Auto detection of copper and fiber mode

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

P-0001[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/398,604, titled, “Auto Detection of Copper and Fiber Mode,” filed Jul. 26, 2002, and to U.S. provisional application No. 60/365,806, titled, “Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver,” filed Mar. 21, 2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is directed to Ethernet communication systems and, more particularly, to Ethernet physical layer devices (“PHYs”).

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Ethernet is a widely used technology in local area networks (“LAN”) and other computer networks. The Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) has developed standards for Ethernet communication systems. See, for example, IEEE 802.3, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The IEEE 802.3 standards have been adopted by the International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”), making the IEEE 802.3 standards worldwide standards.

[0006] In an Ethernet network, a computer utilizes an Ethernet transceiver to transmit and receive signals between the computer and a network. The transceiver typically interfaces with the network via a physical link medium, such as copper or fiber.

[0007] An Ethernet transceiver typically includes a media access controller (“MAC”) that interfaces with applications running on the computer. Alternatively, an Ethernet module can include a switch or an optical module. An Ethernet transceiver also includes a physical layer device, or “PHY” that interfaces between the MAC/switch and the physical link media. PHYs typically interface with physical link media using serialized data streams. PHYs typically interface with MACs/switches using packet-based interfaces.

[0008] Conventional PHYs are designed to interface with copper or fiber physical link media. Users may, however, have both fiber and copper links.

[0009] What is needed, therefore, is a PHY that can selectively interface with both copper and fiber physical links without user or software intervention. What is also needed, is a PHY that can detect active copper and fiber link partners.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention is directed to methods and systems for operating a physical layer device (“PHY”) in an Ethernet network. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting active link partners and for selecting a mode of operation corresponding to detected active link partners, without user intervention.

[0011] In accordance with the invention, a PHY has copper and fiber ports for coupling to copper and fiber link mediums. An electrical/optical converter typically interfaces the fiber port with the fiber link media. The PHY further includes a fiber signal detect node for coupling to a fiber signal detect output port of the electrical/optical converter. The fiber signal detect node receives a fiber signal detect indication from the electrical/optical converter. The PHY is thus able to monitor the fiber link media for an active fiber link partner.

[0012] The PHY further includes copper link detect circuitry that allows the PHY to monitor a copper link media for an active copper link partner. The PHY is thus able to monitor/detect both the fiber link media and the copper link media for active link partners.

[0013] In accordance with the invention, the PHY selects a mode of operation corresponding to detected active link partners. For example, a copper mode of operation is selected when an active copper link partner is detected and an active fiber link partner is not detected. Similarly, a fiber mode of operation is selected when an active fiber link partner is detected and an active copper link partner is not detected.

[0014] The PHY then interfaces with the active copper or fiber link partner in the selected mode of operation. For example, the PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner when the copper mode of operation is selected. Similarly, the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner when the fiber mode of operation is selected.

[0015] The invention optionally provides a prioritized mode of operation for when active copper and fiber link partners are detected. The prioritized mode can be user-selectable or factory set. The invention optionally powers down circuitry associated with an unselected mode of operation.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

P-0017[0017] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number.

P-0018[0018]FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an Ethernet transceiver <b>100</b>.

P-0019[0019]FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of an example embodiment of the Ethernet transceiver <b>100</b>.

P-0020[0020]FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the Ethernet module <b>100</b>, including copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> and a fiber signal detect (“SD”) node <b>302</b>, in accordance with the invention.

P-0021[0021]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the Ethernet module <b>100</b>, further including a mode selector <b>402</b>, which includes a copper link detect node <b>404</b> and a fiber signal detect (“SD”) node <b>406</b>.

P-0022[0022]FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the Ethernet module <b>100</b> including a power-down module <b>502</b>.

P-0023[0023]FIG. 6 is a process flowchart <b>600</b> for detecting active link partners, for selecting an appropriate mode of operation, and for powering down unselected media, in accordance with the invention.

