Networking Silicon — GD82559ER

1.Introduction

1.1GD82559ER Overview

The 82559ER is part of Intel's second generation family of fully integrated 10BASE-T/100BASE- TX LAN solutions. The 82559ER consists of both the Media Access Controller (MAC) and the physical layer (PHY) combined into a single component solution. 82559 family members build on the basic functionality of the 82558 and contain power management enhancements.

The 82559ER is a 32-bit PCI controller that features enhanced scatter-gather bus mastering capabilities which enables the 82559ER to perform high-speed data transfers over the PCI bus.The 82559ER bus master capabilities enable the component to process high-level commands and perform multiple operations, thereby off-loading communication tasks from the system CPU. Two large transmit and receive FIFOs of 3 Kbytes each help prevent data underruns and overruns, allowing the 82559ER to transmit data with minimum interframe spacing (IFS).

The 82559ER can operate in either full duplex or half duplex mode. In full duplex mode the 82559ER adheres to the IEEE 802.3x Flow Control specification. Half duplex performance is enhanced by a proprietary collision reduction mechanism.

The 82559ER includes a simple PHY interface to the wire transformer at rates of 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX, and Auto-Negotiation capability for speed, duplex, and flow control. These features and others reduce cost, real estate, and design complexity.

The 82559ER also includes an interface to a serial (4-pin) EEPROM and a parallel interface to a 128 Kbyte Flash memory. The EEPROM provides power-on initialization for hardware and software configuration parameters

1.2Suggested Reading

The 82559 family of devices are designed to be compliant with PC industry power management initiatives. This includes the ACPI, PCI Power Management Specification, Network Device Class specification, etc. See the following publicaitons for more information about these topics.

•PCI Specification, PCI Special Interest Group.

•Network Device Class Reference, Revision 1.0, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and Toshiba.

•Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Specification, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Toshiba.

•Advanced Power Management (APM) Specification, Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation.

•82559 Fast Ethernet Multifunction PCI/CardBus Controller Datasheet, Intel Corporation.

•LAN On Motherboard (LOM) Design Guide Application Note (AP-391), Intel Corporation.

•Test Access Port Applications Note (AP-393), Intel Corporation.

Datasheet

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Intel manual Introduction, GD82559ER Overview, Suggested Reading
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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.
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