-5

PXI Express
Hardware Specification
PCI EXPRESS eXtensions for Instrumentation

An Implementation of CompactPCI Express ®

PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018

Revision 1.1
May 31, 2018
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Copyright
© Copyright 2005-2018 PXI Systems Alliance. All rights reserved.
This document is copyrighted by the PXI Systems Alliance. Permission is granted to reproduce and distribute this
document in its entirety and without modification.

NOTICE
The PXI Express Hardware Specification is authored and copyrighted by the PXI Systems Alliance. The intent of the
PXI Systems Alliance is for the PXI Express Hardware Specification to be an open industry standard supported by a
wide variety of vendors and products. Vendors and users who are interested in developing PXI-compatible products or
services, as well as parties who are interested in working with the PXI Systems Alliance to further promote PXI as an
open industry standard are invited to contact the PXI Systems Alliance for further information.
The PXI Systems Alliance wants to receive your comments on this specification. Visit the PXI Systems Alliance web
site at http://www.pxisa.org/ for contact information and to learn more about the PXI Systems Alliance.
The attention of adopters is directed to the possibility that compliance with or adoption of the PXI Systems Alliance
specifications may require use of an invention covered by patent rights. The PXI Systems Alliance shall not be
responsible for identifying patents for which a license may be required by any PXI Systems Alliance specification, or
for conducting legal inquiries into the legal validity or scope of those patents that are brought to its attention. PXI
Systems Alliance specifications are prospective and advisory only. Prospective users are responsible for protecting
themselves against liability for infringement of patents.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. The material in this document details
a PXI Systems Alliance specification in accordance with the license and notices set forth on this page. This document
does not represent a commitment to implement any portion of this specification in any company’s products.
The PXI Systems Alliance makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to,
the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The PXI Systems Alliance shall not be
liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Compliance with this specification does not absolve manufacturers of PXI equipment from the requirements of safety
and regulatory agencies (UL, CSA, FCC, IEC, etc.).

Trademarks
PXITM is a trademark of the PXI Systems Alliance.
PICMGTM and CompactPCI® are trademarks of the PCI Industrial Computation Manufacturers Group.
Product and company names are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018 ii www.pxisa.org

PXI Express Hardware Specification Revision History
This section is an overview of the revision history of the PXI Express Hardware Specification.

Revision 1.0, August 22, 2005

This is the first public revision of the PXI Express specification.

Revision 1.1, May 31, 2018

• Allowed PXI Express Peripheral Modules and System Timing Modules to draw 3 A/pin on 12 V and 3.3 V.
• Allowed PXI Express System Modules to draw 15 A/pin on 12 V, 5 V, and 3.3 V up to a maximum of 45 A.
• Added recommendation for modules to have thermal protection.
• Updated maximum bandwidth numbers in overview sections factoring in Gen 3 PCI Express performance.
• Incorporated relevant aspects of PXI Express Hardware Specification ECN 1 revision 2.0, making the ECN 1
obsolete.

© PXI Systems Alliance iii PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
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Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives........................................................................................................................................ 11
1.2 Intended Audience and Scope......................................................................................................... 13
1.3 Background and Terminology......................................................................................................... 13
1.4 Applicable Documents .................................................................................................................... 14
1.5 Useful Web Sites............................................................................................................................. 14

2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

2.1 Mechanical Architecture Overview ................................................................................................ 17
2.1.1 Module and Slot Types ................................................................................................... 17
2.1.1.1 3U and 6U PXI Express System Module and Slot .................................... 17
2.1.1.2 3U and 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module and Slot................................ 20
2.1.1.3 3U and 6U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot ....................................... 23
2.1.1.4 3U and 6U PXI Express System Timing Module and Slot ....................... 25
2.1.1.5 PXI-1 Slot .................................................................................................. 28
2.1.1.6 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Module................. 28
2.1.2 System Slot and System Timing Module Location......................................................... 29
2.1.3 Additional Mechanical Features...................................................................................... 30
2.1.4 Interoperability with CompactPCI Express..................................................................... 30
2.1.5 Typical System Components........................................................................................... 30
2.1.6 Chassis Supporting Stacking 3U Modules in a 6U Slot.................................................. 31
2.2 Electrical Architecture Overview.................................................................................................... 32
2.2.1 Features Leveraged from CompactPCI Express ............................................................. 33
2.2.2 Features Leveraged from the PXI Hardware Specification ............................................ 34
2.2.3 New Instrumentation Features ........................................................................................ 34
2.2.3.1 High-Frequency System Reference Clock................................................. 36
2.2.3.2 Differential Synchronization Signal .......................................................... 36
2.2.3.3 Differential Triggers ................................................................................. 37
2.2.3.4 System Timing Module ............................................................................. 37
2.2.4 Slot Identification ............................................................................................................ 37
2.2.4.1 Module Drivers and the GA Pins............................................................... 37
2.2.4.2 Determining the Chassis Number.............................................................. 37
2.2.5 Controller Identification .................................................................................................. 38
2.2.6 Chassis Identification ...................................................................................................... 38
2.2.7 Power Requirements ....................................................................................................... 38
2.3 Software Architecture Overview..................................................................................................... 38

