RTL8100B(L)
2. General Description
The Realtek RTL8100B(L) is a highly integrated, cost-effective single-chip Fast Ethernet controller that provides 32-bit
performance, PCI bus master capability, and full compliance with IEEE 802.3u 100Base-T 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 RTL8100B(L) does not support CardBus mode as the RTL8139C does.
In addition to the ACPI feature, the RTL8100B(L) also supports remote wake-up (including AMD Magic Packet, LinkChg, and
Microsoft
®
wake-up frame) in both ACPI and APM environments. The RTL8100B(L) 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 RTL8100B(L)
is ready and waiting for the 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 RTL8100B(L) LWAKE
pin provides motherboards with Wake-On-LAN (WOL) functionality.
The RTL8100B(L) also supports Analog Auto-Power-down, that is, the analog part of the RTL8100B(L) can be shut down
temporarily according to user requirements or when the RTL8100B(L) 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 RTL8100B(L) will be negligible. The RTL8100B(L)
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.
The PCI Vital Product Data(VPD) is also supported to provide the information that uniquely identifies hardware (i.e., the OEM
brand name of RTL8100B(L) LAN card). The information may consist of part number, serial number, and other detailed
information.
To provide cost down support, the RTL8100B(L) is capable of using a 25MHz crystal or OSC as its internal clock source.
The RTL8100B(L) 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 RTL8100B(L) is also capable of receiving packets with
InterFrameGap no less than 40 Bit-Time. The RTL8100B(L) is highly integrated and requires no “glue” logic or external
memory.
2001-11-9
3
Rev.1.41
ETC [ ETC ]
