Using PEX 8648 SMA Based (SI) Card White Paper – Version 1.3
© 2010 by PLX Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved
2
1 Introduction
Using a standard PC with PCIe slots, the PLX SMA based riser card allows quick connection and signal
observation into non-standard configurations (i.e. backplanes) thru use of SMA connectivity. With the PLX
SDK, the card allows programming either via I
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C or PCIe in-band methods, to observe signal output,
adjust transmitter and receiver settings, check Gen 1 / Gen 2 link-up thru a channel, operate at a max x4
width, check system errors, run loopback and card to card signal integrity (SI) testing.
Figure 1. PLX SMA based Riser Card
2 Minimum
Requirements
•
A PC system with a x4 PCIe slot to provide power and system clock – if separate clocking
required – i.e. two PCs - PC must allow SSC clocking to be disabled.
o
PCI-SIG baseboard with x4 connector for power and clock - optional substitute
o
Ardvaark I
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C controller
•
PLX SDK (version 5.22 or higher)
2.1 Additional
References
•
PLX PEX 8648 Quick Start Design Guide,
www.plxtech.com/8648
