Preface

Read This First

About This Manual

The ThunderLAN Programmer's Guide assists you in using the following implementations of ThunderLAN networking hardware:

-TNETE100A Ethernett controller

-TNETE110A Ethernet controller

-TNETE211 100 VG-AnyLAN physical media interface (PMI)

How to Use This Manual

The goal of this book is to assist you in the development of drivers for the ThunderLAN controllers. This document contains the following chapters:

-Chapter 1, ThunderLAN Overview, describes some Texas Instruments-specific hardware features. These include the enhanced media independent interface (MII), which passes interrupts from an attached physical interface (PHY) to the host.

-Chapter 2, ThunderLAN Registers, shows how to access the various ThunderLAN registers and how to use these registers to access external devices attached to ThunderLAN.

-Chapter 3, Initializing and Resetting, discusses how to initialize and reset the controller and the attached PHYs.

-Chapter 4, Interrupt Handling, describes what happens when interrupts occur and how to correct failure conditions.

-Chapter 5, List Structures, describes how to pass data to ThunderLAN using a system of linked list structures.

-Chapter 6, Transmitting and Receiving Frames, explains the format and procedure for transmitting and receiving, as well as the linked list structure required.

-Chapter 7, Physical Interface, discusses the features of ThunderLAN which support IEEE 802.3- and 802.12-compliant devices.

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TNETE110A, TNETE211, TNETE100A specifications

Texas Instruments has been a leader in developing innovative semiconductor solutions, and their Ethernet PHY (Physical Layer Transceiver) family, specifically the TNETE100A, TNETE211, and TNETE110A, exemplifies this commitment to excellence. These devices are designed to address the needs of a variety of applications, ranging from industrial automation to consumer electronics.

The TNETE100A is a highly versatile Ethernet PHY capable of supporting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity. One of its main features is the low power consumption, which makes it an ideal choice for battery-operated devices. It incorporates advanced power management technologies, ensuring that the device operates efficiently while maintaining high performance. The TNETE100A also supports Auto-Negotiation, allowing for seamless communication between devices at different speeds, thereby enhancing flexibility in network configurations.

Moving to the TNETE211, this device supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, making it suitable for high-speed networking applications. This PHY integrates features such as Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which reduces power consumption during low-traffic periods, aligning with the contemporary demand for energy efficiency in networking equipment. The TNETE211 is engineered with robust EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) performance and provides multiple interface options, making it a versatile choice for embedded systems and networking applications.

The TNETE110A stands out in the lineup as a sophisticated device that supports both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. This PHY utilizes advanced signal processing techniques to ensure superior link robustness and performance in noisy environments. Its features include an integrated transformer driver, which simplifies PCB design and allows for compact device layouts. Additionally, the TNETE110A is designed to be fully compliant with Ethernet standards, ensuring reliable interoperability with other network components.

All three PHYs leverage Texas Instruments' expertise in integrated circuit design, resulting in low jitter and high signal integrity, essential for modern communication standards. They are optimized for a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for harsh industrial applications. With built-in diagnostic capabilities, these devices also enable efficient fault detection and troubleshooting in network infrastructures.

In summary, the Texas Instruments TNETE100A, TNETE211, and TNETE110A are exemplary Ethernet PHY devices, each tailored to meet specific networking needs while adhering to stringent efficiency and performance criteria. Their advanced features, technologies, and reliability make them pivotal components in today's fast-paced digital landscape.