Microsemi's advanced firmware architecture for PoE switches

IRVINE, USA: Microsemi Corp. has launched an advanced firmware architecture for its portfolio of 8- and 12-port power sourcing equipment (PSE) managers for high-power Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches and host processors.

Microsemi's new distributed PoE firmware architecture allows all functions previously performed by Microsemi's PD69000 microcontroller to be incorporated within an Ethernet switch IC solution, increasing integration and flexibility while reducing cost.

It also provides an innovative way to re-partition PoE systems so they can benefit from the best features of Microsemi's algorithms running at breakthrough performance levels on silicon fabricated in 65 nanometer (nm) technology. The architecture also opens the door for future PoE solutions that focus on functions requiring high-voltage processes while retaining the algorithmic freedom that can only be achieved by a 65nm, low-voltage digital process.

"Microsemi's new Distributed PoE architecture, while similar to our existing Auto Mode in terms of hardware implementation, allows customers to easily utilize all the features in Microsemi's PoE solutions," said Daniel Feldman, director of telecom marketing for Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group.

"Now that our PD69000 functions can be embedded inside the processor, the level of integration, performance and responsiveness is increased dramatically, allowing customers to have real-time system status indications that were impossible to achieve previously. With Distributed PoE, we met our goal to optimally locate PoE functions so we can meet the most demanding performance criteria while reducing the overall system cost."

Microsemi's high-end PoE features include dynamic power management with Layer 2 classification support, emergency power management, detection of Cisco pre-standard devices, and backplane power management. The functions necessary to perform these features were broken down to threads performed by both the PD69012/PD69008 and companion processor silicon.

Marvell Technology Group (Nasdaq:MRVL) is the first Ethernet switch IC manufacturer to partner with Microsemi, integrating the Distributed PoE architecture within its new Integrated Secure-Switch-Router (ISSR). The ISSR is a single-chip SoC product designed to supply a consolidated office-in-a-box solution for small and medium businesses, enterprise branch offices, internet cafes, and facilities dedicated to education.

"The partnership with Microsemi has allowed Marvell to bring to market best-in-industry solutions for not only Ethernet switching but also power over Ethernet," said Roman Kleinerman, Marketing Manager for Ethernet Access in the Enterprise Business Unit, Consumer and Communications Business Group at Marvell Semiconductor. "The new Distributed PoE architecture allows Marvell and Microsemi to offer complete PoE switch solutions, in terms of power dissipation, flexibility of power supply utilization, and compatibility."

With the addition of Distributed PoE, the PD69000 family of IEEE802.3at-draft4.2-compliant PoE PSE managers is now implemented in three architectures. Distributed PoE includes all the high-end features of Microsemi's traditional Enhanced Mode with extra flexibility but without an MCU. Microsemi's Enhanced Mode features the PD69000 MCU, and is backwards-compatible with PD64012G and PD64008G solutions. This architecture includes all of Microsemi's high-end PoE features. Finally, Microsemi also offers an Auto Mode which supports most high-end features, with no need for an MCU.

The PD69012 and PD69008 PSE Managers are in full production. The Distributed PoE firmware for Marvell ISSR applications is available immediately.