The Qualcomm QCA8072 is a Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for networking applications, offering support for 8 ports with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. It is commonly used in routers, network switches, and other Ethernet-based networking devices.

If you're looking for equivalent ICs to the Qualcomm QCA8072, you'll want to focus on Gigabit Ethernet switches with 8 ports, energy-efficient features, and possibly PoE support, as these are the primary functions of the QCA8072.

Here are some equivalent ICs from other manufacturers that provide similar features:

1. Broadcom

Broadcom offers a wide range of Ethernet switch ICs, many of which support multi-port configurations for networking applications:

• Broadcom BCM53108: This is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), as well as features like VLAN, PoE (in some models), and other advanced network management functions. It's a direct competitor in terms of functionality to the QCA8072.

• Broadcom BCM5328: A 28-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, typically used in high-performance routers or network switches, but also available in smaller configurations. It supports advanced features like QoS (Quality of Service), PoE, and EEE.

• Broadcom BCM56840: A more advanced multi-port switch suitable for larger networks, offering higher flexibility and additional features, though it's overkill for simpler applications.

2. Marvell

Marvell provides Ethernet switch ICs with multi-port support, similar to the QCA8072, especially in the Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet range:

• Marvell 88E6352: This is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE support, along with features like EEE. It is an equivalent alternative to the QCA8072 and is used in a variety of consumer and commercial networking products.

• Marvell 88E6180: A 12-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with support for features like PoE, EEE, and Advanced QoS. It’s more advanced but may be used as a higher-end alternative.

• Marvell 88E6176: An 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE and EEE support. This switch is designed for Networking Equipment like routers, switches, and gateway devices.

3. Microchip (formerly LAN9730 from SMSC)

Microchip (previously SMSC) produces Ethernet switches that can be used as alternatives to the Qualcomm QCA8072 in networking and embedded systems:

• Microchip LAN8742A: An 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with features like EEE and PoE. It is widely used in consumer and industrial networking equipment.

• Microchip KSZ8895: A 5-port or 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, providing PoE and EEE support, similar to the QCA8072. It is commonly used in industrial and embedded applications.

• Microchip KSZ8863: A 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that supports PoE and EEE. It is designed for industrial and embedded applications but may also be used in consumer-grade equipment.

4. Realtek

Realtek also provides Ethernet switch ICs for consumer and industrial networking applications, though they are typically more cost-effective than solutions from Broadcom or Marvell.

• Realtek RTL8308: An 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that supports EEE and PoE. It is a good alternative to the QCA8072, especially for basic networking applications in routers and small switches.

• Realtek RTL8367: This 8-port switch supports Gigabit Ethernet with features like PoE and EEE. It is aimed at consumer networking devices like switches, routers, and home gateways.

• Realtek RTL8309: An 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE support and advanced network management features. It's suitable for simple applications that require moderate performance.

5. NXP (Freescale)

NXP produces Ethernet solutions used in networking equipment, typically in industrial and automotive applications. Some of their Ethernet ICs could be used as alternatives to the QCA8072:

• NXP LAN8742A: This is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with EEE support, similar in features to the Qualcomm QCA8072. It’s commonly used in industrial applications but also in networking products like routers and switches.

• NXP TJA1100: A Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for embedded networking applications, supporting EEE and low power consumption, although it may be more suitable for industrial environments.

6. Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments offers Ethernet solutions for various networking applications, including multi-port switches and Ethernet PHYs:

• Texas Instruments DP83867: A Gigabit Ethernet PHY (not a full switch) that could be paired with a separate switch IC to offer similar functionality to the QCA8072. It's typically used in conjunction with a central switch IC and is commonly found in networking devices.

• Texas Instruments TMDX570LS31: An 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch solution with support for PoE and EEE. It's used for industrial applications that require robust network connectivity.

Key Features to Compare:

When comparing alternatives to the Qualcomm QCA8072, consider the following important features:

• Port Count: Ensure the switch provides 8 ports, or the required number of ports for your application.

• PoE Support: If your application requires Power over Ethernet (PoE), make sure the alternative supports IEEE 802.3af/at PoE standards.

• Energy Efficiency (EEE): The QCA8072 supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), so look for alternatives with similar power-saving capabilities to reduce energy consumption.

• Speed: Ensure the switch supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T) or higher if your application requires high-speed data transfer.

• VLAN & QoS: If your device requires Quality of Service (QoS) or VLAN tagging support, verify that the alternative IC includes these networking features.

Conclusion:

The Qualcomm QCA8072 is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with support for PoE and EEE, commonly used in consumer networking devices like routers and switches. Equivalent ICs from other manufacturers include:

• Broadcom BCM53108, BCM5328 for similar multi-port Ethernet solutions with advanced features.

• Marvell 88E6352, 88E6180 for 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switches with PoE and EEE.

• Microchip KSZ8895, LAN8742A for PoE and EEE support in embedded and networking devices.

• Realtek RTL8308, RTL8367 for cost-effective solutions with basic features like PoE and EEE support.

These alternatives offer similar or enhanced functionality, with support for PoE, Energy Efficient Ethernet, and other advanced features for modern networking applications.