1.4 : Features overview
1.4.1 : VPX Backplane Fabric
The VP3500 features PLX Technology’s Generation 2 (Gen 1 compatible) PEX8648, a flexible 48-
lane, transparent, 12-port configurable switch. The switch is configurable by means of the VP3500’s
configuration microcontroller (see section 5.3). The PCIe switch interfaces the VPX backplane as
four, 4-lane PCI Express links to P1 (VITA 46). Although the VP3500 switch defaults to a four, 4-lane
interface, it also allows for port widths of x1, x2, x8, and x16 to support specific bandwidth and backplane
requirements. Any single port can be designated as, or dynamically changed, to be the upstream port.
Port 4 is the VP3500’s default upstream port.
1.4.2 : Two PMC Slots
The VP3500 provides two independently bussed PMC slots. Both PMC slots provide up to 64-bit,
133MHz, PCI-X capability for maximum performance. Each PMC slot is independent of the other, and
has its own PCIe to PCI-X transparent bridge. The bridges are PLX Technology’s PEX8114 ,which are
compliant to PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 3.0. Each bridge is connected to the main PCIe switch
through four full-duplex PCIe lanes, each lane supporting 2.5Gbs bandwidth. The port lane width is
established during link auto-negotiation.
The PCI/PCI-X bus supports conventional bus speeds of 33 and 66MHz, and PCI-X speeds of 66
and 133MHz. The PMC slots conform to ANSI/VITA 20/2001 standard for conduction-cooled PMC
devices. The conduction-cooled heat frame design allows for optional front panel PMC IO. Standard and
conduction-cooled PMC modules may be used, which adds to the VP3500’s flexibility. The PMC rear IO
routing conforms to VITA specification 46.9, P64S to VPX P3 & P5. Optional, pluggable IO modules allow
for custom routing to the backplane. Please contact Rigel Engineering support for more information.
1.4.3 : Two XMC Slots
Each of the VP3500’s XMC slots provide 8-lanes of Generation 2 PCI Express for utmost data
throughput. The XMC PCIe lanes are connected to the on-board PCIe switch ,and are accessible to any
device on the VPX backplane connected to the switch.
The XMC slots conform to ANSI/VITA 20/2001 standard for conduction-cooled PMC devices. The
conduction-cooled heat frame design allows for optional front panel XMC IO. Standard and conduction-
cooled XMC modules may be used, which adds to the VP3500’s flexibility. The XMC rear IO routing
conforms to VITA specification 46.9, X38s to P3/P5, X12d+X8d to P4/P6. Optional, pluggable IO modules
allow for custom routing to the backplane. Please contact Rigel Engineering support for information.
VP3500 User Manual • Document Number 101-3500-0001 • Revision A0
Property of Rigel Engineering, LLC. Confidential & Proprietary
690 Cone Park Court, Merritt Island, Florida 32952
page 13