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 8524 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).

Interrupt Sources/Events

The ExpressLane PEX 8524 switch 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 8524 for hot plug

events, doorbell interrupts, baseline error reporting, and

advanced error reporting.

Development Tools

PLX offers hardware and software tools to enable rapid

customer design activity. These tools consist of a hardware

module (PEX 8524RDK), hardware documentation, and a

Software Development Kit (SDK).

Figure 8. PEX 8524RDK

ExpressLane PEX 8524RDK

The RDK hardware module includes the PEX 8524 with one

x8 upstream port, one x8 downstream port, and two x4

downstream ports. The upstream port uses a x8 PCI Express

edge connector. PLX offers adapters (x4 and x1) which can be

used to plug the RDK in smaller slots. The PEX 8524RDK

hardware module can be installed in a motherboard, used as a

riser card, or configured as a bench-top board. The PEX

8524RDK can be used to test and validate customer software.

Additionally, it can be used as an evaluation vehicle for PEX

8524 features and benefits.

SDK

The SDK tool set

includes:

- Linux &

Windows drivers

- C/C++ Source

code, Objects,

libraries

- User’s Guides &

Application

examples

\

PLX Technology, Inc.

870 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 Site: www.plxtech.com

Product Ordering Information

Part Number

Description

PEX8524-BC25BI

24-Lane, 6-Port PCIe Switch, 644-ball PBGA 31x31mm

PEX8524-BC25BI G

24-Lane, 6-Port PCIe Switch, 644-ball PBGA 31x31mm

PEX 8524-BC RDK

PEX 8524 Rapid Development Kit with x8 Edge Connector

x4 Adapter

PCI Express x16 to x4 Adapter

x1 Adapter

PCI Express x16 to x1 Adapter

© 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.

PEX8524-SIL-PB-P1-1.4

01/07