Content

Revision History

Introduction

This document applies to the Intel® Ethernet Controller I225. It covers product level details, and an erratum related to IEEE behavior in 2.5Gbps mode.

Product Code and Device Identification

Product Codes: I225.

The following tables and drawings describe the various identifying markings on each device package:

Table 1-1 I225 Part Identification Summary

Figure 1-1 shows a snapshot of the I225 device:

Figure 1-1 Snapshot of I225

1. Marking Diagrams



Figure 1-2 I225 Marking Pattern

Notes:

2. • LINE1: Logo - Intel Swirl Logo
   • LINE2: FPO# - Assembly lot marking, 8 characters
   • LINE3: Spec#
   • LINE4: e# - Pb-free symbol
   • LINES OF TEXT ARE CENTERED ON THE PACKAGE AND LEFT JUSTIFIED
   • Zero should have a slash ”/” in the middle.
     • Pb- free symbols

3. Erratum

I225 v1 Minimum Supported Receive Inter-Packet Gap (IPG) is 8 bytes instead of 5 bytes

Problem Summary :

The minimum received inter packet gap (IPG) in the GMII interface between the PHY and the MAC is 8 bytes. This minimum gap is specified through 1Gpbs operation. For a controller to operate at 2.5Gpbs, the IEEE standard requires that the MAC be able to tolerate a minimum IPG of 5 bytes.

The I225 v1 silicon supports an IPG down to 8 bytes, but not down to 5 bytes in 2.5Gpbs operation.

Implications:

Packets received by the I225 v1 product link partner (the switch, router, or back-to-back controller it is connected to) that are received with a smaller IPG than 8 bytes on the MAC/PHY interface are dropped. When this occurs, the network connectivity is reduced from 2.5Gpbs to below 1Gpbs operation. In some scenarios with certain link partners, the operation can be as low as 1-10Mbps.

Workaround:

The impact of this IPG issue can be mitigated when connected through a switch/router by setting the link speed in the driver (Windows or Linux) to 1Gpbs operation to enable a 1Gpbs line rate.

Also, the latest Windows drivers and I225 firmware available for download (driver version 1.0.0.30 or later NVM version 1.38 or later) can detect when the IPG packet drops occur and will automatically reset the link speed to 1Gpbs. Please see downloads here: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/product/184686/intel-ethernet-controller-i225-series

Known Compatible 2.5Gpbs Link Partners :

Below is a list of link partners with which Intel has tested I225 v1 to enable 2.5Gpbs operation.

Status:

Intel has resolved this issue with I225 v2, which is now in production.

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