ICS1892 Datasheet, PDF (35/148 Pages) Integrated Circuit Systems – 10Base-T/100Base-TX Integrated PHYceiver

ICS1892
Chapter 7 Functional Blocks
7.2 Functional Block: Auto-Negotiation
The auto-negotiation logic of the ICS1892 has the following main functions:
• To determine the capabilities of the remote link partner, (that is, the device at the other end of the link
segment’s medium or cable)
• To advertise the capabilities of the ICS1892 to the remote link partner
• To establish a protocol with the remote link partner using the highest-performance operating mode that
they have in common
The design of the ICS1892 Auto-Negotiation sublayer supports both legacy 10Base-T connections as well
as new connections that have multiple technology options for the link. For example, when the ICS1892 has
the auto-negotiation process enabled and it is operating with a 10Base-T remote link partner, the ICS1892
monitors the link and automatically selects the 10Base-T operating mode – even though the remote link
partner does not support auto-negotiation. This process, called parallel detection, is automatic and
transparent to the remote link partner and allows the ICS1892 to function seamlessly with existing legacy
network structures without any management intervention.
(For an overview of the auto-negotiation process, see Section 5.4, “Auto-Negotiation Operations”.)
ICS1892, Rev. D, 2/26/01
© 2000-2001, Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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February 26, 2001