
You can use the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy to link your devices to Fast Ethernet networks. This chip helps your equipment send and get data fast and without problems. Many engineers pick this chip because it uses less power than most Fast Ethernet PHYs.
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Most Fast Ethernet PHYs use up to 275 mW.
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The BCM5221KPB uses less than 275 mW and has better power control.
You get support for common interfaces, so you can design new products or make upgrades easily.
Key Takeaways
- The BCM5221KPB Ethernet PHY links devices to Fast Ethernet networks. It lets data move at speeds up to 100 Mbps. This chip saves energy and uses less than 275 mW. This helps devices stay cool and use less power. It works with both MII and RMII interfaces. This makes it useful for many designs. It is easy to add to new or old products. The chip has features like Auto-MDIX for finding cables by itself. It also has built-in tools to check if cables work well. The BCM5221KPB can be used in many things. These include consumer electronics, network gear, and machines in factories.
bcm5221kpb ethernet phy
Overview
You can use the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy to connect devices to Fast Ethernet. This chip lets your devices share data using 100BASE-TX technology. It moves data at speeds up to 100 Mbps. The bcm5221kpb ethernet phy uses very little power. Engineers pick it when they want to save energy. You can put this chip in new designs or upgrade old equipment. It works in many products, like gadgets and machines.
The bcm5221kpb ethernet phy handles the physical layer for Ethernet. It sends and receives signals over network cables. You do not need to worry about signal quality. The chip takes care of that for you. Its low power use helps devices stay cool and last longer. It supports both full-duplex and half-duplex modes. This gives you more choices for your network.
Block Diagram
Inside the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy, there are digital and analog parts. These parts help your data move across the network. The chip uses digital signal processing to clean signals and fix errors. Analog circuits handle the electric signals on the cables.
Here is a table that lists the main parts inside the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy and what they do:
| Component | Role in Ethernet Operation |
|---|---|
| Differential Line Interfaces | Help send and receive signals. |
| Auto-MDIX | Sets up the Ethernet connection type automatically. |
| ADC | Changes analog signals into digital data. |
| Digital Adaptive Equalizer | Fixes cable effects to keep signals clear. |
| Clock Recovery Blocks | Gets timing from received signals. |
| 10BASE-T and 100BASE-X PCS | Handles coding and sending data. |
| MII Interface | Links the PHY to the host MAC for data. |
| Auto-negotiation | Lets devices pick the best connection. |
| LED Drivers | Show network status with lights. |
| MII Management Control | Controls and sets up the MII interface. |
Each part helps Ethernet work well. Differential line interfaces send and get signals over cables. Auto-MDIX lets you connect to any Ethernet device. You do not need to worry about cable type. The ADC turns analog signals into digital ones. The digital adaptive equalizer keeps signals clear, even with long cables. Clock recovery blocks help your device match the network timing.
The 10BASE-T and 100BASE-X PCS blocks code and decode data. The MII interface connects the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy to your device’s controller. Auto-negotiation helps your device use the best connection. LED drivers let you check network status fast. MII management control helps you set up and watch the chip.
All these features are in one small chip. This makes the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy good for many projects. You can trust it for fast and stable network connections. It uses less power than other chips. Many engineers choose it for their Ethernet needs. Its advanced technology and low power use make it special.
Tip: If you use the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy in your design, you make your hardware simpler and save space on your circuit board.
