Hi,
I am using an Atmel AT91RM9200 (ARM9) processor which has a single MAC built-in. I also have software drivers which support Ethernet through this MAC. I have a reference design which uses the RMII interface to a PHY chip (Davicom DM9161). So far so good.
However, I want to be able to change the reference design so that I can simultaneously attach two 10/100Base-T devices to this single MAC without having to change the software driver (just as if the reference design board has had its cable connected to an external hub).
I have seen some chips which have repeater functionality as well as RMII interfaces. Is it as simple as just using one of these chips (ie the RMII talks to one of the PHYs on the chip and then that PHY connects in a hub-like way to the other PHYs on the chip), and then bring out two of the other PHY connections to RJ45 connectors?
Thanks in advance for any help.