MARVELL 88E3082-B1-BAR-I000 Ethernet Switch Controller: Datasheet and Technical Overview

The MARVELL 88E3082-B1-BAR-I000 is a highly integrated, low-power, 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch controller designed by Marvell Semiconductor. It is engineered to deliver robust, enterprise-grade switching performance for a wide array of networking applications, including network infrastructure, industrial automation, and smart office equipment. This controller combines advanced Layer 2 management features with high-speed connectivity in a compact form factor, making it a versatile solution for modern network demands.

Architecture and Core Features

At its heart, the 88E3082 is built upon a sophisticated switching fabric capable of non-blocking, wire-speed performance across all ports. The device integrates eight 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PHYs alongside a high-performance switch core, eliminating the need for external physical layer transceivers and reducing both board space and system cost.

A key architectural highlight is its support for Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) according to the IEEE 802.3az standard. This feature allows the controller to significantly reduce power consumption during periods of low data activity, a critical consideration for green and sustainable product design. The switch also implements advanced Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, including priority queues and traffic classification based on IEEE 802.1p, DSCP, and ACLs, ensuring optimal handling of latency-sensitive applications like voice and video.

Management and Security

The 88E3082 offers flexible management options. It can operate as an unmanaged plug-and-play switch or be configured via a comprehensive Serial Management Interface (SMI) through its MDC/MDIO pins. This allows for detailed access to its extensive register set for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics. For security, the controller provides MAC address-based port security and Access Control List (ACL) capabilities, enabling network administrators to restrict access and prevent unauthorized communication, thereby hardening the network against intrusions.

Industrial and Application Robustness

Designed for reliability, this component operates over a wide industrial temperature range, making it suitable for harsh environments. Its robust design ensures stable performance in applications such as factory control systems and outdoor networking gear. The integration of features like hardware-based VLAN support (IEEE 802.1Q) simplifies network segmentation, improving security and traffic management without burdening the host CPU.

Summary by ICGOODFIND:

The Marvell 88E3082-B1-BAR-I000 stands out as a highly integrated, power-efficient 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch controller. It successfully balances performance, advanced management features, and robust security in a single chip, making it an ideal and cost-effective solution for building reliable managed and unmanaged switches in enterprise and industrial markets.

Keywords:

Gigabit Ethernet, Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), Quality of Service (QoS), Serial Management Interface (SMI), VLAN Support