Ethernet Switch Chips Deliver Eight Or Nine Ports For Voice, Video, Data

June 10, 2002

Offering eight and nine 10/100-Mbit Ethernet ports respectively, the KS8997 and KS8999 target voice, video, and data applications in cost-sensitive small-office/home-office systems. The chips support DiffServ and IEEE 802.1p to prioritize different classes of voice, video, and data traffic, delivering better quality-of-service than previous switch chips. Designed for low-power operation, they can be housed in low-cost 128-lead PQFPs. Included on both are the MACs, the PHYs, a switch engine, the buffer memory, and a media-independent interface, reducing system complexity and cost. The chips also support auto MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables. In lots of 1000, the KS8997 and KS8999 cost $15.32 and $19.32, respectively. Samples are available from stock.

Micrel Semiconductor
www.micrel.com; (408) 944-0800

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.