Multi-protocol multiple-data-rate auto-speed negotiation architecture for a device

An interface for use in a local device, said interface comprising:

• a transmitter portion programmably configurable to at least three data rates;
• a receiver portion programmably configurable to said at least three data rates;
• and
• an automatic speed negotiation module operatively connected to said transmitter portion and said receiver portion to configure said transmitter portion and said receiver portion for communication with a remote device at a single data rate that is a best available one of said at least three data rates, said automatic speed negotiation module being operatively connected to said transmitter portion and said receiver portion so as to be able to perform all of:
• adjusting transmitter data path width and receiver data path width,
• adjusting a frequency of said transmitter data path and said receiver data path, and
• oversampling;
• wherein:
• said automatic speed negotiation module configures said transmitter portion and said receiver portion to said best available one of said at least three data rates by selectively performing at least one of said adjusting transmitter data path width and receiver data path width, said adjusting a frequency of said transmitter data path and said receiver data path, or said oversampling.