June 30, 2005
High-Speed Analog Simulation validates XTX
Simulation of PCI Express signal path proves industrial usability of XTX
Deggendorf June 30, 2005 - XTX expands the ETX standard with PCI Express, Serial ATA and more. The extremely high data rate of 2.5 GBit/s per lane of PCI Express is very demanding on signal transmission quality. This means that the Hirose FX8 connector becomes a critical item when ensuring signal transmission quality. For this reason a complex high-speed simulation model has been created in order to validate that the Hirose FX8 connector used on the XTX form factor is capable of carrying these signals while maintaining signal transmission quality.
This simulation model used included the complete signal pathway originating from the chipset, through the Hirose FX8 connector and all the way to the PCI Express device located on the custom specific baseboard. The use of Express Cards and PCI Express slot expansions was also included in the simulation model. This simulation model was designed to test the Hirose FX8 connector, which is the most critical part, and is based on measurement results submitted by Hirose.
Using this highly competent simulation model has proven that the high-speed transmission rate of PCI Express can be maintained over a signal length of more then 10 inches on a custom baseboard.
These results confirm that XTX is capable of implementing PCI Express. Detailed results of this simulation will be documented in the XTX specification as well as the XTX design guide.
You can find the latest information about XTX by visiting www.xtx-standard.org
About XTX:
XTX™ is the logical extension of the well established ETX® standard. With XTX™, the newest I/O technologies are implemented on a proven form factor. By eliminating the ISA bus, which is barely used by today's applications, the ETX X2 connector is free for new serial buses such as PCI Express and Serial ATA. All other signals on the X1, X3, and X4 connectors remain completely compatible with the ETX standard (Rev. 2.7). ISA functionality can be implemented on the baseboard via a PCI-ISA bridge or the LPC bus. The mechanics are absolutely unchanged, even the cooling concept via the uniform heat spreader is standard in the XTX specification.
About congatec:
congatec is a young, innovative, and experienced manufacturer of embedded computer boards. The highly skilled employees have more than 200-manpower years of experience in the fast growing embedded computer industry. Based in Deggendorf Germany, the company’s objective is to engineer and market industrial computer modules based on standard form factors. congatec's products are available for all business segments and industries. Customers can be found in industrial control, medical, automotive supplies, aircraft and transportation fields. Typical applications are machine control, vending machines and visualization terminals. congatec's main know-how includes the support of our embedded BIOS features, excellent driver support as well as full-featured board support packages. Customers receive complete product lifecycle support starting early during the design-in stage. congatec products are manufactured by specialized contract manufacturers who fulfill the latest quality standards.
