PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD User’s Guide – Serial Cables
8
Installation
Step 1 - Unpack board
The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD card is shipped in an anti-static bag to prevent static electricity damage. The card should only be
removed from the bag after ensuring that anti-static precautions are taken. Static electricity from your clothes or
work environment can damage your PCI Express adapter card or your PC. Always wear a grounded anti-static wrist
strap while opening the PC and when the PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD is removed from the anti-static bag.
Unpack the PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD from the anti-static bag using proper anti-static procedures.
Step 2 - Change PCIe Bracket if necessary
The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD package includes a standard and low-profile PCI Express bracket. By default, the standard height bracket
is installed on the board. If you need to replace the mounted bracket with a low-profile bracket, carefully unscrew the two
mounting screws to remove the full height bracket. Save the two mounting screws and replace the bracket with the low-profile
bracket. Use the two mounting screws to install the low-profile bracket. The screws should be carefully tightened, but be careful
not to over-tighten. Make sure you are properly grounded to avoid static discharges that may destroy the adapter card before
performing this procedure.
Step 3 - Configure the Board for Proper Operation
Set the DIP switch settings for proper operation depends on the firmware. Please refer to the section Configuration and DIP
Switches on page 10 for details.
Step 4 - Install the Adapter Card
Before installing the adapter card, make sure you are properly grounded to avoid static discharges that may destroy your computer
or the adapter card. Ensure you are properly grounded before opening your computer or the anti-static bag
containing the PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD. Please follow your computer’s or expansion chassis manual on how to install a
PCI Express card.
The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD Adapter card can be installed into any PCI Express x16 slot. The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD supports PCI
Express Gen1, Gen2 and Gen3 signaling. NOTE: A Gen3 slot is recommended as it typically doubles the performance compared to a
Gen2 slot. The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD is an x16 card, so maximum performance will only be attained if the slot provides full electrical
x16 signaling.
The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD supports hosts using either spread spectrum or constant frequency clocking. The card implements clock
isolation.
Step 5 - Installing and Removing the Cable
Installing and removing cables should be done with both host and expansion system powered off. Please contact your Serial Cables
representative if you intend to continuously connect and disconnect the PCI Express cables.
Connecting the Cable
Please carefully install the cable connector into the connector housing on the PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD adapter card. To install the
cable, match the cable house with the connector on the PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD adapter card. Use even pressure to insert the
connector until it is secure. Adhere to ESD guidelines when installing the cables to ensure you don’t damage the board. Computer
cables should always use strain relief to protect the connected equipment from excessive force on the cable. This is especially
important for cables between racks. Note that for wider than x4 connections, the same cable-ports (ie port 1 through 4) should be
used on both host and target for each individual cable, to ensure that the cards properly link up as x8 or x16.
The PCI-AD-X16HE-PS-MD supports both copper and active optical cables (AOC). Project targets can be found in Table 1 below.
Long cable qualification in progress, please contact Serial Cables for details.
Cable
Speed
Distance
Copper MiniSAS-HD
Gen3
9 meters
Copper MiniSAS-HD
Gen1
12 meters
Copper PCIe 3.0 cable
Gen3
TBD
