Magma PE6RR, PE6R4 manual Appendix B Need More Slots?, Multiple PCI Expansion System Configurations

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M A G M A

Appendix B Need More Slots?

Multiple PCI Expansion System Configurations

The PCI Local Bus Specification defines the PCI bus as a hierarchical bus, where PCI to PCI Bridges (PPBs) may be used to add "levels" to the PCI bus hierarchy. Because hierarchies are organized systems arranged into different levels, you can take advantage of this automatic organizing and layering to expand the number of available PCI slots beyond the number available in your computer’s motherboard.

You can easily add two or more Magma expansion systems to your current system in either a "fan-out" or "daisy-chain" configuration. Each of these configurations has advantages and uses. To determine which type of configuration you wish to use, you should first understand a few basic facts:

1.In a desktop computer, the bios enumerates automatically behind PCI bridges. In the Magma configuration, the bios finds the Magma host card in a PCI Express slot. The bios configures it, and then looks beyond it to find any PCI cards installed in the expansion chassis. The bios then configures the cards and allocates resources. Empty PCI slots are ignored during configuration.

In theory, your computer “should” be able to travel across up to 255 PCI buses to identify and configure all installed PCI cards. Unfortunately, not all computers are created equal. The 255 PCI bus limit is actually a theoretical maximum. The practical limit is somewhat lower, but should still be a fairly large number.

In a desktop computer the bus numbers tend to be lower (0, 1, 2, etc.). Once the bios is finished configuring everything and assigning resources, the Operating System starts loading and activates the PCI cards found.

When adding more Expansion Systems to an existing system, be sure to connect and test them “one-at-a-time.” This will allow you to quickly resolve any connectivity, or other, issues right at the start. DO NOT INSTALL any 3rd Party PCI cards into any system until ALL attached systems are working correctly.

36Appendix B Need More Slots?

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Contents Slot PCI Express to PCI-X Copyright 2007 Mobility Electronics, Inc Table of Contents Appendix a BUS Hierarchy Preface AdvisoriesSafetyInstructions WhenWorkingInsideaComputerProtecting Against Electrostatic Discharge Electrostatic Discharge ESD WarningVi Preface General Specifications IntroductionPartsList Pre-InstallationInformationToolsRequiredforInstallation Hardware Installation StopInstallPCIExpressHostCard Before you BeginAttachPowerandExpansionCables RechecktheInstallation ApplyingPowerCorrectly Starting UpShutting Down PCIe to PCI HIF card LEDsRackInstallations Verify Installation WindowsMacOSX Mac OS Install Cards and Drives RemovePCI Expansion ChassisCoverInstall 3rd PartyPCI CardsorHardDrives Installing 3rd Party PCI Cards Installing Hard Drives System Should BeUpand RunningFinishingTouches Chassis Maintenance GeneralChassisCleaningG M a Hot-SwappablePowerSupply CleaningtheAirFilter Troubleshooting LocatetheProblemMy Computer Can’t Find the PCI Expansion System WindowsWhen Nothing Works My Computer Hangs During Power Up My PCI Card Doesn’t Work Support for 3rd Party PCI Cards Windows Error Codes Error Code Description/ActionManufacturer for new drivers Contacting TechnicalSupport How to Get More HelpFrequentlyAskedQuestionsFAQ Magma Debug Utility PCIScope Software Utility G M a ReturningMerchandisetoMAGMA Magma Returns DEPT. RMA #Appendix a Bus Hierarchy BusHierarchyMultiple PCI Expansion System Configurations Appendix B Need More Slots?G M a Fan-Out Verify your configuration Daisy-Chaining Combination Configurations PCI Card Conflicts Power-OnSequenceforAdvanced ConfigurationsTroubleshooting AdvancedConfigurations G M a Finding the Problem Card Appendix C Compliance IndustryCanadaG M a G M a Manual P/N 09-09906-01-B
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