RTL8101L
Datasheet
1. General Description
The Realtek RTL8101L is a highly integrated and cost-effective single-chip Fast Ethernet controller that
provides 32-bit performance, PCI bus master capability, and full compliance with IEEE 802.3u
100Base-TX specifications and IEEE 802.3x Full Duplex Flow Control. It also supports the Advanced
Configuration Power management Interface (ACPI), PCI power management for modern operating
systems that are capable of Operating System Directed Power Management (OSPM) to achieve the most
efficient power management possible. The RTL8101L no longer supports CardBus mode (the RTL8139C
does).
In addition to the ACPI feature, the RTL8101L supports remote wake-up (including AMD Magic Packet,
LinkChg, and Microsoft® wake-up frame) in both ACPI and APM environments. The RTL8101L is
capable of performing an internal reset through the application of auxiliary power. When auxiliary power is
applied and the main power remains off, the RTL8101L is ready and waiting for a Magic Packet or Link
Change to wake the system up. Also, the LWAKE pin provides 4 different output signals including active
high, active low, positive pulse, and negative pulse. The versatility of the RTL8101L LWAKE pin provides
motherboards with Wake-On-LAN (WOL) functionality.
The RTL8101L also supports Analog Auto-Power-down, that is, the analog part of the RTL8101L can be
shut down temporarily according to user requirements or when the RTL8101L is in a power down state with
the wakeup function disabled. In addition, when the analog part is shut down and the IsolateB pin is low
(i.e. the main power is off), then both the analog and digital parts stop functioning and the power
consumption of the RTL8101L is negligible. The RTL8101L also supports an auxiliary power auto-detect
function, and will auto-configure related bits of their own PCI power management registers in PCI
configuration space.
PCI Vital Product Data (VPD) is also supported to provide the information that uniquely identifies
hardware (i.e., the OEM brand name of the RTL8101L LAN card). The information may consist of part
number, serial number, and other detailed information.
To provide cost down support, the RTL8101L is capable of using a 25MHz crystal or OSC as its internal
clock source.
The RTL8101L keeps network maintenance costs low and eliminates usage barriers. It is the easiest way to
upgrade a network from 10 to 100Mbps. It also supports full-duplex operation, making 200Mbps
bandwidth possible at no additional cost. To improve compatibility with other brands’ products, the
RTL8101L is also capable of receiving packets with InterFrameGap no less than 40 Bit-Time. The
RTL8101L is highly integrated and requires no ‘glue’ logic or external memory.
The RTL8101L includes a PCI and Expansion Memory Share Interface (Realtek patent) for a boot ROM
and can be used in diskless workstations, providing maximum network security and ease of management.
Single-Chip Fast Ethernet Controller and MC’97
Controller w/Power Management
1
Track ID: JATR-1076-21 Rev. 1.5
REALTEK [ Realtek Semiconductor Corp. ]
