The PEX8114-BC13BI6 is a PCI Express to PCI/PCI-X bridge produced by Broadcom. It serves the purpose of connecting modern systems using PCI Express (PCIe) to older peripherals and devices that utilize the PCI or PCI-X interface. This allows for the continued use of legacy hardware in newer computer systems, mitigating the need for complete equipment overhauls.

Applications

• Industrial Control Systems: Integrating existing PCI-based control cards with newer systems.
• Legacy Server Upgrades: Connecting older PCI/PCI-X based peripherals to new servers.
• Data Acquisition Systems: Using older data acquisition cards in modern systems.
• Telecommunications Infrastructure: Connecting older PCI-based telecom cards.
• Embedded Computing: Extending the life of embedded systems with PCI peripherals.

Features

• PCI Express to PCI/PCI-X Bridging: Converts PCIe signals to PCI/PCI-X for compatibility.
• Supports 32-bit and 64-bit PCI/PCI-X: Provides compatibility with a wide range of legacy devices.
• Transparent Bridging: Allows devices to communicate seamlessly across the bridge.
• DMA Support: Enables Direct Memory Access for high-speed data transfer.
• Hot-Plug Support: Allows for the insertion and removal of PCI/PCI-X cards without system shutdown (if supported by the OS and hardware).
• Advanced Error Reporting: Facilitates debugging and troubleshooting.

Benefits

• Extends Legacy Device Lifespan: Enables the use of PCI/PCI-X devices in newer systems.
• Reduces Upgrade Costs: Avoids the need to replace entire systems when upgrading to PCIe.
• Simplifies System Integration: Provides a convenient solution for connecting different bus architectures.
• Improved Performance: DMA support ensures efficient data transfer.
• Increased Reliability: Error reporting and hot-plug support enhance system uptime.

Additional Details

The PEX8114-BC13BI6 operates as a transparent bridge, meaning the connected devices behave as if directly connected to the PCI Express bus. This simplifies software development and driver compatibility. It also provides Direct Memory Access (DMA), which allows connected PCI/PCI-X devices to directly access system memory without CPU intervention, thus improving overall system performance. The inclusion of advanced error reporting features aids in diagnosing and resolving any issues that may arise during operation. The device uses a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package.