P-0024[0024]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a multi-mode physical layer device integrated circuit <b>700</b> in which the present invention can be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Table of Contents

P-0025[0025] I. Introduction

P-0026[0026] II. Detecting Active Copper and Fiber Link Partners

P-0027[0027] III. Selecting a Mode of Operation Without User Intervention

P-0028[0028] IV. Powering Down Unselected Media

P-0029[0029] V. Methods for Detecting Active Link Partners, for Selecting a Mode of Operation, and for Powering Down Unselected Media

P-0030[0030] VI. Integration in a Multi-Mode PHY

P-0031[0031] VII. Conclusion

P-0032[0032] I. Introduction

P-0033[0033] The present invention is directed to a PHY that interfaces with a link device, such as a MAC, a switch, an optical device, or the like (“MAC/switch”), through an interface. The PHY includes both copper mode and fiber mode capability. The PHY detects active copper and fiber link partners without user or software intervention and switches between copper and fiber modes of operation without user or software intervention.

P-0034[0034]FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an Ethernet transceiver, or module <b>100</b>, wherein a MAC/switch <b>102</b> interfaces with a PHY <b>106</b> through an interface <b>104</b>. The PHY <b>106</b> is coupled to a physical link media <b>116</b> by a connector <b>114</b>.

P-0035[0035]FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of an example embodiment of the Ethernet module <b>100</b>.

P-0036[0036] In FIG. 2, the PHY <b>106</b> includes a copper mode module <b>208</b> and a fiber mode module <b>210</b>. The copper mode module <b>208</b> and the fiber mode module <b>210</b> include physical coding sub-layers (“PCSs”), physical medium attachment sub-layers (“PMAs”), and physical medium dependent sub-layers (“PMDs”). Functions and operations of the PCSs, PMAs, and PMDs are well known to those skilled in the relevant art(s).

P-0037[0037] The copper mode module <b>208</b> implements signaling for a copper medium <b>116</b><i>a </i>in accordance with, for example, IEEE 802.3, clauses <b>28</b> and <b>40</b>, and/or ANSI standards. The copper mode module <b>208</b> can include signal processing circuitry such as, for example, and without limitation, echo cancellation, cross-talk cancellation, equalization, timing and/or phase recovery, gain control, and baseline wander correction. Such signal processing can be used, for example, to improve signal-to-noise ratios (“SNR”) and “eye” openings of signals sent to and/or received from the copper link media <b>116</b><i>a</i>. Circuitry and functionality that is utilized primarily for copper links is referred to herein as “copper mode” circuitry.

P-0038[0038] The fiber mode module <b>210</b> implements signaling for a fiber medium <b>116</b><i>b </i>in accordance with, for example, IEEE 802.3, clauses <b>36</b> and <b>37</b>, and/or ANSI standards. The fiber mode module <b>210</b> can include signal processing circuitry for signals sent to and/or received from the fiber link media <b>116</b><i>b</i>. Circuitry and functionality that is utilized primarily for fiber links is referred to herein as “fiber mode” circuitry.

P-0039[0039] The interface <b>104</b> can include one or more of a variety of interfaces including, without limitation, a Media Independent Interface (“Mil”), a Gigabit MII (“GMII”), RGMII and/or TBI. MII and GMII standards are defined in, for example, IEEE 802.3. GMII and MII support three speeds, 10/100/1000. GMII typically requires at least 22 pins, typically including 8 transmit and 8 receive data pins.

P-0040[0040] The Ethernet module <b>100</b> further includes a copper connector <b>114</b><i>a</i>, such as an RJ45 connector, that connects the PHY <b>106</b> to a copper link medium <b>116</b><i>a</i>. The Ethernet module <b>100</b> also includes a fiber connector <b>114</b><i>b </i>that connects the PHY <b>106</b> to a fiber link media <b>116</b><i>b</i>. The fiber connector <b>114</b><i>b </i>typically includes and optical-to-electrical converter.

P-0041[0041] The example Ethernet module <b>100</b> illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided for illustrative purposes. The present invention is not limited to these examples. Based on the description herein, one skilled in the relevant art(s) will understand that the invention can be implemented in other types of Ethernet modules as well.

P-0042[0042] The PHY <b>106</b> can include one or more Media Independent Interface (“MII”) registers, including MII registers that are reserved for standard defined uses, such as, for example, mode configuration, mode status, PHY identification number(s), auto-negotiation functions, link partner ability, and link status. MII registers can also include one or more user-definable registers. The MII registers can be written to, to select between copper mode and fiber mode of operation. This, however, requires a user to know whether there is an active link partner (e.g., another Ethernet transceiver), coupled to a copper and/or fiber link, and requires that the user know how to properly set the MII register(s).

