Installing and use of XPRS-PCI-X3
1. Introduction
The XPRS-PCI-X3 connects with one of our XRPS-HOST-.. cards, and allows using of up to 3 PCI peripheral cards outside of a computer system.
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The image shows XPRS-PCI-X3 product, cables coming from XRPS-HOST-.. card, and 2 PCI peripheral cards.
2. Preliminary step
Based on the computer system one preliminary step is installing of a xprs-host-ec on a notebook system with an ExpressCard slot
3. Assembly of XPRS-PCI-X3
There are 2 ways to connect the 2 cables to the connectors on XPRS-PCI-X3.
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Make sure that the XPRS-HOST-.. card is inserted, and the host computer system is powered on.
The image above shows the wrong way of connecting the cables to the connectors - the onboard LED is not lit, the LED is not on.
In such case remove both cables, switch positions, and plug to the other connectors.
The image below shows the right way - the onboard LED is lit, the LED is on.
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The PCI interface requires either 3.3V, or 5V, or both voltages to be supplied for the PCI cards.
The image below shows 5V power supplied to XPRS-PCI-X3 for the PCI cards.
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If unsure on the power requirements of a particular PCI card, please use one of our PWR-5V products to have 5V power supplied to XPRS-PCI-X3 for the PCI cards.
4. Insert / remove of peripheral cards
When the host system is a notebook, and the operating system supports ExpressCard slots, you can dynamically insert/remove PCI cards on XPRS-PCI-X3.
When the host system is a desktop, or the operating system does not support hot insert/ remove of PCI Express based peripherals you need to:
- power off host system
- mount XPRS-HOST-.. in the system
- connect cables to XPRS-PCI-X3 - in the proper way
- mount PCI cards
- power on host system
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5. Additional ways of use
5.1. Adding power
PCI cards may optionally use also +12V and -12V for powering.
If a PCI peripheral card needs +12V and -12V with current consumption of up to 50mA, you can add the ISA-PWR power module.
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If a PCI peripheral card needs +12V and -12V with high current consumption, you can add the ISA-PWR-XR external power supply.
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The power jumpers positions may need to be moved - please check the User's Guide .pdf, the chapter on XPRS-PCI-X3, for details.
5.2. Putting in an enclosure
The XPRS-PCI-X3 together with the PCI cards may be mounted in an enclosure.
The image below shows putting the cards in our ISA-X3-B2 enclosure.
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Shorter PCI cards may be put in our ISA-X3-B1 enclosure.