3. Mechanical Requirements
3.1 Drawing Standard............................................................................................................................ 41
3.2 Dimensional Units........................................................................................................................... 41
3.3 Chassis Subrack Mechanical Requirements.................................................................................... 41
3.4 Minimum Slot Requirements to be a PXI Express Chassis ............................................................ 41
3.5 Features Leveraged from PXI-1: PXI Hardware Specification ...................................................... 41
3.5.1 Maximum Number of Slots............................................................................................. 41
3.5.2 System Slot Location and Rules...................................................................................... 41
3.5.3 Slot Numbering and Orientation ..................................................................................... 42
3.5.4 PXI-1 Slot........................................................................................................................ 42
3.5.5 Hybrid Slot-Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Modules ...................................................... 43
3.6 Features Leveraged from CompactPCI Express Specification ....................................................... 43
3.6.1 Module Connector Requirements.................................................................................... 43
3.6.1.1 Advanced Differential Fabric (ADF) Connector....................................... 43
3.6.1.2 Enriched Hard-Metric (eHM) Connector .................................................. 43
3.6.1.3 Universal Power (UPM) Connector........................................................... 43

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Contents

3.6.2 Backplane Connector Requirements ............................................................................... 43

3.6.2.1 Advanced Differential Fabric (ADF) Connector....................................... 43
3.6.2.2 Enriched Hard-Metric (eHM) Connector .................................................. 43
3.6.2.3 Universal Power (UPM) Connector........................................................... 43
3.6.3 3U and 6U Module Requirements................................................................................... 44
3.6.3.1 System Module .......................................................................................... 44
3.6.3.2 PXI Express Peripheral Module ................................................................ 44
3.6.4 Backplane Requirements................................................................................................. 46
3.6.4.1 System Slot ................................................................................................ 46
3.6.4.2 Peripheral Slot ........................................................................................... 46
3.6.4.3 PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot .......................................................... 47
3.7 New Module and Slot Types........................................................................................................... 48
3.7.1 PXI Express System Timing Module Requirements....................................................... 48
3.7.2 Backplane Requirements for New Slot Types ................................................................ 50
3.7.2.1 PXI Express System Timing Slot Requirements ....................................... 50
3.8 Requirements for Stacking 3U Modules in 6U Slots ...................................................................... 54
3.9 PXI Logo......................................................................................................................................... 54
3.10 Chassis with Built-In System Modules ........................................................................................... 55
3.11 Cooling Requirements .................................................................................................................... 56
3.11.1 Module Cooling Requirements ....................................................................................... 56
3.11.2 Chassis Cooling Requirements........................................................................................ 56
3.12 Environmental Specifications ......................................................................................................... 57
3.12.1 Temperature Specifications............................................................................................. 57
3.12.2 Humidity Specifications .................................................................................................. 57
3.12.3 Vibration Specifications .................................................................................................. 57
3.12.4 Acoustic Noise Specifications......................................................................................... 57
3.13 PXI Express Compatibility Glyphs................................................................................................. 58
3.13.1 Module Glyphs ................................................................................................................ 58
3.13.2 Chassis Slot Glyphs......................................................................................................... 58

