Datasheet 45
Introduction
1.2.1 Capability Overview
The following sub-sections provide an overview of the PCH capabilities.
Direct Media Interface (DMI)
Direct Media Interface (DMI) is the chip-to-chip connection between the processor and
PCH. This high-speed interface integrates advanced priority-based servicing allowing
for concurrent traffic and true isochronous transfer capabilities. Base functionality is
completely software-transparent, permitting current and legacy software to operate
normally.
Intel
®
Flexible Display Interconnect (FDI)
Intel
®
FDI connects the display engine in the processor with the display interfaces on
the PCH. The display data from the frame buffer is processed by the display engine and
sent to the PCH where it is transcoded and driven out on the panel. Intel FDI involves
two channels – A and B for display data transfer.
PCH Display Interface
The PCH integrates latest display technologies such as HDMI*, DisplayPort*, Embedded
DisplayPort (eDP*), SDVO, and DVI along with legacy display technologies—Analog
Port (VGA) and LVDS (mobile only). The Analog Port and LVDS Port are dedicated ports
on the PCH and the Digital Ports B, C, and D can be configured to drive HDMI, DVI, or
DisplayPort. Digital Port B can also be configured as SDVO while Digital Port D can be
configured as eDP. The HDMI interface supports the HDMI* 1.4a specification while the
DisplayPort interface supports the DisplayPort* 1.1a specification. The PCH supports
High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection for high definition content playback over
digital interfaces. The PCH also integrates audio codecs for audio support over HDMI
and DisplayPort interfaces.
The PCH receives the display data over the Intel
®
FDI and transcodes the data as per
the display technology protocol and sends the data through the display interface.
PCI Express* Interface
The PCH provides up to 8 PCI Express Root Ports, supporting the PCI Express Base
Specification, Revision 2.0. Each Root Port x1 lane supports up to 5 Gb/s bandwidth in
each direction (10 Gb/s concurrent). PCI Express Root Ports 1-4 or Ports 5-8 can
independently be configured to support four x1s, two x2s, one x2 and two x1s, or one
x4 port widths. Please see Section 1.3 for details on SKU feature availability.
Serial ATA (SATA) Controller
The PCH has two integrated SATA host controllers that support independent DMA
operation on up to six ports and supports data transfer rates of up to 6.0 Gb/s
(600 MB/s) on up to two ports while all ports support rates up to 3.0 Gb/s (300 MB/s)
and up to 1.5 Gb/s (150 MB/s). The SATA controller contains two modes of operation—
a legacy mode using I/O space, and an AHCI mode using memory space. Software that
uses legacy mode will not have AHCI capabilities.
The PCH supports the Serial ATA Specification, Revision 3.0. The PCH also supports
several optional sections of the Serial ATA II: Extensions to Serial ATA 1.0 Specification,
Revision 1.0 (AHCI support is required for some elements). Please see Section 1.3 for
details on SKU feature availability.
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