MXH832 User’s Guide –
Dolphin Interconnect Solutions
Page 9
Installation
Step 1 - Unpack board
The MXH832 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 MXH832 is removed from the anti-static bag.
Unpack the MXH832 from the anti-static bag using proper anti-static procedures.
Step 2 - Change PCIe Bracket if necessary
The MXH832 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 11 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 MXH832
. Please follow your computer’s
or expansion chassis manual on how to install a PCI Express
card.
The MXH832 Adapter card can be installed into any PCI Express x16 slot. The MXH832 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 MXH832 is an
x16 card, so maximum performance will only be attained if the slot provides full electrical x16 signaling.
The MXH832 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 Dolphin
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 MXH832 adapter card. To install the cable, match the
cable house with the connector on the MXH832 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 MXH832 supports both copper and active optical cables (AOC). Project targets can be found in Table 1 below. Long cable
qualification in progress, please contact Dolphin for details.
Cable
Speed
Distance
Copper MiniSAS-HD
Gen3
9 meters
Copper MiniSAS-HD
Gen1
12 meters
Copper PCIe 3.0 cable
Gen3
TBD
Fiber optic (AOC)
Gen3
TBD
Table 1: Cable Specifications