Broadcom BCM4401KFB Gigabit Ethernet Controller: Datasheet and Technical Overview

The Broadcom BCM4401KFB is a highly integrated, single-chip Gigabit Ethernet controller designed to provide robust, high-performance network connectivity for a wide range of computing applications. Fabricated using advanced CMOS process technology, this controller is engineered to deliver low power consumption and high reliability, making it a suitable solution for both desktop and mobile platforms.

A core feature of the BCM4401KFB is its full compliance with the IEEE 802.3ab standard for 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet. It integrates a complete physical layer transceiver (PHY), a media access controller (MAC), and a high-performance PCI bus interface controller onto a single piece of silicon. This high level of integration simplifies motherboard design, reduces the bill of materials (BOM), and minimizes the physical footprint required for Gigabit Ethernet functionality.

The controller supports auto-negotiation and auto-cross-over (Auto-MDIX), enabling seamless automatic selection of the highest possible connection speed (10/100/1000 Mbps) and eliminating the need for crossover cables. For system power management, it features Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support, which is critical for modern energy-efficient computing. This includes capabilities like Wake-on-LAN (WoL) from a powered-down state, allowing the controller to listen for a specific network packet and signal the system to power on.

From a data handling perspective, the BCM4401KFB employs sophisticated adaptive equalization and echo cancellation techniques to ensure a stable and error-free connection over standard Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling. It also supports jumbo frames to improve data throughput efficiency for large data transfers. Security and prioritization are enhanced through support for IEEE 802.1p Quality of Service (QoS) tagging and IEEE 802.1q VLAN tagging.

In summary, the Broadcom BCM4401KFB stands as a testament to the integration and performance expected from a mature Gigabit Ethernet solution. Its combination of a single-chip design, comprehensive standards compliance, and advanced power management features made it a prevalent choice for network interface designs in its era.

ICGOOODFIND: The Broadcom BCM4401KFB is a fully integrated, low-power Gigabit Ethernet controller that combines the PHY, MAC, and PCI interface on a single chip. Key strengths include its compliance with IEEE 802.3ab, integrated Auto-MDIX, advanced power management via ACPI, and support for QoS and VLAN tagging, making it a robust solution for mainstream network connectivity.

Keywords: Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.3ab, Auto-MDIX, Power Management, Single-Chip Integration