Intel® IXF1104 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller

5.5.8Autoscan Operation

The autoscan function allows the 32 registers in each external PHY (up to four) to be stored internally in the IXF1104 MAC. Autoscan is enabled by setting bit 1 of the MDI Control register. When enabled, autoscan runs continuously, reading each PHY register. When a PHY register access is instigated through the CPU interface, the current autoscan register Read is completed before the CPU register access starts. Upon completion of the CPU-induced access, the autoscan functionality restarts from the last autoscan register access.

The“Autoscan PHY Address Enable ($0x682)" determines which PHY addresses are being occupied for each IXF1104 MAC port. The least significant bit (LSB) that is set in the register is Port 0, the next significant bit that is set is assumed to be port 1, and so on. If more than four bits are set, the bits beyond the fourth bit are ignored. If less than four bits are set, the round-robin process returns to the port identified by the LSB being set.

5.6SerDes Interface

The IXF1104 MAC integrates four integrated Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) devices that allow direct connection to optical modules and remove the requirement for external SerDes devices. This increases integration, which reduces the size of the PCB area required to implement this function, reduces total power, reduces silicon and manufacturing costs, and improves reliability. Each SerDes interface is identical and fully compliant with the relevant IEEE 802.3 Specifications, including auto-negotiation. Each port is also compliant with and supports the requirements of the Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), see Section 5.7, “Optical Module Interface” on page 107.

The following sections describe the operations supported by each interface, the configurable options, and the register bits that control these options. A full list of the register addresses and full bit definitions are found in the register maps (Table 59 through Table 69).

5.6.1Features

The SerDes cores are designed to operate in point-to-point data transmission applications. While the core can be used across various media types, such as PCB or backplanes, it is configured specifically for use in 1000BASE-X Ethernet fiber applications in the IXF1104 MAC. The following features are supported.

•10-bit data path, which connects to the output/input of the 8B/10B encoder/decoder PCS that resides in the MAC controller

•Data frequency of 1.25 GHz

•Low power: <200 mW per SerDes port

•Asynchronous clock data recovery

5.6.2Functional Description

The SerDes transmit interface sends serialized data at 1.25 GHz. The interface is differential with two signals for transmit operation. The transmit interface is designed to operate in a 100 Ω differential environment and all the terminations are included on the device. The outputs are high-

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Datasheet

Document Number: 278757

Revision Number: 009

Revision Date: 27-Oct-2005

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Intel IXF1104 manual SerDes Interface, Autoscan Operation, Features, Functional Description
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IXF1104 specifications

The Intel IXF1104 is a cutting-edge Network Interface Controller (NIC) designed to meet the needs of high-speed communication in modern networking environments. As the demand for bandwidth-intensive applications continues to grow, Intel's IXF1104 is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for data centers and enterprise networks.

One of the main features of the IXF1104 is its support for high-speed Ethernet connectivity, providing up to 100 Gbps throughput. This capability allows organizations to handle large amounts of data traffic efficiently, accommodating everything from cloud computing to big data analytics. The NIC utilizes advanced packet processing technology which ensures minimal latency, enhancing the overall user experience.

The IXF1104 is built on a robust architecture that integrates Intel's latest processing technologies. It incorporates a multi-core processing engine that allows for parallel processing of network packets, improving the handling of simultaneous network requests. This architecture also supports offloading features, freeing up CPU resources for other critical tasks, which optimizes system performance.

In terms of technologies, the IXF1104 supports a variety of standards including Ethernet and Fiber Channel, making it versatile across different networking environments. Its compatibility with industry-standard networking protocols ensures that it can easily integrate into existing frameworks, facilitating seamless upgrades and expansions.

Another significant characteristic of the IXF1104 is its energy efficiency. With Intel’s focus on sustainability, this NIC is designed to consume less power relative to its performance output, thereby reducing overall operational costs for organizations. It employs dynamic power management features that adjust power usage based on demand, which is especially beneficial in large-scale deployments.

Additionally, security features are woven into the IXF1104 design, protecting sensitive data from potential threats. Hardware-based security functions, including encryption capabilities and secure boot processes, ensure that the NIC can safeguard data integrity against unauthorized access.

Overall, the Intel IXF1104 stands out in the crowded NIC market by offering high-performance capabilities, energy efficiency, and robust security features. Its combination of advanced technologies and characteristics positions it as a strategic asset for modern networks, empowering organizations to achieve their connectivity and performance goals in an increasingly data-driven world.
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