Mini PCI
The Mini PCI specifications are based on the PCI specifications but calls for a smaller connector and card form factor. Mini PCI cards are typically used in notebook computers as daughterboards that snap into a socket on the motherboard. 32-bit Mini PCI supports only 3.3V signaling.
Type I & Type II cards mount inside the PC. I/O connectors are brought out via a cable and a header. Type II cards have I/O connectors directly on them and mount inside the OC, with the I/O connectors externally accessible. There are several standardized Mini PCI card sizes (Type IA, Type IB, etc.).
Mini PCI is used mainly for mobile computing and are generally not intended to be installed by end-users. The compact size requires more expensive components. Mini PCI cards are not usable with other types of connectors.
|
Board Socket Type |
Board Electrical Signaling |
Exp. Card Type |
Exp. Card Conn. Type Supported |
Card Electrical Signaling |
Card Form Factor (max.) |
Bus Width |
|
100-pin stacking type |
3.3V |
IA |
100-pin |
3.3V |
7.5 x 70 x 45mm |
32-bit |
|
100-pin stacking type |
3.3V |
IB |
100-pin |
3.3V |
5.5 x 70 x 45mm |
32-bit |
|
100-pin stacking type |
3.3V |
IIA |
100-pin |
3.3V |
7.5 x 70 x 45mm |
32-bit |
|
100-pin stacking type |
3.3V |
IIB |
100-pin |
3.3V |
17.44 x 78 x 45mm |
32-bit |
|
124-pin card edge (similar to SO-DIMM) |
3.3V |
IIIA |
124-pin card edge |
3.3V |
5.5 x 78 x 45mm |
32-bit |
|
124-pin card edge (similar to SO-DIMM) |
3.3V |
IIIB |
124-pin card edge |
3.3V |
5 x 64.7 x 55.8mm* |
32-bit |
|
124-pin card edge (similar to SO-DIMM) |
3.3V |
IIIA PCB |
124-pin card edge |
3.3V |
2.4 x 59.6 x 50.95mm** |
32-bit |
|
124-pin card edge (similar to SO-DIMM) |
3.3V |
IIIB PCB |
124-pin card edge |
3.3V |
2.4 x 59.6 x 44.6mm** |
32-bit |
*With insulation and connector
*With card edge connector |
CompactPCI
CompactPCI is based on PCI electrical signaling and the Eurocard VME form factor. CompactPCI is designed for industrial and embedded systems. While a standard PCI card uses an edge connector at the bottom of the card, CompactPCI cards use a high-density pin-and-socket connector and a faceplate that keeps connectors and expansion cards firmly in place. CompactPCI backplanes use pin (male) connectors and expansion cards use socket (female) connectors. CompactPCI systems can support up to eight slots, as compared to the standard PCU system's four. Vertical card orientation allows for good cooling.
Currently there are two card form factors:
- 3U CompactPCI: 100 x 160mm card with 220-pin connector (divided into two sections) to carry both 32-bit & 64-bit PCI signals, power, and ground
- 6U CompactPCI: 160 x 233mm card with 95 additional pins (315 pins total), used for a variety of purposes
The connectors have 5V, 3.3V, and Universal keys to ensure signal voltage compatibility, along the same lines as standard PCI. These keys also provide mechanical guidance to help avoid damaging the small pins on the backplane. The backplane connectors have either 5V or 3.3V keys.
PXI is a proprietary refinement of the CompactPCI standard, which defines certain additional pins and signals, and changes where cards (such as the SBC) should be placed in the system. |
