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Microchip Technology VSC7421XJQ-02
- Part No.:
- VSC7421XJQ-02
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Telecom
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
VSC7421XJQ-02.pdf
- Description:
- IC TELECOM INTERFACE 302TQFP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,301
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Product details
Overview
VSC7421XJQ-02 from Microsemi (now Microchip) is a fully managed, 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch IC with integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T copper PHYs, embedded VCore-Ie RISC CPU, and hardware-accelerated Layer-2 switching engine. It supports IEEE 802.3af PoE (with external PD controller), ActiPHY™ low-power operation, VeriPHY™ cable diagnostics, and sFlow sampling - deployed in industrial Ethernet I/O modules, ruggedized access points, and DIN-rail PLC communication gateways.
For engineers reviewing the VSC7421XJQ-02 datasheet, VSC7421XJQ-02 pinout, VSC7421XJQ-02 application, or VSC7421XJQ-02 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin mapping, confirmed feature-to-design-value translation, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for industrial Ethernet switch design continuity.
Technical Context
The VSC7421XJQ-02 implements a non-blocking 5-port switching fabric with 12 Gbps total throughput, supporting full-duplex 1 Gbps per port. Its architecture integrates five independent 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs with SERDES6G interfaces, a dedicated CPU port (NPI/MII/RMII), and a hardware classifier/policer/scheduler subsystem compliant with IEEE 802.1p, 802.1Q, and 802.1ad.
It features an on-chip VCore-Ie 32-bit RISC processor running at 200 MHz, 128 KB on-chip SRAM, and support for external SPI flash boot. The device uses a shared memory buffer architecture with 1.25 MB packet RAM, programmable ingress/egress shapers, and hardware-based MAC/VLAN learning with 8K entry capacity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Port Count | 5 × 10/100/1000BASE-T ports with integrated PHYs - enables compact 5-port managed switch without external PHYs. |
| Switch Fabric Throughput | 12 Gbps non-blocking - supports line-rate forwarding across all ports simultaneously in full-duplex mode. |
| MAC Address Table Size | 8,192 entries - sufficient for medium-scale industrial networks with multiple VLANs and dynamic topology changes. |
| Packet Buffer Memory | 1.25 MB shared SRAM - dynamically allocated per port/queue to absorb burst traffic without tail drop. |
| CPU Core | VCore-Ie 32-bit RISC @ 200 MHz with 128 KB on-chip SRAM - executes switch management firmware and real-time control tasks without external host. |
| IEEE Compliance | 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, 802.3af (PoE Class 0–3), 802.1p, 802.1Q, 802.1ad, 802.3az (EEE) - ensures interoperability in standards-based Ethernet deployments. |
| VeriPHY™ Diagnostics | Real-time cable length and fault location (open/short) resolution to ±1m - eliminates field troubleshooting time for cabling issues. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 256-pin LFBGA (15 mm × 15 mm, 0.8 mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, thermal pad exposed on underside. Designed for industrial PCB layouts requiring EMI resilience and thermal stability under extended temperature (-40°C to +105°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PORT0_TX[3:0], PORT0_RX[3:0] | Gigabit Ethernet differential pairs | Direct connection to magnetics for Port 0 1000BASE-T; no external PHY required. |
| NPI_DATA[15:0], NPI_ADDR[11:0] | Network Processor Interface bus | 16-bit parallel interface for high-speed frame injection/extraction to external host CPU or NPU. |
| SPI_CS#, SPI_CLK, SPI_MOSI, SPI_MISO | Boot and configuration flash interface | Supports quad-SPI boot from external serial flash; enables field firmware updates without JTAG. |
| GPIO[7:0] | Configurable digital I/O | Programmable as LED controls, reset signaling, PoE status indicators, or custom system monitoring inputs. |
| VDD_CORE, VDD_IO, VDD_PHY | Independent power domains | Enables selective power gating: VDD_PHY can be shut down during sleep while core remains active. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ActiPHY™ Power Management | Reduces 1000BASE-T link power by up to 70% in low-traffic periods via adaptive clock gating and voltage scaling - extends thermal margin in fanless enclosures. |
| VeriPHY™ Cable Diagnostics | Performs time-domain reflectometry (TDR)-based analysis on live links to detect opens, shorts, and impedance mismatches within 1 meter - replaces handheld TDR tools in remote sites. |
| sFlow Sampling Engine | Hardware-accelerated statistical sampling at configurable rates (1:32 to 1:65536) - enables scalable network visibility without CPU overhead or packet loss. |
| Embedded VCore-Ie CPU | Self-contained switch management: runs L2/L3 control plane, CLI, SNMP agent, and web server - eliminates need for external microcontroller in cost-sensitive designs. |
| IEEE 802.1Q VLAN & QoS | 802.1p priority tagging, 8 queue egress scheduling, and per-port ingress policing - enforces deterministic latency for time-critical protocols like PROFINET or EtherCAT. |
Applications
| Industrial Ethernet I/O Module | Ruggedized Wireless Access Point |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted PLC expansion module aggregating sensor data over 5x industrial Ethernet ports with deterministic timing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Managed Layer-2 switch with hardware timestamping, VLAN segmentation, and QoS queuing for real-time control traffic. Use Value: Eliminates external switch and PHY components; reduces BOM count by 12+ parts while maintaining <100 µs port-to-port latency. |
Use Scenario: Outdoor Wi-Fi 6 AP deployed on utility poles with PoE-powered backhaul and local client switching. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Integrated switch + PHY + CPU handles client VLAN isolation, bandwidth shaping, and PoE negotiation with upstream PSE. Use Value: Enables single-chip AP management stack with VeriPHY™ diagnostics to remotely validate fiber/copper uplink integrity before dispatch. |
| Substation Communication Gateway | Smart Building BACnet/IP Router |
|
