In the world of industrial motherboards, embedded systems, and reliable desktop networking, one chip reigns supreme for its balance of performance and cost: the Intel® Ethernet Controller I211-AT, commonly ordered as WGI211AT.
Unlike consumer-grade alternatives, the I211-AT offers Intel's legendary driver stability and unique features like iNVM (Integrated Non-Volatile Memory), which simplifies hardware design. This guide explores the technical specs, the critical differences between the I211 and I210, and how to implement this chip in your next design.
WGI211AT Datasheet & Key Specifications
The WGI211AT is a single-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY and MAC controller integrated into a single chip. It connects to the host processor via a PCI Express (PCIe) interface.
Key Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit) |
| Interface | PCIe v2.1 (2.5 GT/s) x1 Lane |
| Queues | 2 Transmit / 2 Receive |
| Power Consumption | ~0.8W (Typical) |
| Package | 64-pin QFN (9mm x 9mm) |
| Temp Range | 0°C to 70°C (Commercial) |
Understanding the "WGI211AT" Ordering Code
Engineers often search for "I211-AT" but find distributors listing "WGI211AT".
- W: Represents the Intel Ethernet product line code.
- G: RoHS Compliant / Green.
- I211: The Controller Model.
- AT: Commercial Temperature, T&R packaging. Essentially, WGI211AT is the orderable part number for the I211-AT chip.
Price Analysis & Stock Availability
The I211-AT is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to the I210.
Note: Authentic Intel silicon is crucial for driver stability. [Check Stock for WGI211AT at Aichiplink] to view real-time inventory from authorized distributors.
Comparison: Intel I211-AT vs. I210-AT
The I210-AT (WGI210AT) and I211-AT (WGI211AT) are pin-compatible in many designs, but they serve different markets.
| Feature | Intel I210-AT | Intel I211-AT |
|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Server / Industrial / AVB | Desktop / Cost-Sensitive |
| Tx/Rx Queues | 4 Queues | 2 Queues |
| Audio-Video Bridging (AVB) | Yes (802.1Qav, 1588v2) | No |
| ECC Memory | Yes | No |
| Configuration Storage | External Flash (iNVM supported) | iNVM Only (No Ext. Flash) |
The iNVM Advantage (No External Flash)
The most significant feature of the WGI211AT is its exclusive reliance on iNVM (Integrated Non-Volatile Memory).
- Cost Saving: Unlike the I210 which often requires an external SPI Flash chip to store the MAC address and configuration, the I211-AT stores this data internally.
- BOM Reduction: This removes a component from the Bill of Materials (BOM) and frees up PCB space, making the I211 ideal for compact embedded boards.
Hardware Design & QFN-64 Package
PCIe Interface & Pinout Considerations
The WGI211AT uses a PCIe 2.1 x1 interface.
- L1 State: It supports Active State Power Management (ASPM) L0s and L1 states, crucial for meeting Energy Star requirements.
- MDI Interface: The MDI (Media Dependent Interface) connects directly to the magnetic module (transformer). Differential pair routing requires careful impedance matching (100Ω). For more on high-speed bus standards, refer to the Wikipedia article on PCI Express.
Thermal Management
The QFN-64 package includes an exposed thermal pad (E-Pad) on the bottom.
- Soldering: This pad must be soldered to the PCB ground plane to dissipate the ~0.8W of heat.
- Vias: Use an array of thermal vias to transfer heat to inner copper layers. For detailed guidance on thermal design for QFN packages, EEPower's Thermal Guide provides excellent best practices.
Driver Support & Firmware
One of Intel's core strengths is its unified driver architecture.
Windows 11 & Linux Kernel Support
- Windows: The I211-AT is supported by the standard Intel PROSet/Wireless Software. Windows 10 and 11 typically have inbox drivers, but the official Intel package unlocks advanced features like VLANs and Teaming.
- Linux: The device uses the rock-solid
igbkernel module (common to I210/I350/I211). It is natively supported in almost all Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS), making it a plug-and-play solution for Linux-based industrial gateways.
Conclusion
The Intel WGI211AT (I211-AT) is the definitive choice for cost-sensitive, high-reliability Gigabit Ethernet applications. Its driver maturity and BOM-saving iNVM technology keep it relevant in millions of devices worldwide.
Sourcing Intel Ethernet Controllers Avoid counterfeit silicon and ensure long-term reliability. Visit Aichiplink.com to search for WGI211AT and other Intel networking components.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace I210-AT with I211-AT?
Physically, they share the same QFN-64 footprint. However, functionally, they differ. If your application relies on **AVB (Audio Video Bridging)** or requires 4 queues for virtualization, you cannot downgrade to the I211. Also, the schematic may need adjustment regarding the external Flash connection (pin strapping).
How do I program the MAC address on WGI211AT?
Since it uses iNVM, you use the Intel **EEUPDATE** utility (or `lanconf`) to write the MAC address and configuration directly into the chip's internal OTP (One-Time Programmable) memory. **Warning:** As the name implies, iNVM space is limited; you cannot re-flash it indefinitely like an EEPROM.
Does WGI211AT support Wake-on-LAN (WoL)?
Yes, it supports Magic Packet wake-up and ACPI power management, allowing the system to wake from S3/S4/S5 states via the network.
What is the maximum jumbo frame size?
The I211-AT supports jumbo frames up to **9.5 KB**. This is beneficial for reducing CPU utilization during large file transfers.
Is WGI211AT recommended for new designs?
While it is a mature product (launched \~2012), it is still widely available and supported. However, for new 2.5G designs, engineers are moving toward the **Intel I225/I226** series. For standard 1G applications, the I211 remains a gold standard.
