A Look Inside

This switch is expensive, but that didn't stop us from taking it apart to check on its internal quality. We will start with the PSU since it is the most important part for a product that is to operate around the clock under sub-optimal conditions for many years in a row.


The power supply is by Delta Electronics, one of the best PSU manufacturers around. Its model number is DPS-250AP, and a quick online search shows it to be a popular PSU for a variety of products. Delta Electronics used nothing but high quality components to make it as reliable as possible since the switch will be called upon to operate around the clock. A half-bridge topology is utilized in the primary side, while the secondary side uses a synchronous design since fets regulate the +12V rail.


Although it reads DPS-400AP right under the Delta logo, its real model number is DPS-250AP. The designation is a to the right of the logo.


The transient filter consists of four Y and two X caps, two CM chokes, and two MOVs. There is usually only a single MOV, but Delta Electronics chose to go with two in this particular case because the PSU will be called upon to operate around the clock. There is also an NTC thermistor with its corresponding relay that isolates it from the circuit after the PSU's start-up phase completes, which protects the PSU from large inrush currents.


The bridge rectifier is bolted to a dedicated heatsink. Its model number is GSIB2580, and it is provided by Vishay. This rectifier is too strong for the PSU, so we can't help but wonder why a smaller one wasn't used. Next to the bridge rectifier is a component with Delta's logo and a "Z113090807" marking on it.


A single Infineon SPW15N60C3 and an STMicroelectronics BYC8X-600 boost diode are used in the APFC converter. The bulk cap with a capacity of 270 uF and a rating of 105°C is by Rubycon, and the PFC controller on the mainboard's solder side is an Infineon ICE2PCS02 IC.


Two Fuji FMV11N60ES mosfets in a half-bridge topology act as main switchers. The PWM controller is most likely a DDA014 IC for which there was no information available online.


The offline PWM controller is an Infineon ICE3RBR4765JZ IC.


Three Infineon IPA032N06N3 G fets in the secondary side regulate the +12V rail, and the PWM controller that controls these fets is an MP6922A IC. By Rubycon and rated at 105°C, all filtering capacitors are also of high quality.


As per usual for a Delta-made product, the PSU's soldering quality is top notch. At the rear of the mainboard are two ICs, an LM2901 and an LM393a. The first IC is a quad-differential comparator and the second is a dual-differential comparator. Both ICs are most likely used by the PSU's protection circuits.


Here is a nice view of the PSU's internals.


Here are a couple closeups of the cooper and fiber ports.


The switch's front panel hosts a small PCB onto which the LED indicators are installed.


The heatsinks are huge since operating temperatures must be kept as low as possible to make sure sensitive components aren't put under too much duress. This switch will operate around the clock and possible under sub-optimal conditions, so Netgear had to make sure its components are cooled down well.


Four 40mm Delta fans of high quality remove the heat from inside of the switch. Their model number is AFB0412SHB (12V, 0.35A), and they will produce a ton of noise at full speed. While these do operate at lower speeds under normal conditions, their bearings are still loud. However, these double ball-bearings will definitely last for a very long time.


Here is the switch's flash memory module, a Micron 2 Gbit MT29F2G08 IC.


Three NXP 74LVC08AD logic ICs are soldered onto the PCB, side by side.


We found ten CSD16321Q5 and two CSD16322Q5 fets by Texas Instruments on the mainboard, along with a couple TPS40140 buck controllers.


Here are a pair of CSD16321Q5 fets and a TPS53219 buck controller.


A MA3232C IC takes care of the serial communication interface most likely used for service purposes.


Several polymer caps on the mainboard filter the DC voltages that feed various parts of the switch.


We also found a dual N-channel fet with model number STS10DN3LH5 (30V, 10A @ 100°C, 0.021 Ohm).