P-0043[0043] In accordance with the invention, the PHY <b>106</b> detects whether there is an active link partner (e.g., another PHY) attached to the copper physical link media <b>116</b><i>a </i>and/or to the fiber physical link media <b>116</b><i>b</i>, without user or software intervention, as described below.

P-0044[0044] After active link partners are detected, the Ethernet module <b>100</b> can utilize the detection information for one or more of a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, selecting an appropriate mode of operation and/or for powering down circuitry associated with an unselected mode.

P-0045[0045] II. Detecting Active Copper and Fiber Link Partners

P-0046[0046] Methods and systems for detecting active link partners are now described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the Ethernet module <b>100</b>, wherein the PHY <b>106</b> include, among other things, copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> and a fiber signal detect (“SD”) node <b>302</b>.

P-0047[0047] The fiber SD node <b>302</b> is now described. Recall from above that the fiber connector <b>114</b><i>b </i>typically includes an optical/electrical converter. Conventional optical-to-electrical converters include a fiber SD output port, illustrated here as fiber SD output port <b>304</b>. The fiber SD output port <b>304</b> is active when an intensity of an optical signal on the fiber link media <b>116</b><i>b </i>is above a threshold. The fiber SD output port <b>304</b> is coupled to the fiber SD node <b>302</b>. When the intensity of an optical signal on the fiber link media <b>116</b><i>b </i>is above the threshold, an active fiber SD signal <b>308</b> is provided from the fiber SD output port <b>304</b> to the fiber SD node <b>302</b>. In this way, the PHY <b>106</b> detects active fiber link partners.

P-0048[0048] The copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> is now described. The copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> includes circuitry that detects whether a copper link partner is active on the copper physical link media <b>116</b><i>a</i>. In the example of FIG. 3, the copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> is coupled to the copper mode module <b>210</b>. Alternatively, the copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> can be coupled to the copper connector <b>114</b><i>a</i>, to the copper link media <b>116</b><i>a</i>, and/or anywhere there between.

P-0049[0049] The copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> detects whether a copper link partner is active on the copper physical link medium <b>116</b><i>a</i>. When an active link partner is detected by the copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b>, the copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> outputs a copper link detect signal <b>310</b>. The copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b> can be implemented, for example, as disclosed in one or more of the following U.S. applications:

P-0050[0050] Ser. No. 09/928,622, titled, “Energy Detect with Auto Pair Select,” filed Aug. 13, 2001;

P-0051[0051] Ser. No. 09/886,859, titled, “Regulating Transceiver Power Consumption for a Transceiver in a Communications Network,” filed Jun. 21, 2001; and

P-0052[0052] Ser. No. ______ [to be assigned, Attorney docket number 1875.2720000], titled, “Auto Powerdown for Forced Speed Modes,” filed Jul. 26, 2002.

P-0053[0053] All of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The invention is not, however, limited to the embodiments disclosed therein.

P-0054[0054] The PHY <b>106</b> illustrated in FIG. 3 thus detects whether there is an active link partner coupled to the fiber connector <b>114</b><i>b </i>and/or to the copper connector <b>114</b><i>a</i>, without user and/or software intervention. After active link partners are detected, the Ethernet module <b>100</b> can utilize the detection information for one or more of a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, selecting an appropriate mode of operation and/or powering down circuitry associated with an unselected mode, both of which are described below.

P-0055[0055] The PHY <b>106</b> optionally includes a copper link detect signal filter <b>314</b> and/or a fiber SD signal filter <b>318</b>. The copper link detect signal filter <b>314</b> includes circuitry for filtering and/or debouncing the copper link detect signal <b>310</b>. The copper link detect signal filter <b>314</b> outputs a filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b>. The fiber SD signal filter <b>318</b> includes circuitry for filtering and/or debouncing the fiber SD signal <b>308</b>. The fiber SD signal filter <b>318</b> outputs a filtered fiber SD signal <b>320</b>.

P-0056[0056] III. Selecting a Mode of Operation Without User Intervention

P-0057[0057] The detection of one or more active link partners can be used to select a mode of operation without user intervention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the Ethernet module <b>100</b>, further including a mode selector <b>402</b>, which includes a copper link detect node <b>404</b> and a fiber signal detect (“SD”) node <b>406</b>. The copper link detect node <b>404</b> is coupled to the copper link detect signal filter <b>314</b> to receive the filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b>. When an active copper link partner is detected by the copper link detect circuitry <b>312</b>, the copper link detect signal filter <b>314</b> outputs the filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b> to the copper link detect node <b>404</b>.

