SMSC has introduced its second-generation 10/100 Mbps “non-PCI” Ethernet controller, designed for use with simple embedded processors that lack a PCI bus. The LAN9118 targets devices that stream multimedia over Ethernet, such as IP set-top boxes and home gateways. It is available with Linux drivers.

SMSC claims that Ethernet is becoming an attractive medium for streaming media due to its ease of use. The LAN9118 can save costs and reduce design complexity in Ethernet streaming devices, it says, by not requiring a PCI bus. Many embedded processors — including ARM, XScale, and SuperH SoCs — do not include a PCI bus.

The LAN9118 connects to the embedded processor via an “SRAM-like” interface. The chip can support high data rates without packet loss, the company says, due to large memory buffers, fast bus cycle times, and built-in support for flow control. It can support multiple streams of high-definition video, according to SMSC.

LAN9118 block diagram
(Click image for larger view)

Key features of the LAN9118 include:

• Power Management:
  • Wake-on-LAN
  • Multiple low-power modes
• Built-in flow control support
  • Internal SRAM can store over 200 packets
  • Prevents receive memory from overflowing
  • Uses either 802.3 “PAUSE” packets or “back-pressure” (half-duplex links)
• Simple SRAM system interface
  • 32-bit interface with very fast bus cycle times
  • Interfaces to any embedded processor
  • Requires own chip select
• Driver support for multiple processors and operating systems
  • Processors — SH3/4, Xscale, ST, Peaks, others
  • Operating Systems — Linux, WinCE, others to follow. Drivers will be made available as customers sign software license agreements. Check the company's website for current availability.

 
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