Specifications

Intel
®
810E2 Chipset Platform
R
22 Design Guide
1.3.7. Firmware Hub (FWH) Flash BIOS
The 810E2 chipset platform supports firmware hub BIOS memory sizes up to 8 MB for increased system
flexibility.
1.3.8. AC’97 6-Channel Support
The Audio Codec ’97 (AC’97) Specification defines a digital interface that can be used to attach an
audio codec (AC), a modem codec (MC), an audio/modem codec (AMC), or both an AC and a MC. The
AC’97 Specification defines the interface between the system logic and the audio or modem codec
known as the AC-link.
The 810E2 chipset’s AC’97 (with the appropriate codecs) not only replaces ISA audio and modem
functionality, but also improves overall platform integration by incorporating the AC-link. Using 810E2
chipset’s integrated AC-link reduces cost and eases migration from ISA.
By using an audio codec, the AC-link allows for cost-effective, high-quality, integrated audio on the
810E2 chipset platform. In addition, an AC’97 soft modem can be implemented with the use of a modem
codec. Several system options exist when implementing AC’97. The 810E2 chipset’s integrated digital
link allows several external codecs to be connected to the ICH2. The system designer can provide audio
with an audio codec, a modem with a modem codec, or an integrated audio/modem codec. The digital
link is expanded to support two audio codecs or a combination of an audio and modem codec.
Modem implementation for different countries must be taken into consideration, as telephone systems
may vary. By implementing a split design, the audio codec can be on board and the modem codec can be
placed on a riser. Intel is developing a Communications and Networking Riser connector.
The digital link in the ICH2 is AC’97 Rev. 2.1 compliant, supporting two codecs with independent PCI
functions for audio and modem. Microphone input and left and right audio channels are supported for a
high-quality, two-speaker audio solution. Wake-on-ring-from-suspend also is supported with the
appropriate modem codec.
The 810E2 chipset platform expands audio capability with support for up to six channels of PCM audio
output (i.e., full AC3 decode). Six-channel audio consists of Front Left, Front Right, Back Left, Back
Right, Center and Woofer, for a complete surround sound effect. ICH2 has expanded support for two
audio codecs on the AC-link.
Figure 3. AC'97 with Audio and Modem Codec Connections