---
name: "bcma"
section: "4freebsd"
platform: "linux"
package: "freebsd-manpages"
version: "12.2-2"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/bcma/4freebsd"
---

# bcma(4freebsd)

Broadcom AMBA Backplane driver

## NAME

**bcma** – Broadcom AMBA Backplane driver

## SYNOPSIS

To compile this driver into the kernel, add the following lines to the kernel configuration file:

**device bhnd** **device bcma**

To load the driver as a module at boot, add this line to [loader.conf(5)](/loader.conf/5.md):

```
bcma_load="YES"
```

## DESCRIPTION

The **bcma** driver provides [bhnd(4)](/bhnd/4.md) support for devices using the ARM AMBA-based backplane architecture found in later Broadcom Home Networking Division's network chipsets and embedded systems.

A common interconnect connects all of the backplane's functional blocks. These functional blocks, known as cores, use the ARM AMBA AXI or APB interface to communicate with devices attached to the interconnect.

The IP cores used in [siba(4)](/siba/4.md) devices were adapted by Broadcom for compatibility with the new interconnect.

## SEE ALSO

[bhnd(4)](/bhnd/4.md), [intro(4)](/intro/4.md), [siba(4)](/siba/4.md)

## HISTORY

The **bcma** device driver first appeared in FreeBSD 11.0.

## AUTHORS

The **bcma** driver was written by Landon Fuller ⟨*landonf@FreeBSD.org*⟩.