ADLINK PXI-8570 - Manual (Page 7)

Introduction • 3
1
Introduction
The ADLINK PCI/PXI-8570 is a PCI to PXI or PXI to PXI extension module that
functions as a transparent PCI-PCI bridge register set. With coupling master and
slave extension modules, users will have direct control of PXI/CompactPCI
chassis from another PC or multi-chassis PXI/CompactPCI systems. All devices
on this system appear as local devices in a single PCI system. One master
extension card (PCI-8570 or PXI-8570) can expand up to 2 slave extension
modules (PXI-8570) at the same time.
ADLINK PCI/PXI-8570 employs the StarFabric architecture, a well-known
physical layer technology, with a serial interconnection at 622Mbps low voltage
differential signaling (LVDS). Four transmit and receive differential pairs are
used to provide 2.5Gbps full duplex link bandwidth. Using shielding twisted pair
copper cable can extend the transmission distance to 10m. The PCI interface
supports 64-bit or 32-bit PCI buses operating at 66MHz or 33MHz. A bundled
link can support the full bandwidth of 64-bit/66MHz PCI bus.
All interrupts asserted by add-in cards in the extension system are passed
through the extension set to the host system. PCI/PXI-8570 is built in a
transparent architecture, and function independently of the operating system. A
PCI-to-PCI bridge function in the system extension set provides 100% capability
with PCI drivers, application software, BIOS, O/Ss, configuration codes, etc.
With the PCI/PXI-8570, users can combine PCI, CompactPCI, and PXI devices
in the same system, increase the available number of PXI/CompactPCI slots for
high density I/O applications, and could separate the control system from the
harsh environment with the extension chassis.