Application Guide

AX88179 -- USB3.0 to 10/100/1000M Gigabit Ethernet
Controller
AX88179 is the world's first USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet controller which integrates USB 3.0 PHY and 10/100/1000Mbps
Gigabit Ethernet MAC/PHY in a single chip. The AX88179 is the latest addition to ASIX's USB-to-LAN product portfolio,
providing a small form factor solution and plug-and-play usability, enabling embedded system designers to deliver Gigabit
Ethernet connectivity while leveraging the growth and speed of USB 3.0 SuperSpeed technology.
AX88179 can be used in any embedded system with a USB host microcontroller requiring a twisted pair physical network
connection. Featuring a USB interface (compliant with USB specification V3.0, V2.0 and V1.1) to communicate with a
USB Host Controller, the AX88179 also integrates on-chip Gigabit Ethernet MAC and PHY (IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u and
IEEE802.3ab compatible). Additionally, the AX88179 needs only a single 25MHz crystal to drive both the USB and
Ethernet PHYs.
The AX88179 offers a wide array of features including IPv4/IPv6 checksum offload engine, crossover detection and auto-
correction, TCP large send offload and IEEE802.3az EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet). The EEE defines a mechanism that
allows the AX88179 to enter a low power idle state to reduce power and to achieve a more energy efficient Ethernet. It
supports dynamic cable length detection and dynamic power adjustment Green Ethernet in Gigabit mode. The AX88179
also offers multiple power management Wake-on-LAN features, including Magic Packet, Microsoft Wakeup Frame and
Link Status Change that allows systems to enter a low power state and wake on desired network traffic.
The AX88179 is a high performance and highly integrated ASIC which enables a low cost, small form factor, and simple
plug-and-play Gigabit Ethernet network connection capability for desktops, notebook PCs, ultrabooks, cradles/port
replicators/docking stations, game consoles, digital-home appliances, and any embedded system using a standard USB port.