Networks and servers
Data-center, enterprise and carrier networks
Ethernet switch and routing silicon
Tomahawk and Trident are Broadcom switch-silicon families, while Jericho serves routing and switch-fabric designs. Data-center, enterprise and carrier equipment have different port mixes and forwarding requirements; the target platform matters before comparing part numbers.
Electrical and optical interfaces
Optical links and transceiver devices
Broadcom optical products include components and modules that carry data over fiber, plus optical PHY and DSP devices that process the electrical side of the link. A component, a complete optical module and an optical-interface IC occupy different places in a transceiver design.
Server and equipment I/O
PCIe, Ethernet and storage I/O
Broadcom PCIe switches and retimers serve host I/O links; Ethernet controllers and network adapters connect servers to the network. Storage controllers, host bus adapters and RAID products connect drives with different levels of storage management. Check whether a design needs a board-level IC or a complete adapter card.
System-specific silicon
Custom silicon and ASICs
Broadcom develops custom compute ASICs for AI infrastructure alongside the networking and interconnect technologies around them. These devices follow a customer-specific system architecture and are tied to its data paths, interfaces and revision; they are distinct from standard catalogue parts.
Ethernet access
Physical links and port power
Ethernet PHYs and PoE
Ethernet PHYs handle the physical link at an access port. PoE PSE controllers supply network cameras, wireless access points and other powered devices. Link speed, interface and power budget need separate checks from switch-silicon selection.
Wireless equipment
Radio and connectivity design
Wireless connectivity and RF components
Broadcom WLAN and Bluetooth devices provide wireless connectivity and host communication. RF front-end products, including filters and modules, work in the radio signal path. Connectivity processing and RF conditioning are different parts of the same wireless system.
Industrial equipment
Signals across an isolation barrier
Optocouplers and isolation devices
In a motor drive, optocouplers can carry gate-control signals across an isolation barrier, while isolation amplifiers return current or voltage measurements to the controller. Broadcom also offers digital-signal optocouplers for isolated interfaces. Signal behaviour and the required working voltage, spacing and certification determine the appropriate device.
Position and speed feedback
Motion-control encoders
A servo controller needs to know where the motor shaft or robot joint is moving. Broadcom optical and magnetic encoders provide position or speed feedback for that loop. Incremental and absolute outputs carry different information; resolution, mechanical fit and alignment affect the feedback the controller receives.