P-0058[0058] The fiber SD node <b>406</b> is coupled to the fiber SD signal filter <b>318</b>. When an intensity of an optical signal on the fiber link media <b>116</b><i>b </i>is above the threshold, the filtered active fiber SD signal <b>320</b> is provided to the mode selector <b>402</b> through the fiber SD node <b>406</b>.

P-0059[0059] The mode selector <b>402</b> is functionally illustrated with a switch module <b>408</b> controlled by mode selector logic <b>410</b>. The mode selector logic <b>410</b> outputs a mode select signal <b>412</b> to the switch module <b>408</b>. The mode select signal <b>412</b> controls the switch module <b>408</b> to select a copper or fiber mode of operation, depending on the state(s) of the fiber SD signal <b>308</b> and the copper link detect signal <b>310</b>. The mode selector <b>402</b> routes data <b>414</b> through either the copper mode module <b>208</b> and/or the fiber mode module <b>210</b>. The data <b>414</b> includes transmit and receive data. The data <b>414</b> optionally includes auto-negotiation data. When the data <b>414</b> is routed through the copper mode module <b>208</b>, the PHY <b>106</b> is said to operate in the copper mode. When the data <b>414</b> is routed through the fiber mode module <b>210</b>, the PHY <b>106</b> is said to operate in the fiber mode. The functional illustration of FIG. 4 is provided for exemplary purposes. The invention is not, however, limited to the functional illustration of FIG. 4.

P-0060[0060] The mode selector logic <b>410</b> includes logic and/or embedded software that processes the filtered fiber SD signal <b>320</b> and the filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b>. Table 1 below is an example truth table illustrating logic and/or embedded software implemented by mode the selector logic <b>410</b> and/or the mode selector <b>402</b>. <tables id="TABLE-US-00001" num="1"><table frame="none" colsep="0" rowsep="0"><tgroup align="left" colsep="0" rowsep="0" cols="3"><colspec colname="1" colwidth="63PT" align="center" /><colspec colname="2" colwidth="63PT" align="center" /><colspec colname="3" colwidth="91PT" align="center" /><thead><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center">TABLE 1</entry></row><row><entry /></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row><row><entry>Fiber SD</entry><entry>Copper Link Detect</entry><entry>Mode Selected by the</entry></row><row><entry>Signal 308/320</entry><entry>Signal 310/316</entry><entry>Mode Selector 402</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></thead><tbody valign="top"><row><entry>0</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>Configurable</entry></row><row><entry>0</entry><entry>1</entry><entry>Copper Mode</entry></row><row><entry>1</entry><entry>0</entry><entry>Fiber Mode</entry></row><row><entry>1</entry><entry>1</entry><entry>Configurable</entry></row><row><entry namest="1" nameend="3" align="center" rowsep="1" /></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

P-0061[0061] When the filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b> is active and the filtered fiber SD signal <b>320</b> is inactive, copper mode is selected. Similarly, when the filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b> is inactive and the filtered fiber SD signal <b>320</b> is active, fiber mode is selected. When copper mode is selected, the PHY <b>106</b> interfaces with the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>through the copper mode module <b>208</b>. When fiber mode is selected, the PHY <b>106</b> interfaces with the fiber link <b>116</b><i>b </i>through the fiber mode module <b>210</b>.

P-0062[0062] The mode selector <b>402</b> optionally provides configurable states as well. A first optional configurable state applies when no active link is detected on either the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>or the fiber link <b>116</b><i>b</i>. A second optional configurable state applies when active links are detected on both the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>and the fiber link <b>116</b><i>b</i>. The mode selector <b>402</b> is optionally configurable for either or both of these situations. In other words, the mode selector <b>402</b> can be configured to default to copper mode or fiber mode in one or both of the situations. Alternatively, the mode selector <b>402</b> can be configured to default to copper mode for one of the two situations, and to fiber mode for the other situation. This configurability essentially allows prioritization of copper mode or fiber mode. The priorities can be configurable through logic settings and/or software.

P-0063[0063] IV. Powering Down Unselected Media

P-0064[0064] The detection of one or more active link partners can be used to power down, in whole or in part, circuitry associated with an unselected mode of operation. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the Ethernet module <b>100</b> including an optional power-down module <b>502</b>.

P-0065[0065] When the fiber mode is selected, the power-down module <b>502</b> powers down the copper mode PMD <b>118</b>, in whole or in part. When copper mode is selected, the power-down module <b>502</b> powers down the fiber mode PMD <b>120</b>, in whole or in part.

P-0066[0066] In the example of FIG. 5, the power-down module <b>502</b> is controlled by the mode selector <b>402</b>. Alternatively, the power-down module <b>502</b> receives the copper link detect signal <b>310</b>, the fiber SD signal <b>308</b>, the filtered copper link detect signal <b>316</b>, and/or the filtered fiber SD signal <b>320</b>, directly, and determines whether to power-down the copper mode PMD <b>118</b> or the fiber mode PMD <b>120</b>, in whole or in part.

P-0067[0067] The default priorities discussed above can be employed by the power down module <b>502</b>. For example, when priority is set to fiber mode, and when both the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>and the fiber link <b>116</b><i>b </i>are active, the copper mode PMD <b>118</b> is powered down, in whole or in part. This would prevent a copper link partner attached to the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>from attempting to link up since no energy is transmitted into the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>by the copper mode PMD <b>118</b>.

P-0068[0068] The default priorities discussed above can be further used to prevent the prioritized mode circuitry from being completely powered down. In other words, if the prioritized media is currently inactive, then the circuitry associated with the prioritized media would not be powered down. This allows the PHY <b>106</b> to detect a subsequently active link partner and switch to the prioritized mode.

P-0069[0069] For example, when priority is set to fiber mode, and only the copper link <b>116</b><i>a </i>is active, copper mode is selected, but the fiber mode PMD <b>120</b> is not powered down, or at least not completely powered down. This allows the PHY <b>106</b> to detect a subsequently active fiber link partner and switch to fiber mode. In this case, the copper mode PMD <b>118</b> can then be powered down.

P-0070[0070] The optional power-down module <b>502</b> can be implemented as disclosed in one or more of the following U.S. applications:

P-0071[0071] Ser. No. 09/928,622, titled, “Energy Detect with Auto Pair Select,” filed Aug. 13, 2001;

P-0072[0072] Ser. No. 09/886,859, titled, “Regulating Transceiver Power Consumption for a Transceiver in a Communications Network,” filed Jun. 21, 2001; and

P-0073[0073] Ser. No. ______ [to be assigned, Attorney docket number 1875.2720000], titled, “Auto Powerdown for Forced Speed Modes,” filed Jul. 26, 2002.

P-0074[0074] All of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The invention is not, however, limited to the embodiments disclosed therein.

P-0075[0075] V. Methods for Detecting Active Link Partners, for Selecting a Mode of Operation, and for Powering Down Unselected Media

P-0076[0076]FIG. 6 is a process flowchart <b>600</b> for operating a physical layer device (“PHY”) in an Ethernet network. More particularly, the process flowchart <b>600</b> illustrates a method for detecting active link partners, for selecting an appropriate mode of operation, and for optionally powering down unselected media, in accordance with the invention. The process flowchart <b>600</b> is described with reference to one or more of the example block diagrams in FIGS. <b>1</b>-<b>5</b>. The process flowchart <b>600</b> is not, however, limited to the example block diagrams FIGS. <b>1</b>-<b>5</b>. Based on the description herein, one skilled in the relevant art(s) will understand that the process flowchart <b>600</b> can be implemented with other Ethernet module implementations as well.

P-0077[0077] The process begins at step <b>602</b>, which includes monitoring a copper link media for an active copper link partner. Step <b>604</b> includes monitoring a fiber link media for an active fiber link partner.

P-0078[0078] In step <b>606</b>, if an active copper link partner is detected and an active fiber link partner is not detected, processing proceeds to step <b>608</b>. In step <b>608</b>, a copper mode of operation is selected for the PHY, preferably through logic circuitry, and the PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner in the copper mode of operation.

P-0079[0079] Processing optionally proceeds to step <b>610</b>, which includes powering down circuitry associated with a fiber mode of operation. The powering down operation can be a partial or complete powering down operation. Processing then returns to step <b>602</b>, which can be repeated when the PHY detects a link partner change.

P-0080[0080] Referring back to step <b>606</b>, and following the path to step <b>612</b>, if an active fiber link partner is detected and an active copper link partner is not detected, processing proceeds to step <b>614</b>. In step <b>614</b>, a fiber mode of operation is selected for the PHY, preferably through logic circuitry, and the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner in the fiber mode of operation.

