platforms, the BCM53286MIPBG offers a robust blend of high integration, full Layer 2 forwarding, VLAN management, QoS features, and gigabit uplink capabilities. It meets the dual demands of cost efficiency and reliability for diverse deployments in industrial automation, enterprise networking, and surveillance systems.

    Currently in Active supply status, this device is suitable for volume production and long-term platform deployments. For engineering projects aiming to develop lightweight managed switches or simplify multi-port Ethernet system design, BCM53286MIPBG offers a dependable, replicable, and long-term available solution.

    To explore more component specifications, packaging models, and inventory availability, please visit the WIN SOURCE official website.

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