Intel WGI210AT (Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT) Gigabit Ethernet Controller — PCIe 2.1 x1, 64‑QFN
The Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT (ordering code WGI210AT; sSpec SLJXR) is a single‑port, integrated 10/100/1000BASE‑T MAC+PHY Gigabit Ethernet controller designed for embedded platforms, desktop/workstation mainboards, and add‑in NICs. With a PCI Express 2.1 x1 host interface (2.5 GT/s) and a robust feature set including IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, IEEE 1588/802.1AS time synchronization, VLAN tagging, jumbo frames, checksum and segmentation offloads, MSI‑X interrupts, and Wake‑on‑LAN, the Intel WGI210AT strikes an effective balance between performance, power efficiency, and ease of integration. The device is supplied in a compact 64‑pin QFN package suitable for high‑volume surface‑mount manufacturing and ships in tray packaging.
At‑a‑Glance
- Brand / Manufacturer: Intel, Intel Corporation
- Series: Intel Ethernet Controller I210
- MPN / Ordering Code: WGI210AT (variant I210‑AT; sSpec SLJXR)
- Category: Ethernet Controllers
- Ports: 1 (single Ethernet port)
- Ethernet Speeds: 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Integrated PHY: Yes, 10/100/1000BASE‑T
- Host Interface: PCI Express 2.1 x1 (2.5 GT/s)
- Offloads: Checksum and TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO)
- Time Sync: IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS support
- Energy Efficient Ethernet: IEEE 802.3az
- VLAN: IEEE 802.1Q
- Interrupts: MSI‑X
- Jumbo Frames: Up to approximately 9.5 KB (typical for the I210 family)
- Wake‑on‑LAN: Supported
- Auto MDI/MDIX: Supported
- Supply Voltages: 0.9 V / 1.5 V / 3.3 V
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +70°C (commercial)
- Package: 64‑QFN; Mounting: Surface‑mount; Packaging: Tray
- Lifecycle Status: Active
- RoHS: RoHS Compliant; Lead‑free / Halogen‑free: Yes
Why engineers choose the Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT
The Intel WGI210AT brings together a proven Gigabit Ethernet MAC+PHY with a broad set of standards‑based features that simplify design, accelerate time‑to‑market, and provide reliable operation across a variety of embedded and client platforms. With integrated 10/100/1000BASE‑T PHY and Auto MDI/MDIX, it eliminates the need for a separate PHY device and reduces BOM complexity. Hardware offloads (checksum and TSO) help free host CPU cycles, while MSI‑X support enables efficient interrupt distribution in modern multiprocessor systems.
For time‑aware or measurement‑sensitive applications, the Intel I210‑AT supports IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS time synchronization, enabling more deterministic networking behavior in systems that require coordinated timing. Power‑saving capabilities such as IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and PCIe ASPM L0s/L1 support help reduce overall platform power, and Wake‑on‑LAN enables remote wake capability for manageability.
Technical Specifications
Network capabilities
- Line rates: 10/100/1000 Mbps operation over copper
- PHY: Integrated 10/100/1000BASE‑T PHY
- Auto MDI/MDIX: Supported for simplified cabling
- Frames: Jumbo frame support up to approximately 9.5 KB (typical for the family)
- VLAN: IEEE 802.1Q tagging supported
- Energy Efficient Ethernet: IEEE 802.3az for reduced link power during idle periods
Host interface
- Bus: PCI Express Base Specification 2.1, x1 lane at 2.5 GT/s
- Interrupts: MSI‑X for scalable interrupt handling
Timing and synchronization
- Precision time: IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS support for network time synchronization
Offloads and acceleration
- Checksum offload: Hardware checksum calculation for reduced CPU load
- TCP Segmentation Offload (TSO): Hardware‑assisted segmentation to improve throughput
Power and low‑power features
- Supply rails: 0.9 V / 1.5 V / 3.3 V
- Low‑power features: IEEE 802.3az EEE, PCIe ASPM (L0s/L1), Wake‑on‑LAN
- Power consumption details: Not specified in datasheet excerpt provided
Environmental and packaging
- Operating temperature: 0°C to +70°C (commercial)
- Package: 64‑QFN; Mounting: Surface Mount; Packaging: Tray
- Materials: RoHS compliant; lead‑free and halogen‑free device
Design and integration guidance
Schematic essentials
- Magnetics and RJ‑45: For copper Ethernet, pair the integrated 10/100/1000BASE‑T PHY with appropriate 10/100/1000BASE‑T magnetics and an RJ‑45 with integrated or discrete magnetics as recommended by Intel’s reference designs. Always consult the official datasheet for the validated magnetics part types and EMI/ESD protection guidance.
- Power rails: The device requires 0.9 V, 1.5 V, and 3.3 V supplies. Adhere to Intel’s guidance on rail tolerance, decoupling, and any sequencing requirements (not specified here; see datasheet). Place bulk and high‑frequency decoupling capacitors close to the power pins per layout recommendations.
- PCIe connectivity: Route the PCIe x1 differential pair with controlled impedance and length matching per PCIe 2.1 guidelines. Maintain continuous reference planes, minimize stubs, and avoid via transitions where possible.
- Ethernet pairs: Route the 1000BASE‑T differential pairs symmetrically with controlled impedance. Keep the PHY‑to‑magnetics path short, matched, and free of splits or discontinuities. Follow Intel’s layout rules for return paths and isolation from noisy digital signals.
- Clocks and resets: Reference clock and reset implementation details are platform‑dependent and must follow Intel’s specifications; exact values are not specified here. Refer to the datasheet for acceptable clock sources and tolerance.