Use Scenario: IEC 61850-compliant gateway connecting protection relays, RTUs, and SCADA systems across redundant Ethernet rings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-availability switch supporting RSTP/MSTP, IEEE 1588 PTP transparent clock, and hardware ACL filtering. Use Value: Meets substation environmental specs (IEC 61850-3, -4) with -40°C to +105°C operation and EFT immunity up to 4 kV. |
Use Scenario: HVAC controller routing BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, and SNMP traffic between building subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure multi-protocol router with firewall rules, VLAN separation, and sFlow-based anomaly detection. Use Value: Integrates protocol-aware filtering and encrypted management (TLS/SSH) without external security co-processor. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar managed Gigabit Ethernet switch applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvell 88E6097-B1-NNC1C000 | 4-port + 1 CPU port; no integrated PHYs; requires external 1000BASE-T transceivers; lacks embedded CPU and VeriPHY™. | Better suited for designs needing PHY flexibility or legacy MII/RMII host interfaces; not drop-in for PHY-integrated use cases. | Select when external PHY selection is required or when leveraging existing Marvell SDK ecosystem. |
| Microchip KSZ9897RTXI-TR | 7-port switch with integrated PHYs; ARM Cortex-M7 CPU; supports TSN (IEEE 802.1AS/1Qbv); no ActiPHY™ or VeriPHY™. | Preferred for time-sensitive networking deployments requiring hardware timestamping and scheduled traffic shaping. | Choose for TSN compliance; avoid if VeriPHY™ cable diagnostics or ActiPHY™ ultra-low-power idle are mandatory. |
Compared with VSC7421XJQ-02, the Marvell 88E6097 offers port-count parity but demands external PHYs and separate firmware hosting, while the KSZ9897R provides TSN readiness at the cost of losing VeriPHY™ diagnostics and ActiPHY™ power optimization - making VSC7421XJQ-02 uniquely balanced for industrial PoE edge nodes requiring both intelligence and physical-layer insight.
Availability
VSC7421XJQ-02 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial Ethernet I/O modules, ruggedized wireless access points, and substation communication gateways requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for VSC7421XJQ-02 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Microsemi - now part of Microchip Technology - specialized in high-reliability semiconductor solutions for aerospace, defense, and industrial markets, with deep expertise in timing, power management, and secure communications.
The VSC7421XJQ-02 belongs to Microsemi's VSC7420/7421/7422 family of integrated Ethernet switches, designed specifically for space-constrained, thermally demanding industrial edge applications requiring self-contained management and physical-layer intelligence.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the VSC7421XJQ-02?
The VSC7421XJQ-02 is rated for industrial operation from –40°C to +105°C ambient temperature, validated per JEDEC JESD22-A104 and qualified for continuous operation in DIN-rail enclosures and outdoor telecom cabinets. This rating applies to the full functional specification including all 5 PHYs, switch fabric, and VCore-Ie CPU - no derating required.
Does the VSC7421XJQ-02 support IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol?
The VSC7421XJQ-02 does not implement IEEE 1588 hardware timestamping or transparent clock functionality. It supports standard Layer-2 switching and QoS prioritization (802.1p), but precise time synchronization must be handled externally. For PTP-capable alternatives, consider the Microchip KSZ9897R or VSC7448 series.
Can the VSC7421XJQ-02 operate without external flash memory?
No - the VSC7421XJQ-02 requires external SPI flash for boot code and configuration storage. Its embedded VCore-Ie CPU executes firmware loaded from SPI flash at power-up; on-chip SRAM holds runtime code only. A minimum 4 MB quad-SPI flash is recommended for full feature support including web GUI and CLI.
What PoE classes does the VSC7421XJQ-02 support natively?
The VSC7421XJQ-02 supports IEEE 802.3af Class 0–3 detection and classification via its MDIO interface, but it does not include PoE power sourcing circuitry. It must be paired with an external PoE PSE controller (e.g., Microchip PD69200 series) to deliver power - the IC manages negotiation and monitoring only.
Is the VSC7421XJQ-02 pin-compatible with other members of the VSC742x family?
No - the VSC7421XJQ-02 is not pin-compatible with VSC7420-02 or VSC7422-02. While sharing the same package footprint (256-pin LFBGA), pin assignments differ significantly across the family due to varying port counts (4/5/7), CPU interface options (NPI vs. SGMII), and peripheral configurations. PCB layout must be specific to VSC7421XJQ-02.
VSC7421XJQ-02 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- SparX™-III-17um
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Ethernet Switch
- Interface:
- Serial
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply:
- 1V
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Power (Watts):
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 302-TQFP (24x24)
VSC7421XJQ-02 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VSC7421XJQ-02 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VSC7421XJQ-02 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for VSC7421XJQ-02 reliable?
The price and inventory of VSC7421XJQ-02 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VSC7421XJQ-02 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VSC7421XJQ-02?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VSC7421XJQ-02 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VSC7421XJQ-02?
VSC7421XJQ-02 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VSC7421XJQ-02 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VSC7421XJQ-02?
For technical support, including VSC7421XJQ-02 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VSC7421XJQ-02 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VSC7421XJQ-02 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VSC7421XJQ-02 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VSC7421XJQ-02 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VSC7421XJQ-02?
All VSC7421XJQ-02 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VSC7421XJQ-02, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The VSC7421XJQ-02 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VSC7421XJQ-02:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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