ICS1893AF Data Sheet - Release
Chapter 7 Functional Blocks
7.2 Functional Block: Auto-Negotiation
The auto-negotiation logic of the ICS1893AF 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 ICS1893AF 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 ICS1893AF 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
ICS1893AF has the auto-negotiation process enabled and it is operating with a 10Base-T remote link
partner, the ICS1893AF 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 ICS1893AF 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”.)
ICS1893AF, Rev. D 10/26/04
October, 2004
Copyright © 2004, Integrated Circuit Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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IDT [ INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY ]
