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2.2
Add-in Board Routing
The PEX 8618 Transmitter pairs escape on the top layer, but at some point must route to the bottom layer, to
connect to the gold fingers. If a logic analyzer midbus footprint is placed in the routing path, the layer transition
can occur at that point. This works out well, because the midbus footprint will have a significant number of ground
vias, which provide effective ground plane stitching for the differential signal’s return path. If a midbus footprint is
not used, layer changing can occur at the AC-coupling capacitors. Dedicated ground vias can be placed near the
capacitors, close to the signal vias, to provide a return path. One ground via per pair is ideal; however, one via per
every two pair is acceptable.
Receiver differential pairs must also transition signal layers, at least one time. Receiver pairs start off at the top
layer, from the gold fingers, and into the inner rows of the BGA. To avoid routing congestion, it is ideal to have the
receiver and transmission pairs transition layers at roughly the same point. In any situation, the transition
locations should have plenty of stitching ground vias.
PCI Express add-in boards must be length-matched within 5-mil. Differential pairs for PCI Express Gen 2 add-in
boards should have a differential impedance of between 68 to 105 ohms (85 ohms, nominal).
Figure 7. Add-In Card Routing to PCI Express Gold Fingers
2.3
System Board Routing
System board routing is simplified slightly. Transmitter pairs can escape on the top layer from the BGA and route
to AC-coupling capacitors. Similarly, Receiver pairs can escape on the bottom layer and directly route to the slot.
Transmitter pairs can also transition to the bottom layer after the AC-coupling capacitors, to minimize the stub
effects of a through-hole PCI Express slot.
PCI Express system boards must be length-matched within 10-mil. Differential pairs for PCI Express Gen 2
system boards should have differential impedance between 68 to 105 ohms (85 ohms, nominal).
Figure 8. System Board Routing to PCI Express Slot
PEX 8618 Quick Start Hardware Design Guide – Version 1.2
Copyright © 2009 by PLX Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
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