bcm5221kpb features
Key Features
When you use the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy, you get many good features. This chip helps your devices work well and last longer. The table below shows how its main features compare to other Fast Ethernet PHYs:
| Feature | BCM5221KPB | Competing Fast Ethernet PHYs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy-efficient power management | Yes | Varies |
| Automatic cable detection | Yes (Auto-MDIX) | Varies |
| Built-in diagnostics | Yes | Limited |
| Industrial temperature range | -40 °C to +85 °C | Limited ranges |
| IEEE 802.3u compliance | Yes (MII/RMII) | Yes |
| JTAG boundary-scan support | Yes | Limited |
| Robust design with CESD protection | Yes | Varies |
| Backward compatibility | Yes (with BCM5201) | Varies |
| High integration level | Yes | Varies |
The bcm5221kpb ethernet phy is better than many other chips. It uses less power, about 175 mW. This helps your device stay cool and save energy. You do not have to worry about cable type. Auto-MDIX sets up the connection for you. The chip works in very hot or cold places, from -40 °C to +85 °C. You get built-in diagnostics, so you can check your network easily. The design protects your device from static electricity.
You also get backward compatibility with older chips like the BCM5201. This makes upgrades easy. The chip has a high integration level, so you need fewer extra parts. You can trust the bcm5221kpb specifications to give you good performance in many situations.
Tip: If you want a chip for new and old designs, the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy gives you flexibility and peace of mind.
Interface Support
You can connect the bcm5221kpb ethernet phy to your device in different ways. The chip supports both MII and RMII interfaces. These help your device talk to the Ethernet controller.
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MII interface lets you move data at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps.
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RMII interface also supports 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds.
You can use either interface, depending on your design. The chip follows the IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet standard. This means it will work with other Ethernet devices. You can count on the bcm5221kpb specifications to match industry standards and make your design easier.
Note: Because it supports both MII and RMII, you can use this chip in many products, from simple gadgets to advanced networking equipment.
bcm5221kpb specifications
Electrical Specs
You need to know the main electrical details before you use the BCM5221KPB Ethernet PHY in your project. This chip works with a voltage range from 2.5 V to 3.3 V. You can see this in the table below:
| Voltage Range |
|---|
| 2.5 V ~ 3.3 V |
The BCM5221KPB uses very little power. In normal operation, it typically consumes less than 275 mW. This low power use helps your device stay cool and saves energy.
- Typical power consumption: less than 275 mW
You should also check the recommended operating temperature. The chip works well from -40 °C to +85 °C. This wide range means you can use it in many places, from cold factories to warm offices.
The chip comes in a compact package. The body size is about 8 mm by 8 mm, and the height is about 1.4 mm. The ball grid array (BGA) has 64 balls, arranged in an 8 × 8 matrix. The ball pitch is 0.8 mm, which helps you save space on your circuit board.
| Parameter | Typical Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Package body size | 8 × 8 mm | Length × width of the BGA package |
| Package height | 1.4 mm | Total height including solder balls |
| Ball pitch | 0.8 mm | Distance between solder balls |
| Ball grid array | 8 × 8 | Total ball matrix arrangement (64 balls) |

Tip: The small size and low power make this chip a great choice for compact and energy-efficient designs.
Pinout
You will find 64 pins on the BCM5221KPB, each with a special job. The table below lists some key pins and their functions:
| Pin | Signal Name | Function Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | REGDVDD | Regulated power supply input |
| A2 | JTAG_EN | Enables JTAG test interface |
| A3 | CRS/CRS_DV | Carrier Sense / Data Valid signal for MII |
| A4 | TXD1 | Transmit data bit 1 |
| A5 | TXD0 | Transmit data bit 0 |
| A6 | TXEN | Transmit enable signal |
| A7 | TXER | Transmit error indicator |
| A8 | RXER | Receive error indicator |
| B1 | REF_CLK | Reference clock input |
| B2 | OVDD | Output voltage power supply |
| B3 | COL | Collision detect (MII) |
| B4 | TXD3 | Transmit data bit 3 |
| B5 | TXD2 | Transmit data bit 2 |
| B6 | TXC | Transmit clock (MII) |
| B7 | RXC | Receive clock (MII) |
| B8 | RXD0 | Receive data bit 0 |
| ... | ... | ... |
You can use these pins to connect the chip to your controller, power supply, and other parts of your circuit. Some pins handle data, while others control power or show network status.
