Intel® Processor and Intel® Core™ i3 N-Series

Datasheet, Volume 1 of 2

ID 759603
Date 01/04/2023
Version 001
Document Table of Contents

Enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI)

The PCH provides the Enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI) to support connection of an EC (typically used in mobile platform) or an SIO (typically used in desktop platform) to the platform. Below are the key features of the interface:

  • 1.8 V support only
  • Support for Initiator Attached Flash.
  • Support for up to 50 MHz (configured by soft straps)
  • Up to quad mode support
  • Support for PECI over eSPI
  • Support for Multiple OOB Initiator (dedicated OOB channel for different OOB initiators in the PCH such as PMC and CME)
  • Transmitting RTC time/date to the target device upon request
  • In-band messages for communication between the PCH and target device to eliminate side-band signals.
  • Real time SPI flash sharing, allowing real time operational access by the PCH and target device.

Acronyms

Acronyms

Description

EC

Embedded Controller

MAFCC

Initiator Attached Flash Channel Controller

OOB

Out-of-Band

TAR

Turn-around cycle

References

Specification

Document Number/Location

Enhanced Serial Peripheral Interface (eSPI) Specifications

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/27055/eSPI