GD82559ER — Networkin g Silicon

4.2.5.2Link Status Change Event

The 82559ER link status indication circuit is capable of issuing a PME on a link status change from a valid link to an invalid link condition or vice versa. The 82559ER reports a PME link status event in all power states. The PME# signal is gated by the PME Enable bit in the PMCSR and the CSMA Configure command, which is described in the Software Developer’s Manual.

4.3Parallel Flash Interface

The 82559ER’s parallel interface is used primarily as a Flash interface. The 82559ER supports a glueless interface to an 8-bit wide, 128 Kbyte, parallel memory device.

The Flash (or boot PROM) is read from or written to whenever the host CPU performs a read or a write operation to a memory location that is within the Flash mapping window. All accesses to the Flash, except read accesses, require the appropriate command sequence for the device used. (Refer to the specific Flash data sheet for more details on reading from or writing to the Flash device.) The accesses to the Flash are based on a direct decode of CPU accesses to a memory window defined in either the 82559ER Flash Base Address Register (PCI Configuration space at offset 18H) or the Expansion ROM Base Address Register (PCI Configuration space at offset 30H). The 82559ER asserts control to the Flash when it decodes a valid access.

The 82559ER supports an external Flash memory (or boot PROM) of up to 128 Kbyte. The Expansion ROM BAR can be separately disabled by setting the corresponding bit in the EEPROM, word AH.

Note: Flash accesses must always be assembled or disassembled by the 82559ER whenever the access is greater than a byte-wide access. Due to slow access times to a typical Flash and to avoid violating PCI bus holding specifications (no more than 16 wait states inserted for any cycles that are not system initiation cycles), the maximum data size is either one word or one byte for a read operation and one byte only for a write operation.

4.4Serial EEPROM Interface

The serial EEPROM stores configuration data for the 82559ER and is a serial in/serial out device. The 82559ER supports a either a 64 register or 256 register size EEPROM and automatically detects the EEPROM’s size. The EEPROM should operate at a frequency of at least 1 MHz.

28

Datasheet

Page 34
Image 34
Intel GD82559ER manual Parallel Flash Interface, Serial Eeprom Interface, Link Status Change Event

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.