Custom Ethernet Switches
Ethernet technology is used almost everywhere. You will find it for example in internet access routers at home, in every data center rack, and in high-speed backbones of telecom networks.
Obviously, the requirements for the different segments vary, but for many industry segments, the requirements are generic enough to allow the use of commercial off-the-shelf equipment.
However, for some target applications, the requirements are so specific that no generic solution can be used.
This is where AimValley comes in!
An Ethernet switch can also be needed as part of a larger system, for example as a slide-in card or a backplane, to enable Ethernet communication both inside and outside of the system.
For such integrated cards, there are usually specific requirements on form factor, connector types, and configuration.
AimValley's Custom Ethernet Switch Development
A custom Ethernet Switch development usually runs through the following phases:
Architecture phase
Defines the key requirements, like the number of interfaces, use of Power Over Ethernet (PoE), environmental conditions, and required certification. Also the selection of the silicon (e.g. Broadcom, Marvell, Microsemi, or FPGA based) and the software stack (e.g. AimOS or SONIC) are part of this phase.
Design Phase
Create the schematics of the switch and continue with the layout. Configure the software stack for use on the hardware and develop new parts, e.g. a custom graphical user interface. Design the mechanics such as housing and PCB outline for the new switch.
Testing
Create a test plan based on the requirements for the switch and verify hardware, software, and system behavior. Because a custom Ethernet switch typically has a non-standard interface it is important to do Ethernet Compliance testing on all interfaces using dedicated test sets. Also, pre-certification testing may be needed to prepare for the next phase of formal certification, which is costly and therefore should ideally pass the first time.
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Certification
Samples of the product are provided to an accredited test house to certify the switch against specific industry standards.
Certification can include: CE, UL/CSA, FDA laser safety, IEC62368 product safety, NEBS (GR-63), and NAVMAT B-1 shock and vibration.
Deployment
During deployment, production needs to be monitored to maintain product quality. Field returns are investigated to detect potential design or component issues. To prevent the sudden end-of-life of critical parts a second source supplier is already identified during the design phase. Alternatively, a small redesign is necessary.
Development Cycle
Typical development cycles are 12 to 24 months. The actual duration depends on the possibility to start software development and testing before the actual hardware development is completed.
The use of a host environment, which allows testing most functionalities on a standard PC or workstation, or an evaluation board (which has enough commonality with the custom hardware to start software development) is key to shortening the development cycle.
It is also important to start the design process with the certification requirements in mind. This prevents failures during the final certification test which may lead to starting the design process all over again.
AimValley's proven track record
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Talk to one of our engineers to find out how AimValley's Custom Ethernet Switch Development helps you with your next turnkey product development.
We are engineers - we can do anything!