
3.3V Dual-Speed Fast Ethernet Transceiver Datasheet
—
LXT972A
Datasheet
17
3.2
Network Media / Protocol Support
The LXT972A supports both 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet over twisted-pair.
3.2.1
10/100 Network Interface
The network interface port consists of two differential signal pairs. Refer to
Table 3
for specific pin
assignments.
The LXT972A output drivers generate either 100BASE-TX or 10BASE-T. When not transmitting
data, the LXT972A generates 802.3-compliant link pulses or idle code. Input signals are decoded
either as a 100BASE-TX or 10BASE-T input, depending on the mode selected. Auto-negotiation/
parallel detection or manual control is used to determine the speed of this interface.
3.2.1.1
Twisted-Pair Interface
The LXT972A supports either 100BASE-TX or 10BASE-T connections over 100
,
Category
5,
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. When operating at 100Mbps, the LXT972A continuously
transmits and receives MLT3 symbols. When not transmitting data, the LXT972A generates
“
IDLE
”
symbols.
During 10Mbps operation, Manchester-encoded data is exchanged. When no data is being
exchanged, the line is left in an idle state. Link pulses are transmitted periodically to keep the link
up.
Only a transformer, RJ-45 connector, load resistor, and bypass capacitors are required to complete
this interface. On the transmit side, the LXT972A has an active internal termination and does not
require external termination resistors. Intel's patented waveshaping technology shapes the outgoing
signal to help reduce the need for external EMI filters. Four slew rate settings (refer to
Table 4 on
page 14
) allow the designer to match the output waveform to the magnetic characteristics. On the
receive side, the internal impedance is high enough that it has no practical effect on the external
termination circuit.
3.2.1.2
Fault Detection and Reporting
The LXT972A supports one fault detection and reporting mechanism.
“
Remote Fault
”
refers to a
MAC-to-MAC communication function that is essentially transparent to PHY layer devices. It is
used only during Auto-Negotiation, and therefore is applicable only to twisted-pair links.
“
Far-End
Fault
”
, on the other hand, is an optional PMA-layer function that may be embedded within PHY
devices. The LXT972A supports only the Remote Fault Function, explained in the paragraph that
follows.
Remote Fault
Bit 4.13 in the Auto-Negotiation Advertisement Register is reserved for Remote Fault indications.
It is typically used when re-starting the auto-negotiation sequence to indicate to the link partner
that the link is down because the advertising device detected a fault.