Software Usage Model
From a system model viewpoint, each PCI Express port is a
virtual PCI to PCI bridge device and has its own set of
PCI Express configuration registers. It is through the upstream
port that the BIOS or host can configure the other ports using
standard PCI enumeration. The virtual PCI to PCI bridges
within the PEX 8517 are compliant to the PCI and
PCI Express system models. The Configuration Space
Registers (CSRs) in a virtual primary/secondary PCI to PCI
bridge are accessible by type 0 configuration cycles through
the virtual primary bus interface (matching bus number,
device number, and function number).
Development Tools
PLX offers hardware and software tools to enable rapid
customer design activity. These tools consist of a hardware
module (PEX 8517RDK), hardware documentation, and a
Software Development Kit (SDK).
Interrupt Sources/Events
The PEX 8517 supports the INTx interrupt message type
(compatible with PCI 2.3 Interrupt signals) or Message
Signaled Interrupts (MSI) when enabled. Interrupts/messages
are generated by PEX 8517 for hot-plug events, doorbell
interrupts, baseline error reporting, and advanced error
reporting.
RDK
The RDK hardware module includes the PEX 8517 with one
x4 (card-edge slot) port and three additional x4 ports (see
Figure 7). The RDK is available with x4 card edge connector
and adapters for x1 edge connectors are available to plug the
RDK into smaller slots. The PEX 8517RDK hardware module
can be installed in a motherboard, used as a riser card, or
configured as a bench-top board. The PEX 8517RDK can be
used to test and validate customer software. Additionally, it
can be used as an evaluation vehicle for PEX 8517 features
and benefits.
SDK
The SDK tool set
includes:
-
Linux & Windows
drivers
-
C/C++ Source code,
Objects, libraries
-
User’s Guides &
Application examples
Hardware
PLX Technology, Inc.
870 W. Maude Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA
Tel: 1-800-759-3735
Tel: 1-408-774-9060
Fax: 1-408-774-2169
Email: info@plxtech.com
Web: www.plxtech.com
Product Ordering Information
Part Number
PEX 8517-AC25BI
PEX 8517-AC25BI G
PEX 8517RDK
Description
16 Lane, 5 Port PCIe Switch, 312-ball PBGA 27x27mm pkg
16 Lane, 5 Port PCIe Switch, 312-ball PBGA 27x27mm pkg, Pb-free
PEX 8517 Rapid Development Kit with x4 Connector
Please visit the PLX Web site at
http://www.plxtech.com/8517
or contact PLX sales at 408-774-9060 for sampling.
2006 PLX Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. PLX and the PLX logo are registered trademarks of PLX Technology, Inc. ExpressLane is a trademark of PLX Technology,
Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdiction. All other product names that appear in this material are for identification purposes only and are acknowledged to be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Information supplied by PLX is believed to be accurate and reliable, but PLX Technology, Inc. assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this material. PLX Technology, Inc. reserves the right, without notice, to make changes in product design or specification.
PEX8517-SIL-PB-1.6
05/07
Figure 7. PEX 8517RDK
Windows/Linux Apps
PEX API
Driver
Driver
PCI Express Interface
Space
Space
PCIe
NT PnP
Kernel
User
EEPROM
Dfor cfg.
JTAG
RefClk
Hot Plug
Ckt.
HD Power
Connector
x4
PERST#
PORT 2 - X4
PORT 4 - X2
PORT 3 - X2
Manual
Reset
1
-o
N
o
-
s
C
o
v
e
r
te
r
(Upstream Port)
Lane Status
LEDs
PORT 1 - X4
Reset
Ckt.
I2C
PEX 8518
PEX 8517