Networking-equipment suppliers promoting green electronics portfolios can activate compelling, energy-efficient functionality within their Ethernet-based electronics via a simple software upgrade that is available from Vitesse Semiconductor and that uses its widely-adopted SimpliPHY, SparX, and G-RocX IC solutions. Delivering green savings equivalent to over 400mW/port, all three Ethernet IC product families are enhanced with two advanced, energy-saving technologies. The first, ActiPHY, is an automatic power-saving mode that can detect unused Ethernet ports on network devices and power them down or place them in stand-by mode. The second, PerfectReach, is an intelligent algorithm that actively adjusts the power level needed based on cable length. ActiPHY enables a physical-layer Ethernet port to detect link loss and put the port into a sleep state, thereby reducing the port's power in existing devices by well over 400mW. Using a proprietary energy-detection circuit to filter random cable noise, the technology detects the presence of link pulses, restores active power and puts the port back into normal operation. To ensure maximum interoperability when plugged into another Ethernet PHY with sleep capability, the device will wake up at a programmable rate and send a few link pulses to activate another sleeping device.
