BCM567X BOARDCOM [Broadcom Corporation.], BCM567X Datasheet - Page 20

• Manufacturer Part Number: BCM567X
• Description: A Scalable Approach to Gigabit Ethernet Switch Design
• Manufacturer: BOARDCOM [Broadcom Corporation.]

S
As mentioned, the StrataXGS architecture is modular, yet integrated, to allow system vendors to develop Gigabit Ethernet
switch products optimized for different market segments using the same components and familiar expertise. For additional
flexibility, the StrataXGS integrated circuits can be mixed and matched with Broadcom StrataSwitch Fast Ethernet chips,
which support 24 Fast Ethernet (10/100-Mbps ports) with two GE uplinks.
E
The architecture of the StrataXGS product family as described earlier was developed to enable system designers to bring
feature-rich systems to market quickly. The architecture enables this by giving designers a wide range of flexibility in the type
and size of systems they design while at the same time keeping the number of components required to do so small. Reducing
the chip count required for system design is a function of a high level of integration on each chip. Memory, SerDes, XAUI,
packet forwarding, and other capabilities are all collapsed onto a single component, reducing the complexity of board design.
The architecture also simplifies development tasks with the structured and portable Broadcom Switch API, described below.
B
The Broadcom Switch API, which comes free of charge with the architecture, enables systems designers to layer
applications and their own software operating systems over the API without having to create special interfaces for each of
the underlying chip components. The structured API is a system-level software interface that separates function calls from
the driver component, so drivers do not have to be modified when a new function call is added. Developers, can then write
one command that can be driven to multiple components, while retaining the flexibility to exert chip-level control. Chip
components can thus be used ubiquitously, saving significant development time. System designers can quickly activate or
disable the features using the API, which is portable to Unix, Linux, and Wind River Systems’ VxWorks operating systems.
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ROADCOM
TRATA
BCM567x/BCM569x
14 StrataXGS Features and Benefits in Depth
XGS F
T
S
IME TO
WITCH
EATURES AND
M
A
ARKET
PPLICATION
Figure 8: 24 FE Port + 22 GE Port Applications
12 GE + 1 10-Gig
24 FE + 2 GE
5690
5645
B
P
ROGRAMMING
ENEFITS IN
Bro adco m C orp or atio n
GE uplinks
HiGig
TM
D
I
NTERFACE
EPTH
12 GE + 1 10-Gig
5690
(API)
Document
567x_569x-WP100-R
White Paper
06/27/02