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→The Ethernet controller: - added some benefits of Ethernet
=== 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 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 two variants of the chip differ (primarily) in packaging and I/O pin count: the CP2201 requires a ''Multiplexed'' Intel Bus interface, saving many pins. The FPGA has been designed around this chip.
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. In addition, due to the wide availability of Ethernet hubs/switches, Ethernet will help to minimize the number of wires that must be run between the control board array and the main computer.
We have selected the Silicon Laboratories CP2200/1 Ethernet controller. The two variants of the chip differ (primarily) in packaging and I/O pin count: the CP2201 requires a ''Multiplexed'' Intel Bus interface, saving many pins. The FPGA has been designed around this chip.
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].