BCM5761B0KFBG Gigabit Ethernet Controller: Features and Integration

The BCM5761B0KFBG is a highly integrated, single-port Gigabit Ethernet controller designed by Broadcom, now part of Avago Technologies. Engineered for high-performance networking applications, this controller is a popular choice for integration into motherboards, network adapters, and embedded systems across enterprise servers, workstations, and storage platforms.

A core feature of the BCM5761B0KFBG is its PCI Express 2.0 x1 interface, which provides a high-bandwidth, low-latency connection to the host system. This ensures efficient data throughput that is essential for handling gigabit-speed network traffic without creating a system bottleneck. The controller supports hardware-based TCP/IP offload capabilities, including checksum offloading and TCP segmentation for both transmit and receive paths. This significantly reduces the processing burden on the host CPU, freeing up valuable resources for application workloads and improving overall system efficiency and responsiveness.

For enhanced security and network management, the controller features advanced support for VLANs and Quality of Service (QoS) tagging, allowing for prioritized network traffic. It also includes Jumbo Frame support (up to 9KB), which improves large data transfer efficiency by reducing the protocol overhead per packet, a critical advantage in storage and data center environments.

From an integration perspective, the BCM5761B0KFBG is designed for simplicity and reliability. It requires minimal external components, which helps reduce the total bill of materials (BOM) and board space. It connects directly to a PHY or, in many designs, to an external transformer and RJ-45 jack. The controller is supported by robust, mature drivers for all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of implementation for OEMs and system integrators.

Its low-power design makes it suitable for energy-conscious applications without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, it offers Wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality, enabling remote system management and power control.

ICGOODFIND: The BCM5761B0KFBG stands out as a reliable and feature-rich Gigabit Ethernet controller, offering an optimal blend of high performance, advanced offloading, and power efficiency. Its ease of integration and comprehensive driver support make it a versatile solution for a wide array of professional and enterprise networking hardware.

Keywords: Gigabit Ethernet, TCP Offload Engine, PCI Express, Wake-on-LAN, Hardware Integration