AVB Switch Reference Design

The AVB Switch Reference Design is a 10-port Ethernet switch optimized for audio and video networking. Featuring AVB and TSN standards, it includes eight RJ45 ports (100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s PoE) and two SFP cages for fiber or copper connections. Powered by JOYNED’s AVB software stack, it ensures seamless integration, Avnu certification support, and robust performance for live sound, studio production, and commercial AV installations.

Product details: 

• Switch Silicon:
  • Marvell 88E6390: A high-performance Ethernet switch IC with advanced features:
    • 11-port non-blocking architecture with eight 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet PHYs.
    • Two SFP ports supporting 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, or 10 Gbps uplinks.
    • IEEE 802.1 AVB and TSN standards support, including precise timing protocols, low-latency traffic shaping, and stream reservation (SRP).

• Host Microcontroller:
  • STM32H742: A high-performance microcontroller based on a dual-core Arm Cortex-M7 and M4 architecture with key features:
    • Up to 550 MHz CPU speed for real-time data processing.
    • Integrated peripherals for networking, debugging, and power management.
    • High memory capacity and advanced security features.
      More details available on the STM32H742 product page.

• JOYNED AVB Software:
  • Comprehensive Protocol Support: Includes IEEE 802.1BA (AVB), IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP), IEEE 802.1Q (MVRP, MSRP, VLAN), and IEEE 802.1D/s/w (RSTP).
  • Platform Independence: Runs on Linux using pthreads/sockets or bare-metal systems with RTOS such as FreeRTOS or uC/OS.
  • Switch Fabric Independence: Compatible with Marvell switch ICs, including the 88E6390, via an adaptation layer.
  • Optimized for Performance: Efficient memory allocation, CPU traffic protection, and compliance with Avnu/Milan standards.
  • Application Interface: Enables runtime configuration, advanced logging, and clock relationship management between the system clock, fabric clock, and grandmaster (GM) clock. 

Features

• Port Configuration:
  • 8 x RJ45 Ports: Supporting 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s speeds with PoE capability.
  • 2 x SFP Ports: For high-speed modular connections.
• Monitoring and Debugging:
  • USB Interface: Accessible on the rear panel for system monitoring.
  • 1PPS Signal Output: Internally accessible for precise network time synchronization analysis.
• Power Supply Requirements:
  • The unit operates on a standard 12V DC input.
  • Important Note: An additional power supply is required to utilize the PoE feature on the RJ45 ports.
• Standards Compliance: Full support for IEEE 802.1 AVB/TSN for time-sensitive traffic.
• Performance: High-speed, non-blocking architecture ensures low-latency data delivery.
• Compact Design: Suitable for rack-mounted installations with minimal footprint. Form Factor designed to fit into 9.5” / 1RU enclosure.