PCI-X 2.0: The Next Generation of Backward-Compatible PCI

The PCI architecture has proven to be successful beyond even the most optimistic expectations. Today nearly every new computer platform comes outfitted with multiple PCI slots. In addition to the unprecedented number of PCI slots being shipped, there are also hundreds of PCI adapter cards that are available to satisfy virtually every conceivable application. This enormous momentum is difficult to ignore.

Today there is also a need for a new, higher-performance I/O interface to support emerging, ultrahigh-bandwidth technologies such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit FibreChannel, 4X and 12X InfiniBand, and others. A standard that can meet these performance objectives, while maintaining backward compatibility to previous generations of PCI would undoubtedly provide the ideal solution.

To meet these objectives, the PCI-X 2.0 standard has been developed. PCI-X 2.0 has the performance to feed the most bandwidth-hungry applications while at the same time maintaining complete hardware and software backward compatibility to previous generations of PCI and PCI-X. This paper introduces the PCI-X standard.