Ethernet Controller

Overview

ASIC proven high-performance, feature-rich network interface solution designed to deliver reliable, low-latency Ethernet connectivity

The Ethernet Controller is an ASIC proven high-performance, feature-rich network interface solution designed to deliver reliable, low-latency Ethernet connectivity across a broad range of embedded and enterprise applications. Comcores offers controllers ranging from 10M to 800G enabling seamless integration into systems requiring Ethernet connectivity.

Designed for scalability, the controller is available with single or multi-port configurations and is fully compliant with IEEE Ethernet standards, ensuring interoperability and long-term product viability.

Optimized for low power and high throughput, the controller supports advanced networking features including IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization, VLAN tagging, and optional MACsec encryption. With flexible host interface options (e.g., PCIe, RGMII, SPI), integrated DMA engines, and support for hardware timestamping, the Ethernet controller ensures efficient packet processing. Precise timing for time-sensitive applications such as TSN, industrial automation, automotive Ethernet, and audio/video streaming is supported as well.

Key Features

Standards Compliant Ethernet Support

  • IEEE 802.3 compliant (10/100/1000 Mbps / 2.5G / 10G, as applicable)
  • Full-duplex and half-duplex operation
  • Auto-negotiation and flow control (IEEE 802.3x)

Advanced Time Synchronization

  • IEEE 802.1AS (gPTP) support for time-sensitive networking (TSN)
  • IEEE 1588v2 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) hardware timestamping
  • Sub-microsecond synchronization accuracy

Low-Latency, High-Performance Architecture

  • Integrated DMA engine for zero-copy packet transfer
  • Large, configurable TX/RX buffers
  • Low CPU utilization via interrupt coalescing and offloads

Security and Reliability

  • Optional MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) hardware encryption
  • Packet filtering and VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q)
  • Error detection, correction, and CRC offloading

Flexible Host Interface Options

  • PCIe x1/x2/x4, RGMII, RMII, SGMII, or SPI
  • Register-compatible software interface with legacy and modern drivers

Scalable and Configurable

  • Available in 1/2/4-port configurations
  • Industrial temperature range options
  • Compact footprint for embedded and space-constrained applications

Comprehensive Software Support

  • Linux, Windows, and RTOS driver packages
  • Open-source and customizable reference drivers
  • Support for TSN and AVB frameworks

Block Diagram

Ethernet Controller Block Diagram

Applications

  • Automotive Ethernet (AVB/TSN)
  • Industrial automation and control
  • Professional audio/video systems
  • 5G fronthaul/backhaul synchronization
  • Data center TSN and deterministic networking
  • Cloud computing and high-performance networking

Deliverables

The IP Core can be delivered in Source code or Encrypted format. The following deliverables will be provided with the IP Core license:

  • Solid documentation, including User Manual and Release Note
  • Simulation Environment, including Simple Testbed, Test case and Test Script
  • Programming Register Specification
  • Timing Constraints in Synopsys SDC format
  • Access to support system and direct support from Comcores Engineers
  • Synopsys SGDC Files (optional)
  • Synopsys Lint, CDC and Waivers (optional)

Technical Specifications

Short description
Ethernet Controller
Vendor
Vendor Name
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Semiconductor IP