DM9331
100 Mbps Twisted Pair/Fiber Ethernet Media Converter Chip
Preliminary 15
Version: DM9331-DS-P02
September 21, 2001
4B5B Decoder
The 4B5B Decoder functions as a look-up table that
translates incoming 5B code groups into 4B (Nibble) data.
When receiving a frame, the first 2 5-bit code groups
received are the start-of-frame delimiter (J/K symbols). The
J/K symbol pair is stripped and two nibbles of preamble
pattern are substituted. The last two code groups are the
end-of-frame delimiter (T/R symbols).
The T/R symbol pair is also stripped from the nibble
presented to the Reconciliation layer.
Auto-Negotiation
The objective of Auto-negotiation is to provide a means to
exchange information between segment linked devices and
to automatically configure both devices to take maximum
advantage of their abilities. It is important to note that Auto-
negotiation does not test the link segment characteristics.
The Auto-Negotiation function provides a means for a device
to advertise supported modes of operation to a remote link
partner, acknowledge the receipt and understanding of
common modes of operation, and to reject un-shared
modes of operation. This allows devices on both ends of a
segment to establish a link at the best common mode of
operation. If more than one common mode exists between
the two devices, a mechanism is provided to allow the
devices to resolve to a single mode of operation using a
predetermined priority resolution function.
Auto-negotiation also provides a parallel detection function
for devices that do not support the Auto-negotiation feature.
During Parallel detection there is no exchange of
configuration information, instead, the receive signal is
examined. If it is discovered that the signal matches a
technology that the receiving device supports, a connection
will be automatically established using that technology. This
allows devices that do not support Auto-negotiation but
support a common mode of operation to establish a link.