Microchip KSZ8795CLXIC: A 5-Port Integrated Ethernet Switch with Management Features

The Microchip KSZ8795CLXIC represents a highly integrated, feature-rich solution for managing Ethernet connectivity in a wide array of embedded applications. This single-chip switch combines five Ethernet ports with a comprehensive suite of management features, making it an ideal choice for industrial control, enterprise office automation, and sophisticated Internet of Things (IoT) gateways.

At its core, the device integrates a 5-port 10/100 managed Ethernet switch. Four ports are accessible externally, while the fifth port is internally connected to an embedded MAC, which can be seamlessly interfaced with an external microcontroller or processor via a standard Serial Management Interface (SMI) or a high-speed SPI bus. This architecture provides designers with exceptional flexibility, allowing the host processor to function as any port on the network.

A key strength of the KSZ8795CLXIC is its advanced traffic management and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. It supports priority queues on each port, enabling precise control over data flow. Features like IEEE 802.1p priority-based flow control and DiffServ allow for the prioritization of time-sensitive data, such as voice or video streams, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted performance across the network. This is further enhanced by support for VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), which help segment network traffic for improved security and efficiency.

For robust network management and diagnostics, the switch offers a full suite of features accessible through its SMI (MDC/MDIO) interface. It provides detailed statistics counters for comprehensive network monitoring, including packet counts, error detection, and traffic analysis. The inclusion of Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE) compliant with IEEE 802.3az allows the system to significantly reduce power consumption during periods of low data activity, a critical consideration for modern, eco-conscious designs.

The integration extends to the physical layer (PHY), as the switch includes integrated 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX transceivers for all ports. This eliminates the need for external PHY components, simplifying board design, reducing the overall bill of materials (BOM), and increasing system reliability.

ICGOODFIND: The Microchip KSZ8795CLXIC stands out as a powerful and versatile managed Ethernet switch solution. Its deep integration of five ports, advanced traffic management with robust QoS, comprehensive diagnostic features, and low-power operation make it a superior choice for developers building reliable and high-performance networked embedded systems.

Keywords: Managed Ethernet Switch, Quality of Service (QoS), SPI Interface, Network Diagnostics, Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE).