BotBlox has introduced SwitchCore, a compact, 40-gram Layer 2 networking module designed to deliver eight-port Fast Ethernet functionality to space- and power-constrained hardware platforms.
Measuring 27.6 × 27.6 × 10.7 mm, the module operates on a 4–40 V input and consumes 1 W of power while housing all required Ethernet circuitry internally. Instead of using cable-mate connectors on the module itself, SwitchCore stacks directly onto a custom carrier board, allowing system engineers to select their own connector types, placement, enclosure layouts, and mechanical integration setups, such as circular connectors, RJ45 ports, board-to-board connections, or custom harnesses.
The module utilizes a 7075 aluminum enclosure that functions simultaneously as a structural chassis and a heatsink, eliminating the need for additional cooling hardware. This physical construction protects the internal electronics against shock, vibration, and environmental ingress, making the hardware suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), ground robotics, industrial systems, and defense payloads.
For network management, the unit features eight galvanically isolated 10/100BASE-T Ethernet ports and ships with embedded BloxOSLite firmware, which enables configuration over a TTL UART interface. Out of the box, the system supports port management, VLAN configuration, and port statistics, with broader Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing capabilities currently in development. A plug-and-play development platform, the SwitchCore Baseboard, is also available for hardware evaluation prior to full integration.
