BCM56784A0KFSBG Guide: Trident 4 Programmable 12.8T Switch SoC

In the hierarchy of network silicon, if the Tomahawk series is the "Muscle Car" built for pure speed, the Broadcom StrataXGS® Trident 4 series is the "Super Computer on Wheels."

The BCM56784A0KFSBG is a premier member of this family. Built on a 7nm process, it delivers a massive 12.8 Terabits per second (Tbps) of bandwidth. But unlike standard switches, its true power lies in its fully programmable pipeline. For enterprise cores, service provider edges, and campus aggregation layers requiring complex policy enforcement and real-time telemetry, the BCM56784 is the definitive solution.

This guide explores the technical architecture of the BCM56784, the benefits of its NPL programmability, and how it compares to its siblings in the Broadcom portfolio.

BCM56784A0KFSBG Datasheet & Key Specs

The BCM56784 is the 12.8T flagship of the Trident 4 (TD4) line.

• BCM56: Broadcom Switch Series.
• 784: Specific SKU (12.8T capacity, typically X9 variant).
• B0: Silicon Revision (Stepping).
• KFLGG: Package type (RoHS compliant).

Key Specifications Matrix

Feature	Specification	Impact
Switching Capacity	12.8 Tbps	Supports 32x 400GbE or 128x 100GbE ports.
Architecture	Programmable Pipeline	Field-upgradable protocol support via NPL.
SerDes	50G PAM4	High-density, power-efficient connectivity.
Packet Buffer	High-performance shared buffer	Absorbs bursts in enterprise traffic.
Process Node	7nm	Industry-leading power efficiency per Gbit.
Telemetry	In-Band Flow Analyzer (IFA)	Granular visibility into every packet.

The Power of Programmability (NPL)

The BCM56784 is defined by its support for NPL (Network Programming Language).

• Flexibility: Unlike fixed-function ASICs, the forwarding behavior of the Trident 4 can be changed by loading a new NPL image.
• Future-Proofing: If a new protocol (e.g., a new variant of VXLAN or SRv6) emerges, engineers can implement it in software without replacing the hardware. For more on the concept of programmable networks, see the Wikipedia article on P4 and Programmable Switches (NPL is Broadcom's open parallel to P4).

Price Analysis & Stock Availability

The BCM56784 is a high-value enterprise component.

Note: Sourcing programmable 7nm silicon requires a robust supply chain. [Check Stock for BCM56784A0KFSBG at Aichiplink] to view inventory from verified global distributors.

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Architecture: Trident 4 vs. Tomahawk 4

Engineers often confuse the two 12.8T/25.6T product lines. Here is the distinction:

Feature	Trident 4 (BCM56784)	Tomahawk 4 (BCM56990)
Primary Focus	Features & Flexibility	Throughput & Density
Pipeline	Fully Programmable	Fixed / Configurable
Table Size	Massive (Routes, ACLs, Counters)	Optimized for Cloud Scale
Target Market	Enterprise Core, Campus, SP Edge	Hyperscale Data Center Spine
Features	NAT, MPLS, SRv6, rich ACLs	Basic L2/L3, leaner features

Why Enterprise Core Needs Trident 4: In an enterprise core, you aren't just moving packets; you are enforcing security policies, performing Network Address Translation (NAT), and routing complex overlays. The Trident 4's massive table sizes allow it to hold the enormous routing tables and Access Control Lists (ACLs) required for these tasks.

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Applications: Modernizing the Enterprise Core

Advanced Telemetry with IFA 2.0

The BCM56784 supports In-band Flow Analyzer (IFA) 2.0.

• Visibility: It enables the switch to add metadata to packets as they traverse the network.
• Insight: Operators can see exactly which switch added latency, which queue was congested, and which path a specific packet took—all in real-time at line rate.

Securing the Edge

With its programmable pipeline, the BCM56784 is ideal for Security Appliances and Firewalls. It can offload complex flow tracking and DDoS mitigation tasks from the main CPU, acting as a hardware-accelerated firewall front-end.

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Software Ecosystem & Development

SDKLT and SONiC Integration

Broadcom provides the SDKLT (SDK Logical Table) for the Trident 4.

• Modern API: SDKLT treats switch resources as a database, making automation and API integration easier than legacy register access.
• SONiC Support: The chip is fully compatible with SONiC, enabling open-source network management that decouples hardware from software. This allows enterprises to deploy the same OS across different hardware vendors.

50G PAM4 SerDes Design Challenges

Integrating the BCM56784 requires mastering 50G PAM4 signal integrity.

• PCB Layout: Requires ultra-low-loss materials (like Megtron 7) and careful routing to minimize crosstalk and insertion loss.
• Thermal: The 7nm chip is dense. Proper thermal design (heatsinks, airflow) is critical. For thermal management techniques, refer to EEPower's Thermal Guide.

Conclusion

The Broadcom BCM56784A0KFSBG (Trident 4) represents the pinnacle of intelligent switching. It proves that you don't have to sacrifice speed for intelligence. By offering 12.8 Tbps of fully programmable bandwidth, it empowers network architects to build smarter, more secure, and highly observable networks.

Sourcing High-End Programmable Silicon The demand for intelligent networking chips is at an all-time high. Visit Aichiplink.com to search for BCM56784A0KFSBG and other cutting-edge Broadcom solutions.

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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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