ICS1893AGILF datasheet(34/135 Pages) ICST

34 / 135 page

ICS1893AG, Rev A 04/14/05

April, 2005

Chapter 7 Functional Blocks

ICS1893AG Data Sheet - Preliminary

7.2 Functional Block: Auto-Negotiation

The auto-negotiation logic of the ICS1893AG 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 ICS1893AG 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 ICS1893AG 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

ICS1893AG has the auto-negotiation process enabled and it is operating with a 10Base-T remote link

partner, the ICS1893AG 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 ICS1893AG 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”.)

ICS1893AGILF Datasheet(PDF) 34 Page - Integrated Circuit Systems