P-0081[0081] Processing optionally proceeds to step <b>616</b>, which includes powering down circuitry associated with the copper mode of operation. The powering down operation can be a partial or complete powering down operation. Processing then returns to step <b>602</b>, as described above.

P-0082[0082] Referring back to step <b>612</b>, and following the path to step <b>618</b>, if active fiber and copper link partners are detected, processing proceeds to step <b>620</b>. In step <b>614</b>, a prioritized mode of operation is selected for the PHY, preferably through logic circuitry, and the PHY interfaces with the associated active link partner in the prioritized mode of operation. For example, when the copper mode of operation is prioritized, the copper mode of operation is selected, and the PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner in the copper mode of operation. Alternatively, when the fiber mode of operation is prioritized, the fiber mode of operation is selected, and the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner in the fiber mode of operation. Preferably, a mode of operation can be prioritized by a user through hardware, software, firmware, and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, priority is factory-set.

P-0083[0083] Processing optionally proceeds to step <b>622</b>, which includes powering down circuitry associated with an unselected mode of operation. The powering down operation can be a partial or complete powering down operation. Processing then returns to step <b>602</b>, as described above.

P-0084[0084] Referring back to step <b>618</b>, if no active fiber link partners and no active copper link partners are detected, processing proceeds to step <b>624</b>. In step <b>624</b>, a prioritized mode of operation is selected for the PHY, preferably through logic circuitry, and the PHY interfaces with the associated active link partner in the prioritized mode of operation. For example, when the copper mode of operation is prioritized, the copper mode of operation is selected, and the PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner in the copper mode of operation. Alternatively, when the fiber mode of operation is prioritized, the fiber mode of operation is selected, and the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner in the fiber mode of operation. Preferably, a mode of operation can be prioritized by a user through hardware, software, firmware, and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, priority is factory-set. Processing then returns to step <b>602</b>, as described above.

P-0085[0085] VI. Integration in a Multi-Mode PHY

P-0086[0086] The present invention can be implemented within a multi-mode PHY integrated circuit (“IC”) that is designed to interface with MACs, switches, and/or optical devices through one or more of SGMII, GBIC, and/or other interfacing formats. For example, FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a multi-mode PHY IC <b>700</b> in which the present invention can be implemented. The PHY IC <b>700</b> includes parallel data ports <b>702</b> that can be coupled to a MI/GMII MAC/switch. The parallel data ports <b>702</b> can serve as the GMII/MII <b>104</b> (FIGS. <b>1</b>B-<b>5</b>), for example. The PHY IC <b>700</b> also includes a copper port <b>708</b>, which can serve as the output of the copper mode PMD <b>118</b> (FIGS. 1B, 3, <b>4</b>, and <b>5</b>).

P-0087[0087] The PHY IC <b>700</b> also includes serial/SGMII ports <b>704</b> that can used as input ports or output ports. For example, as output ports, the serial/SGMII ports <b>704</b> can be coupled to a fiber physical link media. In this situation, the serial/SGMII ports <b>704</b> can serve as the output of the fiber mode module <b>210</b>, illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 3, <b>4</b>, and <b>5</b>. The mode selector <b>402</b> illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be implemented within a symbol encoder <b>710</b> and/or a symbol decoder/aligner <b>712</b>, illustrated in FIG. 7. As input ports, the serial/SGMII ports <b>704</b> can be coupled to an SGMII MAC/switch, a GBIC MAC/switch, a 1000-X MAC/switch, or any other type of serial MAC/switch.

P-0088[0088] The PHY IC <b>700</b> also includes copper mode circuitry for processing signals routed through the copper port <b>708</b>. In the example of FIG. 7, the copper mode circuitry includes echo cancellation circuitry, cross-talk cancellation circuitry, equalization circuitry, timing and phase recovery circuitry, gain control circuitry, and baseline wander correction circuitry. The copper mode circuitry illustrated in FIG. 7 is an example embodiment of the copper mode module <b>208</b>.

P-0089[0089] VII. Conclusion

P-0090[0090] The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that these functional building blocks can be implemented by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software, and the like, and/or combinations thereof.

P-0091[0091] When used herein, the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” are generally used to refer to electrical connections. Such electrical connections can be direct electrical connections with no intervening components, and/or indirect electrical connections through one or more components.

P-0092[0092] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.