GSW120A3LC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GSW120A3LC is an Ethernet Switch interface IC manufactured by MaxLinear, Inc., designed for IEEE 802.3 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY applications. This linear IC integrates multiple interface protocols including RGMII, SGMII, SPI, and UART, packaged in a 105-LLGA (8x8) form factor with exposed pad. The device is currently in active production status with 1918 units available in stock. Substitute parts are identified to provide design flexibility when the primary part number is unavailable or when inventory constraints require alternative sourcing options.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Manufacturer Part Number	GSW120A3LC
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.
Category	Interface
Protocol	Ethernet
Function	Switch
Interface Types	RGMII, SGMII, SPI, UART
Standards Compliance	IEEE 802.3, 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY
Voltage Supply Range	1.05V ~ 1.15V
Operating Temperature Range	0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
Package Type	105-VFLGA Exposed Pad
Supplier Device Package	105-LLGA (8x8)
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)
Product Status	Active
Packaging Format	Tray

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the GSW120A3LC are qualified based on strict electrical and mechanical parameter alignment. The following criteria determine substitution eligibility:

Critical Matching Parameters:

Manufacturer: MaxLinear, Inc.
Protocol: Ethernet
Function: Switch
Interface Types: RGMII, SGMII, SPI, UART
Standards Compliance: IEEE 802.3, 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY
Voltage Supply Range: 1.05V ~ 1.15V
Operating Temperature Range: 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
Package Type: 105-VFLGA Exposed Pad
Supplier Device Package: 105-LLGA (8x8)

Both identified substitute parts (GSW140A3LC and GSW141A3LC) meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters required for direct substitution with the GSW120A3LC. Differences in Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) and inventory availability do not affect functional compatibility in applications where the GSW120A3LC is specified.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	GSW120A3LC	GSW140A3LC	GSW141A3LC
Manufacturer	MaxLinear, Inc.	MaxLinear, Inc.	MaxLinear, Inc.
Category	Interface	Interface	Interface
Protocol	Ethernet	Ethernet	Ethernet
Function	Switch	Switch	Switch
Interface Types	RGMII, SGMII, SPI, UART	RGMII, SGMII, SPI, UART	RGMII, SGMII, SPI, UART
Standards Compliance	IEEE 802.3, 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY	IEEE 802.3, 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY	IEEE 802.3, 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY
Voltage Supply Range	1.05V ~ 1.15V	1.05V ~ 1.15V	1.05V ~ 1.15V
Operating Temperature Range	0°C ~ 70°C (TA)	0°C ~ 70°C (TA)	0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
Package Type	105-VFLGA Exposed Pad	105-VFLGA Exposed Pad	105-VFLGA Exposed Pad
Supplier Device Package	105-LLGA (8x8)	105-LLGA (8x8)	105-LLGA (8x8)
Product Status	Active	Active	Active
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	3 (168 Hours)	1 (Unlimited)	1 (Unlimited)
Current Inventory	1918 Pcs	8567 Pcs	3346 Pcs

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All three part numbers (GSW120A3LC, GSW140A3LC, GSW141A3LC) are active products from MaxLinear, Inc., with identical electrical specifications and package configurations. Selection between these parts should be based on:

Availability: GSW140A3LC offers the highest inventory level at 8567 units, followed by GSW141A3LC at 3346 units, and GSW120A3LC at 1918 units.

Moisture Sensitivity: GSW140A3LC and GSW141A3LC feature MSL 1 (Unlimited), providing superior moisture protection compared to GSW120A3LC (MSL 3, 168 Hours). This difference may be relevant for applications with extended storage or high-humidity environments.

Compliance: GSW140A3LC and GSW141A3LC include ECCN classification (5A991B1), which may be required for certain export or regulatory documentation purposes.

All three parts are functionally equivalent for IEEE 802.3 Ethernet switching applications requiring RGMII, SGMII, SPI, and UART interface support within the specified voltage and temperature operating ranges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can GSW140A3LC or GSW141A3LC be used as direct replacements for GSW120A3LC?

A: Yes. Both substitute parts meet all critical electrical and mechanical parameters: identical voltage supply range (1.05V ~ 1.15V), operating temperature range (0°C ~ 70°C), interface types (RGMII, SGMII, SPI, UART), standards compliance (IEEE 802.3, 10/100/1000 Base-T/TX PHY), and package configuration (105-LLGA 8x8). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the significance of the MSL rating difference?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates the maximum time a component can be exposed to moisture before soldering. GSW120A3LC has MSL 3 (168 hours), while GSW140A3LC and GSW141A3LC have MSL 1 (unlimited). For applications with standard manufacturing timelines and storage conditions, this difference is not functionally significant. For extended storage or high-humidity environments, the MSL 1 rated parts offer additional protection.

Q: Are there any pin or footprint differences between these parts?

A: No. All three parts use the identical 105-LLGA (8x8) package with exposed pad configuration. PCB footprints, solder pad layouts, and pin assignments are identical across GSW120A3LC, GSW140A3LC, and GSW141A3LC.

Q: Which part should be selected for new designs?

A: Selection should prioritize current availability and supply chain requirements. GSW140A3LC offers the highest inventory level. All three parts are active products with equivalent technical specifications and are suitable for new design implementations.

Q: Do these parts require different handling or storage procedures?

A: Standard handling procedures apply to all three parts. The MSL 1 rating of GSW140A3LC and GSW141A3LC allows unlimited storage time before soldering, while GSW120A3LC (MSL 3) requires soldering within 168 hours of moisture exposure. Tray packaging is standard for all variants.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message