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I need to add an unmanaged Ethernet switch circuit to my PCB, but I can't find any usable silicon, not even with 100BaseT. Am I missing something? I don't want to have to connect it to a microprocessor. I need available datasheet/reference design/parts so that rules out Broadcom and Intel silicon which seems geared toward OEMs.

Note this it not a "pick the best part" for me question, but rather a "help me solve this electronic design problem that appears to have no solution" question. If the best way is to implement it without using a dedicated Ethernet switch IC, that is a solution too.

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    \$\begingroup\$ Huh, I can't seem to find any useful silicon either. \$\endgroup\$
    – fuzzyhair2
    Jul 24, 2014 at 17:11
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    \$\begingroup\$ I think this is off-topic \$\endgroup\$
    – Roh
    Jul 24, 2014 at 17:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ Someone want to explain why I am getting minus points for this question? The answer is not already in EE Stack Exchange and it is definitely an electrical engineering related question. \$\endgroup\$
    – BenYL
    Jul 24, 2014 at 18:31
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    \$\begingroup\$ It's a good question, however, this site is not intended for component recommendations or questions whos answers may quickly become outdated (e.g. when a better part is put on the market). \$\endgroup\$
    – kjgregory
    Jul 24, 2014 at 18:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ Regardless whether you say if it is not a pick the best part kind of question or not, thats exactly what it is. This is off-topic \$\endgroup\$
    – Funkyguy
    Jul 24, 2014 at 19:44

2 Answers 2

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Former SMSC products: Ethernet Switches.

Maybe you can use these.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks, but these are managed ICs. \$\endgroup\$
    – BenYL
    Jul 25, 2014 at 16:21
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    \$\begingroup\$ Unmanaged and managed switches use the same ICs. The difference is just whether the user has access to the management interface. \$\endgroup\$
    – Simon Richter
    Jul 27, 2014 at 12:32
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Would an embedded switch module work in your application, rather than an ASIC?

Sixnet makes a 6 port managed switch on a small PCB that you can integrate into your system. ET-5MS-OEM Industrial Ethernet Switch (I know you're looking for a basic unmanaged solution - but perhaps the default or some other hard coded configuration will work for you and you wont need to worry about it).

EDIT: They make an 8 port gigabit version too now: ET-8MG-OEM Industrial Ethernet Switch.

I have gotten some of Broadcomm's data sheets before. Technically I was working as an OEM but my yields were low - 10-20PCBs (custom contract design work). I had to sign an NDA and we had to blow some smoke about working for a fortune 500 company etc to get them to cooperate though. Is this for any commercial application, or hobby work? Perhaps you can get an application engineer to help you out if you pitch what you're trying to do to them.

EDIT: If you end up going the route of adding a UC, you could use several WIZNET chips (e.g. W5500) in MACRAW mode. Your MCU would need to poll each of the devices, maintain a list of the MAC address associated with the device at each port, and direct the data accordingly.

Or perhaps put a cluster of these guys (W7100A) on the same bus.

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