Software Usage Model

Interrupt Sources/Events

The PEX 8615 supports the INTx interrupt message type

(compatible with PCI 2.3 Interrupt signals) or Message

Signaled Interrupts (MSI) when enabled. Interrupts/messages

are generated by PEX 8615 for Hot-Plug events, doorbell

interrupts, baseline error reporting, and advanced error

reporting.

The PEX8615 is a multi-function device. Function 0

implements the function of a transparent PCI Express switch

while Function 1 implements the endpoint functionality of the

DMA. From a system model viewpoint, each PCI Express

port is a virtual PCI to PCI bridge device and has its own set

of PCI Express configuration registers. It is through the

upstream port that the BIOS or host can configure the other

ports using standard PCI enumeration. The DMA function of

the PEX8615 implements a Type 0 header, same as an

endpoint, and requires a driver. The driver for the DMA

function is available from PLX and included in the SDK.

Development Tools

RDK

The PEX 8615RDK is a hardware module containing the

PEX 8615 which plugs right into your system (Figure 8). The

PEX 8615RDK hardware module can be installed in a

motherboard, used as a riser card, or configured as a bench-top

board. The PEX 8615RDK can be used to test and validate

customer software. Additionally, it can be used as an

evaluation vehicle for PEX 8615 features and benefits.

PLX offers hardware and software tools to enable rapid

customer design activity. These tools consist of a PEX 8615

Rapid Development Kit (RDK), hardware documentation, and

a Software Development Kit (also available at

www.plxtech.com/sdk).

SDK

The SDK tool set

includes:

- Linux & Windows

drivers

- C/C++ Source code,

Objects, libraries

- User’s Guides &

Application examples

Figure 8. PEX 8615RDK

Windows/Linux Apps

PEX API

PCIe

Driver

NT PnP

Driver

PCI Express Interface

Kernel

Space

User

Space

Hardware

Windows/Linux Apps

PEX API

PCIe

Driver

NT PnP

Driver

PCI Express Interface

Kernel

Space

User

Space

Hardware

PLX Technology, Inc.

870 W. Maude Ave.

Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA

Product Ordering Information

Part Number

Description

PEX8615-BA50BC

12 Lane, 12 Port PCIe Switch, 324-ball HSBGA 19x19mm

PEX8615-BA50BC G

12 Lane, 12 Port PCIe Switch, 324-ball HSBGA 19x19mm

PEX 8615BA-BB4U1D RDK

PEX 8615 Base Board Kit; x4 Upstream; x1 downstream (8)

PEX8615BA-AIC4U4D RDK

PEX8615 Add-in Card Kit; x4 Upstream; x4 downstream (2)

Please visit the PLX Web site at http://www.plxtech.com or contact PLX sales at 408-774-9060 for sampling.

Tel: 1-800-759-3735

Tel: 1-408-774-9060

Fax: 1-408-774-2169

info@plxtech.com

www.plxtech.com

© 2009 by PLX Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. PLX and the PLX logo are registered trademarks of PLX Technology, Inc. ExpressLane is a trademark of PLX Technology,

Inc., which may be registered in some jurisdiction. All other product names that appear in this material are for identification purposes only and are acknowledged to be

trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Information supplied by PLX is believed to be accurate and reliable, but PLX Technology, Inc. assumes no

responsibility for any errors that may appear in this material. PLX Technology, Inc. reserves the right, without notice, to make changes in product design or specification.

PEX8615-SIL-PB-1.3

5/09