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TheAttachment Unit Interface (AUI) is a physical and logical interface defined in theIEEE 802.3 standard (additionally published inFIPS PUB 107) for10BASE5 Ethernet[1] and the earlierDIX standard. The physical interface consists of a 15-pinD-subminiature connector that links anEthernet node'sphysical signaling to theMedium Attachment Unit (MAU),[2] sometimes referred to as atransceiver. An AUI cable can extend up to 50 metres (160 feet), though often the MAU anddata terminal equipment's (DTE)medium access controller (MAC) are directly connected, bypassing the need for a cable. In Ethernet implementations where the DTE and MAU are combined, the AUI is typically omitted.
The IEEE 802.3 specification officially defines the AUI as an interconnect between a DTE and the MAU. However, devices like theDECDigital Ethernet Local Network Interconnect (DELNI) provided hub-like functionality using AUI-compatible connectors.[3][4] Additionally, under certain conditions, it was possible to directly connect two AUI devices without the need for transceivers using acrossover cable.[5]
AUI connectors became increasingly rare in the early 1990s as computers and hubs directly integrated the MAU, especially with the rising adoption of the10BASE-T standard. This shift led to the decline of10BASE5 (thicknet) and10BASE2 (thinnet) which made use of the interface.[6][7] The electrical AUI connection remained internally within equipment for some time.
With the introduction ofFast Ethernet, the AUI interface became obsolete and was replaced by theMedia Independent Interface (MII).[8] Subsequent Ethernet standards, such asGigabit Ethernet and10 Gigabit Ethernet, introduced theGMII andXGMII interfaces, respectively. A 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface, known asXAUI, was developed to extend the operational distance of XGMII and reduce the number of interface signals.
A smaller variant called theApple Attachment Unit Interface (AAUI) was introduced onApple Macintosh computers in 1991, and was phased out by 1998.[9]
The AUI can operate in bothnormal mode andmonitor mode. In normal mode, it functions as a direct connection between the DTE and the network medium. Monitor mode, an optional feature, isolates the MAU's transmitter from the medium while allowing the DTE to observe network activity. This mode is useful for diagnostic and monitoring purposes without impacting the physical medium.[1]
The AUI usesManchester encoding for data transmission, which ensures clock synchronization without requiring a separate timing signal. The data and control circuits operate independently and are self-clocked. Control signals coordinate communication between the DTE and MAU, enabling error signaling, MAU isolation, and medium access requests.[1]
An AUI connector is aDA-15 (D-subminiature) type, where the DTE side has a female connector and the MAU side has a male connector.[1]
The connector often uses a sliding clip instead of the typical thumbscrews found on D-connectors, allowing the DTE and MAU to be directly attached, even when their size or shape would not accommodate thumbscrews. However, the clip mechanism is sometimes considered awkward or unreliable.[10]
In the case of incompatible fittings, the jackposts or sliding clip can be unscrewed and replaced, or adapter dongles and cables can be used.
Electrically, the AUI's differential signals are designed for use with a 78 Ω cable and can transmit data between DTE and MAU at 10 Mbps over the standard's specified 50-meter length.[1]
AUI drivers and receivers are required to tolerate wiring faults without permanent impairment of the pair. Signal jitter is controlled to within1.5 nanoseconds across the interface.[1]
The DA-15pinout is specified by the IEEE 802.3 standard and describes four differential pairs:
| Pin | Signal | Direction | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | DO-A | AUI→MAU | Data Out Circuit A |
| 10 | DO-B | AUI→MAU | Data Out Circuit B |
| 11 | DO-S | AUI→MAU | Data Out Circuit Shield[α] |
| 5 | DI-A | MAU→AUI | Data In Circuit A |
| 12 | DI-B | MAU→AUI | Data In Circuit B |
| 4 | DI-S | MAU→AUI | Data In Circuit Shield[α] |
| 7 | CO-A | AUI→MAU | Control Out Circuit A |
| 15 | CO-B | AUI→MAU | Control Out Circuit B |
| 8 | CO-S | AUI→MAU | Control Out Circuit Shield[α] |
| 2 | CI-A | MAU→AUI | Control In Circuit A |
| 9 | CI-B | MAU→AUI | Control In Circuit B |
| 1 | CI-S | MAU→AUI | Control In Circuit Shield[α] |
| 6 | VC | – | Voltage Common (0 V)[β] |
| 13 | VP | – | Voltage Plus (+12 V)[β][γ] |
| 14 | VS | – | Voltage Shield[α] |
| Shell | PG | – | Protective Ground |
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