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 8516 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 8516 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 8516 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 8516RDK), hardware documentation, and a

Software Development Kit (SDK).

ExpressLane

The RDK hardware module includes the PEX 8516 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 8516RDK hardware module

can be installed in a motherboard, used as a riser card, or

configured as a bench-top board. The PEX 8516RDK can be

used to test and validate customer software. Additionally, it

can be used as an evaluation vehicle for PEX 8516 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

PEX8516-BB25BI

16 Lane, 4 Port PCIe Switch, 312-ball PBGA 27x27mm pkg

PEX8516-BB25BI G

16 Lane, 4 Port PCIe Switch, 312-ball PBGA 27x27mm pkg, Pb-free

PEX 8516RDK-4

PEX 8516 Rapid Development Kit with x4 Connector

PEX 8516RDK-1

PEX 8516 Rapid Development Kit with x4 Connector and 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.

PEX8516-SIL-PB-P1-1.4

08/06

Figure 7. PEX 8516RDK