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=== The Ethernet controller ===
=== The Ethernet controller ===
After researching a variety of communication buses, including USB, I<sup>2</sup>C, FireWire, and various others, it was decided that the best choice would be [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet Ethernet]. Ethernet is based on a multi-layer protocol, with each higher layer adding more advanced capabilities. Only layers one and two are necessary for our purposes, being a local network not connected to a true internet. We have selected the Silicon Laboratories CP2200/1 Ethernet controller. The CP2200 and CP2201 are the same chip with the differences lying (primarily) in packaging and I/O pin count. Likely the CP2201 (the smaller chip) will prove sufficient, however as of June 2007 that decision has not been finalized. The CP2200/1 supplies layers one and two automatically and can interface with the FPGA through a parallel bus described by the CP2200/1 data sheet.
After researching a variety of communication buses, including USB, I<sup>2</sup>C, FireWire, and various others, it was decided that the best choice would be Ethernet. Ethernet is based on a multi-layer protocol, with each higher layer adding more advanced capabilities. Only layers one and two are necessary for our purposes, being a local network not connected to a true internet. We have selected the Silicon Laboratories CP2200/1 Ethernet controller. The CP2200 and CP2201 are the same chip with the differences lying (primarily) in packaging and I/O pin count. Likely the CP2201 (the smaller chip) will prove sufficient, however as of June 2007 that decision has not been finalized. The CP2200/1 supplies layers one and two automatically and can interface with the FPGA through a parallel bus described by the CP2200/1 data sheet.
The data sheet and other information regarding the Ethernet controller can be downloaded from the [http://www.silabs.com/tgwWebApp/public/web_content/products/Microcontrollers/Interface/en/CP220x.htm Silicon Laboratories website].
The data sheet and other information regarding the Ethernet controller can be downloaded from the [http://www.silabs.com/tgwWebApp/public/web_content/products/Microcontrollers/Interface/en/CP220x.htm Silicon Laboratories website].