Intel® IXF1104 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller

speed SerDes and are capable of operating in either an AC- or DC-coupled environment. AC coupling is recommended for this interface to ensure that the correct input bias current is supplied at the receiver.

The SerDes receive interface receives serialized data at 1.25 GHz. The interface is differential with two signals for the receive operation. The equalizer receives a differential signal that is equalized for the assumed media channel. The SerDes transmit and receive interfaces are designed to operate within a 100 Ω differential environment and all terminations are included on the device. The SerDes is capable of operating in either AC- or DC-coupled environments.

5.6.2.1Transmitter Operational Overview

The transmit section of the IXF1104 MAC has to serialize the Ten Bit Interface (TBI) data from the IXF1104 MAC MAC section and outputs this data at 1.25 GHz differential signal levels. The

1.25GHz differential SerDes signals are compliant with the Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) Multi-Source Agreement (MSA).

The transmitter section takes the contents of the data register within the MAC and synchronously transfers the data out, ten bits at a time – Least Significant Bit (LSB) first, followed by the next Most Significant Bit (MSB). When these ten bits have been serialized and transmitted, the next word of 10-bit data from the MAC is ready to be serialized for transmission.

The data is transmitted by the high-speed current mode differential SerDes output stage using an internal 1.25 GHz clock generated from the 125 MHz clock input.

5.6.2.2Transmitter Programmable Driver-Power Levels

The IXF1104 MAC SerDes core has programmable transmitter power levels to enhance usability

in any given application.The SerDes Registers are programmable to allow adjustment of the transmit core driver output power. When driving a 100 Ω differential terminated network, these output power settings effectively establish the differential voltage swings at the driver output.

The “TX Driver Power Level Ports 0 - 3 ($0x784)" allows the selection of four discrete power settings. The selected power setting of these inputs is applied to each of the transmit core drivers on a per-port basis. Table 29 “SerDes Driver TX Power Levels” lists the normalized power settings of the transmit drivers as a function of the Driver Power Control inputs. The normalized current setting is 10 mA, which corresponds to the normalized power setting of 1.0. This is the default setting of the IXF1104 MAC SerDes interface. Other values listed in the Normalized Driver Power Setting column are multiples of 10 mA. For example, with inputs at 1110, the driver power is the following:

.5 x 10 mA = 5 mA.

Table 29. SerDes Driver TX Power Levels

 

 

 

 

Normalized

 

DRVPWRx[3]

DRVPWRx[2]

DRVPWRx[1]

DRVPWRx[0]

Driver Power

Driver Power

 

 

 

 

Setting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

1

1

1.33

13.3 mA

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: All other values are reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Datasheet

104

Document Number: 278757

Revision Number: 009

Revision Date: 27-Oct-2005

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Intel IXF1104 manual Transmitter Operational Overview, Transmitter Programmable Driver-Power Levels
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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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