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 8508 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 PEX 8508 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 8508 for hot-plug events, baseline error

reporting, and advanced error reporting.

Development Tools

PLX is offering hardware and software tools (PEX 8508RDK)

to enable rapid customer design activity. These tools include

the hardware Rapid Development Kit (RDK) and the Software

Development Kit (SDK).

.

RDK

The RDK hardware module includes the PEX 8508 with by

default one upstream x4 port connected to a male-edge

connector, and four downstream x1 ports each connected to a

x16 female slot connector. Third party adapters from x16 to x1

allow the x4 connector to plug into narrower slots. Cards with

larger than x1 connectors can plug into the x16 female

connectors and will auto-negotiate down to x1.

The PEX 8508RDK can be installed in a motherboard, used as

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

The PEX 8508RDK can be used to test and validate customer

software. Additionally, it can be used as an evaluation vehicle

for the PEX 8508 features and benefits.

SDK

The SDK tool set includes:

- Linux and Windows drivers

- C/C++ Source code, Objects, libraries

- User’s Guides, Application examples, Tutorials

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

Description

PEX 8508-AC25BI

8-Lane, 5 Port PCIe Switch, 296-ball PBGA 19x19 pkg

PEX 8508-AC25BI G

8-Lane, 5 Port PCIe Switch, 296-ball PBGA 19x19 pkg, Pb-free

PEX 8508RDK

Rapid Development Kit for PEX 8508

© 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.

PCI8508-SIL-PB-P1-1.7

05/07

Figure 7. PEX 8508RDK