4.3. MAC Interface Core

The MAC Interface core implements real-time blocks to support MAC implementations and manages real-time interaction with the Tx/Rx PHY cores. The MAC Interface core is implemented in Xilinx System Generator.

Fig. 4.20 MAC Interface Core connections

The MAC Interface Core is the primary interface between the MAC Software running in CPU Low and the Tx/Rx PHY cores. The MAC software monitors medium and PHY activity via registers in the MAC Interface Core. The MAC software makes all decisions about when and what to transmit, then uses the logic in the MAC Interface Core to realize precise timing for transmissions relative to other medium activity.

The MAC Interface Core provides:

• Fully-programmable MAC logic
• Software defines full MAC protocol
• Logic implements real-time states
• Medium idle/busy monitoring
• IFS timers
• Parallel Tx controllers for independent Data, Beacon and Control packet Tx

The pages below provide more details on the timers and Tx controllers in the MAC Interface Core:

• Timers
• Transmit Controllers