If you are repairing enterprise network gear or maintaining legacy industrial switches, you have likely encountered the Broadcom BCM56340MA0IFSBLG.
Part of the legendary StrataXGS® Helix 4 family, this chip defined an entire generation of "Top of Rack" and wiring closet switches. It was one of the first single-chip solutions to integrate a powerful dual-core ARM CPU directly with a 48-port Gigabit switching engine.
Although now classified as Obsolete, it remains a critical component for the maintenance of millions of deployed devices. This guide decodes its complex part number, breaks down its architecture, and suggests modern replacements.
Table of Contents
- 1. Decoding the Part Number: What "MA0IFSBLG" Means
- 2. Technical Specifications (Helix 4 Architecture)
- 3. Common Applications & Lifecycle Status
- 4. Modern Alternatives & Successors
- 5. Conclusion
1. Decoding the Part Number: What "MA0IFSBLG" Means
Broadcom part numbers are dense with information. Here is the breakdown for BCM56340MA0IFSBLG:
The Breakdown Table
| Segment | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | BCM | Broadcom Manufacturer Code. |
| Family | 56340 | Helix 4 Family (48G + 4x10G configuration). |
| Variant | M | Denotes a specific Package/Feature variant (often Metal Cap or specific bonding). |
| Revision | A0 | Silicon Revision A0 (First major release). |
| Temp | I | Industrial Temperature (-40°C to +85°C). |
| Package | FS | Fine-Pitch BGA (Ball Grid Array). |
| Env | BLG | RoHS Compliant (Lead-Free, Green). |
"I" vs. "K" Temp Grades
The most critical letter here is "I".
- KFSBLG: Standard Commercial grade (0°C to 70°C). Used in standard office switches (e.g., Dell N-Series).
- IFSBLG: Industrial grade. Used in ruggedized switches located in non-climate-controlled environments (factories, outdoor enclosures).
- Repair Tip: You can typically replace a "K" chip with an "I" chip (as it is an upgrade), but never replace an "I" chip with a "K" chip in an industrial device.
2. Technical Specifications (Helix 4 Architecture)
The BCM56340 was a powerhouse because it eliminated the need for an external management CPU.
Key Specifications Matrix
| Feature | Specification | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Port Config | 48x 1GbE (PHY integrated) | Native support for standard RJ45 ports without external PHYs. |
| Uplinks | 4x 10GbE (SFP+) | High-speed connection to the core network. |
| Stacking | 2x 20GbE (HG[ii]) | Dedicated HiGig bandwidth for stacking switches together. |
| Switching Cap | 128 Gbps | Non-blocking line-rate performance. |
| CPU | Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 | Integrated 1GHz control plane processor. |
| Forwarding | 131 Mpps | Million Packets Per Second. |
| Process | 40nm / 28nm Class | Optimized for power efficiency (at the time of release). |
Integrated ARM CPU Advantage
Before Helix 4, switch designs often required a separate PowerPC or MIPS processor on the motherboard to run the OS. The BCM56340 integrated a Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9, allowing manufacturers to build simpler, cheaper, and lower-power switches. This architecture paved the way for the "Whitebox" switches that launched the SDN (Software Defined Networking) era.
3. Common Applications & Lifecycle Status
Where you'll find it
This chip is the heart of many popular "1G Access" switches manufactured between 2013 and 2017:
- Edgecore AS4610-54T / 54P: A staple Open Networking switch.
- Dell Networking N3048P: A workhorse enterprise PoE switch.
- Industrial Ethernet Switches: Due to the "I" temp grade capability.
Lifecycle: Obsolete
Broadcom has moved the Helix 4 family to EOL (End of Life) status.
- New Designs: Do not use this chip for new designs.
- Maintenance: Stock is now limited to broker inventory and refurbished pulls.
- Sourcing: [Check BCM56340 Stock at Aichiplink] for hard-to-find inventory.
4. Modern Alternatives & Successors
If you are looking to upgrade a design or find a modern equivalent for a new BOM, look to the StrataXGS Trident 3 or Helix 5 families.
| Feature | BCM56340 (Helix 4) | BCM56371 (Trident 3-X3) | BCM56170 (Hurricane 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Obsolete | Active | Active |
| Ports | 48x 1G | 48x 1G / 2.5G | 24x/48x 1G / 2.5G |
| Uplinks | 10G SFP+ | 25G SFP28 | 10G SFP+ |
| Programmability | Fixed Function | Programmable Pipeline | Fixed Function |
| Application | Legacy Wiring Closet | Modern WiFi 6 Access | Cost-Effective Edge |
The Upgrade Path: The BCM56370 / BCM56371 (Trident 3-X3) is the spiritual successor. It brings support for 2.5GbE ports (essential for powering modern WiFi 6/6E Access Points) and 25GbE uplinks, along with a fully programmable pipeline for modern telemetry.
6. Conclusion
The BCM56340MA0IFSBLG was a revolutionary chip that brought ARM processing and 10G uplinks to the mass market. While it has passed its prime, understanding its specs is vital for maintaining the robust networks it still powers today. For new projects, look toward the Trident 3 family to handle the bandwidth of the future.
Sourcing Legacy Broadcom Parts Struggling to find obsolete switch ASICs? Visit Aichiplink.com to search for BCM56340MA0IFSBLG and other legacy networking components.
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.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
Empowered by AI, Linked to the Future. Get started on AIChipLink.com and submit your RFQ online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BCM56340MA0IFSBLG still in production?
No. It is End-of-Life (EOL) and used mainly for repairs and legacy systems.
What does “IFSBLG” mean in the part number?
It indicates industrial temperature grade, BGA package, and RoHS compliance.
Can I replace KFSBLG with IFSBLG?
Yes. IFSBLG can replace KFSBLG, but not the other way around.
Does BCM56340 support 2.5GbE ports?
No. It supports 1GbE access ports and 10GbE uplinks only.
What is the recommended replacement for BCM56340?
BCM56370 / BCM56371 (Trident 3) for modern access switch designs.
