List Management

can keep the transmit and receive channels continuously open by freeing up buffers and relinking lists faster than frames are transferred by ThunderLAN. This is important in receive operations where the Rx channel must be open continuously to avoid losing frames from the network.

All list processing and management operations are done in host memory. The driver only needs to access ThunderLAN's internal registers when opening transmit or receive channels, when acknowledging the number of frames that it has processed, or when reading the controller statistics.

Figure 5±2. Linked List Management Technique

Pointer to 2

00000000h

Pointer to 2

Pointer to 3

Pointer to 3

00000000h

00000000h

Pointer to 1

Pointer to 1

Figure 5±2 is an example of a typical three-list management technique, where the pointers are relinked sequentially. The lists are linked by pointing the for- ward pointer in the previous list to the address of the next list.

The first list structure is shown on the left where list 1's forward pointer points to the physical address of list 2, and list 2's forward pointer points to the physi- cal address of list 3. List 3 has a forward pointer equal to 0x00000000h.

When ThunderLAN uses list 1, it updates the CSTAT field to show frame completion. The driver must look at the CSTAT to determine when to update the pointers. When the Frm_Cmp bit is set in the CSTAT, the driver can free up the list and the buffers. It does so by clearing the CSTAT, setting the forward pointer to 0, and writing the physical address of the forward pointer of the last list in the chain. If done quickly enough, the driver can continue to append the lists and implement a continuous transmit or receive channel. Figure 5±2 shows how the list pointers look during this appending process.

List Structures

5-3

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Texas Instruments TNETE211, TNETE110A, TNETE100A manual ±2. Linked List Management Technique
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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.
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