IBM i Series, Handbook

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I/O Adapters and Controllers
292
iSeries Handbook
PCI Card Technology
The fundamental bus architecture of the AS/400e server remains unchanged with the
implementation of PCI adapters. The AS/400e IOP architecture continues to off load cycles
from the main processor, isolate the host from adapter and network errors, and manage,
configure, and service the adapters. PCI architecture continues to offer advantages over
other system structures.
There are several types of PCI cards, each of which requires a specialized slot on the
AS/400e Model 250 backplane:
• Low-Speed PCI Adapter Cards: Low-speed PCI cards require a PCI card slot and a
PCI controller to drive them. This PCI controller can either be included on the
backplane or as a separate PCI card that attaches to the backplane.
• High-Speed PCI Adapter Cards: High-speed PCI cards require a higher bandwidth
connection to the PCI controllers than low-speed PCI cards require. The PCI controller
can be included on the backplane or as a separate PCI card that attaches to the
backplane.
• Low-Speed/High-Speed PCI Adapter Cards: The Low-speed/High-Speed PCI cards
can be installed in either a low-speed slot or high-speed slot.
• PCI Controller Cards: PCI controller cards support a number of low-speed PCI card
slots and a number of high-speed PCI card slots depending on how the backplane is
wired. They require a controller position on the backplane.
• Integrated xSeries Server for iSeries Controller Cards: The latest manufacturing
variance of the PCI controller cards, the Integrated xSeries Server for iSeries supports
PCI card slots and requires a PCI controller to drive it. The Integrated xSeries Server
occupies a reserved two-slot controller position on the backplane. One slot is for the
Integrated xSeries Server processor card, and one is for the Integrated iSeries Server
Bridge card.
V5R1 System Unit Hardware (PCI)
PCI configuration rules for V5R1 hardware are flexible. Refer to the “PCI Card Placement
Rules” chapter of the
iSeries and AS/400e System Builder, SG24-2155, for complete rules
for placing these PCI cards in configurations.
Note