- Thermal and land pattern: Use the manufacturer‑recommended land pattern and copper distribution to ensure solder reliability. For QFN packages, follow the datasheet’s guidance on pad design and any thermal considerations. Specific thermal parameters are not specified here.
Board layout practices
- Segregate analog Ethernet PHY traces from high‑speed digital domains and provide adequate ground return paths.
- Implement solid ground references under PCIe and Ethernet differential pairs where appropriate and follow keep‑out guidance around magnetics and connector.
- Place ESD suppressors and common‑mode chokes per the reference design, and validate emissions/EMC in the final system.
Firmware, drivers, and OS enablement
- Intel provides enablement collateral and documentation for using the I210‑AT in embedded and client platforms. Consult the product page and datasheet for currently supported operating environments and driver packages. Specific OS driver names are not specified here.
Performance and feature enablement tips
- Jumbo frames: When your network infrastructure supports it, enabling jumbo frames (up to approximately 9.5 KB for the I210 family) can reduce CPU overhead for large payloads.
- Offload features: Enable checksum offload and TSO in the host network stack to improve throughput and reduce CPU utilization.
- Time synchronization: Leverage IEEE 1588/802.1AS capabilities where deterministic timing is required; configuration details depend on your OS and software stack.
- Power saving: Use EEE and PCIe ASPM (L0s/L1) where compatible with system requirements to reduce power during idle or low‑traffic periods.
Applications
- Embedded and industrial networking
- Desktop and workstation mainboards
- Network interface cards (NICs) and add‑in modules
- Printers, storage, and office equipment
- Gateways and IoT edge devices
These application domains benefit from the integrated PHY, standards‑based offloads, and time synchronization capabilities of the Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT. Designers can consolidate BOM, reduce power, and maintain software compatibility across a broad range of platforms.
Lifecycle, availability, and compliance
- Lifecycle status: Active (per provided data). For the latest status, always verify on the Intel product page.
- Availability: This listing shows no on‑hand stock; consult authorized distributors or Intel partners for lead times and supply options.
- Environmental compliance: RoHS compliant; lead‑free and halogen‑free.
- Interface and Ethernet standards compliance: IEEE 802.3/802.3u/802.3ab (10/100/1000BASE‑T), IEEE 802.3az (EEE), PCI Express Base Specification 2.1 (x1, 2.5 GT/s), and IEEE 1588/802.1AS for time sync.
- Packaging: Tray; package is 64‑QFN suitable for surface‑mount assembly.
No replacement parts are specified for the Intel WGI210AT in the provided data. If you are designing for long lifecycles or require multi‑sourcing, consider evaluating other members of the Intel Ethernet Controller I210 family as potential alternates; feature parity and pin compatibility should be confirmed directly against Intel datasheets.
Sourcing guidance
- Confirm the exact variant: The ordering code WGI210AT corresponds to the Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT variant; the sSpec (e.g., SLJXR) identifies the specific stepping.
- Validate features: If your design requires jumbo frames, IEEE 1588/802.1AS, EEE, or WoL, verify these are enabled in your chosen driver/firmware stack.
- Check packaging and handling: The part comes in a 64‑QFN package with tray packaging; ensure your assembly line supports QFN reflow profiles and inspection.
- Plan for supply rails: Your power tree must provide 0.9 V, 1.5 V, and 3.3 V rails with appropriate decoupling as guided by Intel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: Is WGI210AT the same as I210‑AT?
A: WGI210AT is the ordering code for the Intel I210‑AT variant. The suffix string (e.g., SLJXR) is an Intel sSpec code identifying a particular stepping.
Q: What interface does the I210‑AT use to the host?
A: PCI Express 2.1 x1 (2.5 GT/s).
Q: Does the I210‑AT include an integrated PHY?
A: Yes. The I210‑AT integrates a 10/100/1000BASE‑T PHY for copper LAN connections.
Q: What supply voltages does the Intel WGI210AT require?
A: 0.9 V, 1.5 V, and 3.3 V rails.
Q: Does the Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT support jumbo frames?
A: Yes. Jumbo frames up to approximately 9.5 KB are supported (typical for the I210 family).
Q: Is Energy Efficient Ethernet available on the I210‑AT?
A: Yes. It supports IEEE 802.3az EEE.
Q: Does the device support time synchronization?
A: Yes. IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS are supported.
Q: Is Auto MDI/MDIX supported?
A: Yes. Auto MDI/MDIX is supported for simplified cabling.
Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: 0°C to +70°C (commercial).
Q: What is the package and pin count?
A: 64‑pin QFN, surface‑mount package.
Resources
- Product page: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/ethernet/controllers/i210-at.html
- Datasheet: https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/datasheets/i210-ethernet-controller-datasheet.pdf
- Specification update: https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/specification-updates/ethernet-controller-i210-spec-update.pdf
- Product brief: https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/product-briefs/i210-ethernet-controller-brief.pdf
Summary
The Intel WGI210AT (Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT) is a compact, single‑port Gigabit Ethernet controller that integrates a 10/100/1000BASE‑T PHY and connects to the host via PCIe 2.1 x1. It combines essential enterprise‑class features—IEEE 1588/802.1AS timing, IEEE 802.3az EEE, VLAN, jumbo frames, MSI‑X, checksum and TSO offloads, and WoL—into a single 64‑QFN device suitable for embedded and client platforms alike. With RoHS‑compliant, lead‑free/halogen‑free construction and an Active lifecycle status, the Intel Ethernet Controller I210‑AT provides a stable foundation for designs that need proven Gigabit performance with straightforward integration and strong standards compliance.