Note: Always check the datasheet for the full pinout and detailed descriptions before you design your board.
bcm5221kpb applications
Consumer Electronics
The bcm5221kpb is used in many devices you know. It gives fast and steady ethernet to things you use every day. Some products with this chip are:
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PCMCIA and CardBus Network Interface Cards
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LAN-on-Motherboard Integrated Ethernet Ports
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IP Phones (VoIP Phones)
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Cable Modems
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Set-Top Boxes and Print Servers
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Wireless Access Points and Embedded Telecom Equipment
These devices need good network connections. The bcm5221kpb helps them get online fast and stay connected. You can stream videos, download files, and make clear calls. The chip uses little power, so your devices do not get hot.
You also get features that make your devices work better. The table below shows how the bcm5221kpb helps your electronics:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low Power Consumption | Uses less energy, so your devices work better. |
| Auto-MDIX Functionality | Makes setup simple by finding cable types for you. |
| Cable Diagnostics | Checks cable health, so you have fewer problems. |
| Wide Operating Temperature | Lets your devices work in many places, like homes or factories. |
Networking Equipment
The bcm5221kpb is found in many network machines. Switches, routers, and hubs use it for ethernet ports. You can use this chip in new or old equipment. You can add more ports or make things faster without changing everything. The chip works with many standards, so it fits many network jobs.
Industrial Automation
Factories need strong network connections. The bcm5221kpb works well in these places. You can put it in controllers and monitoring systems. It works in hot or cold spots and is tough. The chip lets machines share data quickly and safely.
Tip: You can use the bcm5221kpb for new projects or upgrades. This helps you save time and gives you more choices.
You can count on the bcm5221kpb to give good ethernet in many areas. If you build gadgets, network gear, or factory machines, this chip will help you.
Datasheet
Accessing the Datasheet
You can get the BCM5221KPB datasheet from trusted websites. The Broadcom Limited page is the best place to look. This site has the newest datasheet and extra info. You will find features, block diagrams, and notes for using the chip. Broadcom is a famous company, so you can trust their info. Make sure you have the latest version before you start your design. The datasheet helps you learn how to use the chip in your project.
Tip: Save the Broadcom page as a bookmark. This way, you can find updates and technical papers fast.
Using the Datasheet
The datasheet is your main guide for designing with the BCM5221KPB. You should check important sections to help your design work well. The table below lists key parts of the datasheet and what you learn from each:
| Key Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Features | Advanced power management, Auto-MDIX Functionality, Cable Diagnostics, and more. |
| Specifications | Manufacturer, Packaging, Voltage Supply, Operating Temperature, and other details. |
| Power Connections | Diagram for stable operation of internal sections. |
| Applications | Use cases like IP Phones, Cable Modems, and more. |
| Block Diagram | Shows the internal functional layout of the PHY. |
You can use the datasheet to check if your design follows Ethernet rules. The table below lists features that help you make sure your design is correct:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| IEEE 802.3u Compliance | Fully compliant with Fast Ethernet standards, supporting MII/RMII interfaces. |
| Cable Diagnostics | Built-in diagnostics for cable length estimation and noise level indication. |
| Auto-MDIX Functionality | Automatically detects and corrects cable types, making installation easier. |
Read the features section to learn about power management and other functions. The specifications and power connections sections help you set up your circuit safely. The applications and block diagram sections give you ideas for using the chip in different products.
Note: Always use the datasheet when you plan and test your project. This helps you avoid mistakes and build devices that work well.
You get lots of good things with the BCM5221KPB. This chip helps you save power and check cables. It also keeps your devices safe. You can use it at home or in factories. The table below shows what makes this chip special:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Auto-MDIX | Easy cable setup |
| Industrial Temperature | Works in harsh environments |
| High Integration | Fewer parts, lower cost |
Look at the datasheet to learn more and start your project with confidence.

Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
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