GD82559ER — Networkin g Silicon

4.2PCI Interface

4.2.182559ER Bus Operations

After configuration, the 82559ER is ready for normal operation. As a Fast Ethernet controller, the role of the 82559ER is to access transmitted data or deposit received data. In both cases the 82559ER, as a bus master device, will initiate memory cycles via the PCI bus to fetch or deposit the required data.

To perform these actions, the 82559ER is controlled and examined by the CPU via its control and status structures and registers. Some of these control and status structures reside in the 82559ER and some reside in system memory. For access to the 82559ER’s Control/Status Registers (CSR), the 82559ER acts as a slave (in other words, a target device). The 82559ER serves as a slave also while the CPU accesses its 128 Kbyte Flash buffer or its EEPROM. Section 4.2.1.1 describes the 82559ER slave operation. It is followed by a description of the 82559ER operation as a bus master (initiator) in Section 4.2.1.2, “82559ER Bus Master Operation” on page 18 .

4.2.1.182559ER Bus Slave Operation

The 82559ER serves as a target device in one of the following cases:

CPU accesses to the 82559ER System Control Block (SCB) Control/Status Registers (CSR)

CPU accesses to the EEPROM through its CSR

CPU accesses to the 82559ER PORT address via the CSR

CPU accesses to the MDI control register in the CSR

CPU accesses to the Flash control register in the CSR

CPU accesses to the 128 Kbyte Flash

The CSR and the Flash buffer are considered by the 82559ER as two totally separated memory spaces. The 82559ER provides separate Base Address Registers (BARs) in the configuration space to distinguish between them. The size of the CSR memory space is 4 Kbyte in the memory space and 64 bytes in the I/O space. The 82559ER treats accesses to these memory spaces differently.

4.2.1.1.1Control/Status Register (CSR) Accesses

The 82559ER supports zero wait-state single-cycle memory or I/O-mapped accesses to its CSR space. Separate BARs request 4 Kbytes of memory space and 64 bytes of I/O space to accomplish this. Based on its needs, the software driver will use either memory or I/O mapping to access these registers. The 4 Kbytes of CSR space the 82559ER requests include the following elements:

System Control Block (SCB) registers

PORT register

Flash control register

EEPROM control register

MDI control register

Flow control registers

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Datasheet

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Intel GD82559ER manual PCI Interface, 1 82559ER Bus Operations, 1.1 82559ER Bus Slave Operation

GD82559ER specifications

The Intel GD82559ER is a highly regarded network interface controller (NIC) designed for use in various computing environments, primarily for stable connectivity in both desktop and server applications. Released as part of the 82559 family of Ethernet controllers, the GD82559ER features advanced technologies that enhance performance, reliability, and manageability.

One of the standout features of the 82559ER is its ability to support both 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. This dual capability allows the controller to operate in a wide range of network settings, making it adaptable to legacy systems while also providing support for modern Ethernet standards. This versatility is crucial for organizations looking to maintain operational effectiveness without the need for immediate upgrades to their existing infrastructure.

The GD82559ER employs a PCI interface, which allows it to connect with various devices and motherboards easily, making it a go-to choice for manufacturers aiming for integration in their systems. It also includes features like Auto-Negotiation, enabling the NIC to automatically detect and select the appropriate speed and duplex mode for optimal performance. This capability is essential in dynamic networking environments, where devices from various generations coexist.

Power management is another critical aspect of the GD82559ER. The controller supports advanced power-saving features like PCI Power Management, reducing energy consumption during low-usage periods. This not only contributes to lower operational costs but also aligns with modern eco-friendly initiatives in technology.

Additionally, the GD82559ER comes equipped with advanced diagnostics and monitoring capabilities. This enhances the network's manageability by allowing administrators to track performance metrics and diagnose issues effectively. Through its onboard diagnostics, the controller aids in ensuring a stable network connection, allowing for timely interventions when issues arise.

The controller is also designed with a robust architecture that supports various operating systems, facilitating a broad implementation across different platforms. As a result, the GD82559ER has become a reliable option for system builders and enterprises focused on building dependable networking solutions.

Overall, the Intel GD82559ER is a versatile, high-performance network interface controller that continues to serve as a foundational component for computer systems that require efficient, reliable networking capabilities. Its combination of technologies and features makes it a popular choice in diverse computing environments.