Physical layer device having a media independent interface for connecting to either media access control entitices or other physical layer devices
US6154464A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2012/445
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A PHY having a media independent interface (MII) providing connections to a MAC or to another PHY is disclosed. The invention provides a mechanism for connecting a first PHY with a second PHY, wherein the PHY may act as the media access control side of the MII. The system includes a selection means for selecting the mode of operation for the PHY, a MII for providing a synchronous digital interface carrying un-encoded data over separate transmit and receive paths and a translation entity for generating output enables for controlling the flow of the data, wherein the translation entity establishes in response to mode being selected a first flow of data for connecting the PHY to a Media Access Control entity or a second flow of data for connecting the PHY to a second PHY. The translation entity muxes data and control signals based upon the mode selection. A translation synchronization entity is provided. The synchronization entity may includes a 10 Mbps synchronization entity and/or a 100 Mbps synchronization entity. The MII receives a transmit and receive clock from a second PHY when the PHY is connected to a second PHY, and the translation synchronization entity synchronizes the int…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.