Microchip Technology VSC7424EV

Overview

VSC7424EV from Microsemi is a 10-port Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet switch IC with eight integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T copper PHYs, a 416 MHz MIPS CPU, 4 Mb shared packet memory, and dual SGMII interfaces supporting 100 Mbps/1 Gbps fiber links. It delivers nonblocking wire-speed switching in edge and access platforms requiring low-power, green-energy-compliant Ethernet connectivity.

For engineers reviewing the VSC7424EV datasheet, VSC7424EV pinout, VSC7424EV application, or VSC7424EV equivalent, key selection criteria include IEEE 802.3az/ActiPHY™/PerfectReach™ power management, TCAM-based VLAN/QoS/VCAP-II security processing, DDR2/SPI Flash interface support, and thermally enhanced 27 mm × 27 mm BGA package integration.

Technical Context

The VSC7424EV implements a full Layer-2 forwarding engine with TCAM-based classification (VCAP-II), VLAN editing, and QoS remarking, enabling differentiated service delivery in SME networks. It integrates a 416 MHz MIPS CPU for full switch management and supports Jumbo frames up to 12.2 KB with per-port MTU configuration.

Its architecture includes dual SGMII ports for fiber uplinks, eight copper PHYs compliant with IEEE 802.3ab and VeriPHY™ cable diagnostics, and hardware-accelerated features including link aggregation (802.3ad), AVB, and multicast/broadcast storm control - all operating at 1 V core and 1.8/2.5 V I/O supplies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 27 mm × 27 mm thermally enhanced plastic BGA (ball grid array) with 484 balls. Pinout validated per Microsemi VSC7424EV datasheet Rev. 1.0 (VPPD-02600).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet switching applications.

Compared with Marvell 88E6352 and Realtek RTL8382M, the VSC7424EV uniquely combines embedded 416 MHz CPU, TCAM-based VCAP-II security, AVB timing, and ActiPHY™ power optimization - enabling single-chip managed switching with full feature parity to multi-IC solutions.

Availability

VSC7424EV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for enterprise edge switching, customer-premises equipment (CPE), and industrial access platforms requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and green-energy-compliant Ethernet integration.

Supply support for VSC7424EV 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 Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for communications, defense, aerospace, and industrial markets, with emphasis on timing, power, and secure connectivity.

The VSC7424EV belongs to Microsemi's SparX-III Ethernet switch family, engineered specifically for low-power, fully integrated Layer-2 switching in edge and access infrastructure where BOM reduction and IEEE 802.3az compliance are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the VSC7424EV in an Ethernet system?

The VSC7424EV serves as a fully integrated 10-port Layer-2 Gigabit Ethernet switch with eight embedded copper PHYs and a 416 MHz MIPS CPU. It performs wire-speed packet forwarding, VLAN/QoS classification via TCAM-based VCAP-II, and full switch management - eliminating the need for external controllers or PHY chips in edge and CPE applications.

Does the VSC7424EV support IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet?

Yes, the VSC7424EV supports IEEE 802.3az EEE along with Microsemi's proprietary ActiPHY™ and PerfectReach™ low-power modes. These features reduce power consumption during link idle periods by dynamically powering down PHY circuitry while maintaining link integrity - verified in Microsemi's VPPD-02600 documentation.

What memory interfaces does the VSC7424EV provide for external storage?

The VSC7424EV includes a DDR2 SDRAM controller supporting external 16-bit DDR2 memory and a serial SPI Flash interface for boot code and firmware storage. These interfaces enable scalable packet buffering and persistent configuration storage without requiring additional memory controllers.

How many SGMII interfaces does the VSC7424EV support, and what speeds are they rated for?

The VSC7424EV supports two independent SGMII interfaces, each capable of 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps operation. They are compatible with 100BASE-FX and 1000BASE-X fiber modules, enabling flexible uplink configurations in access and edge switching applications.

Is the VSC7424EV pin-compatible with other members of the SparX-III family?

No, the VSC7424EV is not pin-compatible with other SparX-III devices such as VSC7428 or VSC7448. Its 484-ball 27 mm × 27 mm BGA footprint and signal assignment are unique to the VSC7424EV, as confirmed in the official Microsemi datasheet VPPD-02600 Rev. 1.0.