4. Electrical Requirements
4.1 PCI Signals...................................................................................................................................... 59
4.1.1 Hybrid Slot Requirements ............................................................................................... 59
4.1.2 PXI-1 Slot Requirements ................................................................................................ 59
4.2 CPCI Express Signals ..................................................................................................................... 59
4.2.1 System Module/Slot Requirements ................................................................................. 59
4.2.2 PXI Express Peripheral Module / Slot Requirements ..................................................... 61
4.2.3 System Timing Module/Slot Requirements .................................................................... 62
4.2.4 Hybrid Slot Requirements ............................................................................................... 63
4.3 PXI-1 Instrumentation Signals........................................................................................................ 64
4.3.1 Reference Clock: PXI_CLK10........................................................................................ 64
4.3.2 Trigger Bus...................................................................................................................... 64
4.3.3 Star Trigger ..................................................................................................................... 65
4.3.4 Local Bus......................................................................................................................... 65
4.4 PXI Express Timing References ..................................................................................................... 66
4.4.1 Backplane Requirements................................................................................................. 66
4.4.1.1 PXIe_CLK100 ........................................................................................... 66
4.4.1.2 PXI_CLK10............................................................................................... 66
4.4.1.3 PXIe_SYNC100 ........................................................................................ 67
4.4.1.4 Timing, Switching, and PXIe_SYNC_CTRL ........................................... 67
4.4.2 System Timing Module Requirements............................................................................ 71
4.4.3 Peripheral Module Requirements.................................................................................... 71
4.4.3.1 PXIe_CLK100 ........................................................................................... 71

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4.4.3.2 PXI_CLK10............................................................................................... 72
4.4.3.3 PXIe_SYNC100 ........................................................................................ 72
4.5 Differential Triggers........................................................................................................................ 74
4.5.1 Chassis Requirements ..................................................................................................... 74
4.5.2 PXIe Peripheral Module / Slot Requirements ................................................................. 75
4.5.2.1 PXIe_DSTARA ......................................................................................... 75
4.5.2.2 PXIe_DSTARB ......................................................................................... 76
4.5.2.3 PXIe_DSTARC ......................................................................................... 76
4.5.3 System Timing Module/Slot Requirements .................................................................... 77
4.5.3.1 PXIe_DSTARA ......................................................................................... 77
4.5.3.2 PXIe_DSTARB ......................................................................................... 77
4.5.3.3 PXIe_DSTARC ......................................................................................... 78
4.6 Slot Identification............................................................................................................................ 78
4.7 Backplane Identification ................................................................................................................. 78
4.8 SMBus Address Reservation........................................................................................................... 79
4.9 Electrical Guidelines for 6U............................................................................................................ 79
4.9.1 6U Chassis that Support Stacking 3U Modules .............................................................. 80
4.10 Connector Pin Assignments ............................................................................................................ 80
4.10.1 PXI Express Peripheral Slots and Modules..................................................................... 80
4.10.2 PXI Express System Slot and Modules........................................................................... 80
4.10.2.1 4 Link Configuration ................................................................................. 81
4.10.2.2 2 Link Configuration ................................................................................. 82
4.10.3 PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot................................................................................ 83
4.10.4 PXI-1 Slot........................................................................................................................ 83
4.10.5 System Timing Slot......................................................................................................... 84
4.10.6 XP8/XJ8 Connector Pin Assignments............................................................................. 84
4.11 Power............................................................................................................................................... 85
4.11.1 Power Requirements from CompactPCI Express ........................................................... 85
4.11.2 Chassis Requirements ..................................................................................................... 85
4.11.2.1 Chassis Minimum Required Continuous Current...................................... 85
4.11.2.2 Low-Power Chassis Power Supply Specifications .................................... 88
4.11.3 Module Requirements ..................................................................................................... 88
4.11.3.1 Module Maximum Continuous Current Draw........................................... 88
4.12 Chassis Grounding .......................................................................................................................... 88

5. Regulatory Requirements
5.1 Requirements for EMC ................................................................................................................... 89
5.2 Requirements for Electrical Safety ................................................................................................. 89
5.3 Additional Requirements for Chassis.............................................................................................. 89

6. PXI Express Software Specification Compliance

Figures
Figure 1-1. PXI Express Hardware Specification Architectures .......................................................... 12
Figure 1-2. PXI Express Software Specification Architecture ............................................................. 12
Figure 2-1. 3U PXI Express System Module........................................................................................ 18
Figure 2-2. 6U PXI Express System Module........................................................................................ 18
Figure 2-3. 3U PXI Express System Slot.............................................................................................. 19
Figure 2-4. 6U PXI Express System Slot.............................................................................................. 20
Figure 2-5. 3U PXI Express Peripheral Module................................................................................... 21
Figure 2-6. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module................................................................................... 21
Figure 2-7. 3U PXI Express Peripheral Slot ......................................................................................... 22
Figure 2-8. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Slot ......................................................................................... 23

© PXI Systems Alliance vii PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
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Figure 2-9. 3U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot............................................................................. 24

Figure 2-10. 6U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot............................................................................. 25
Figure 2-11. 6U PXI Express System Timing Module........................................................................... 26
Figure 2-12. 3U PXI Express System Timing Slot................................................................................. 27
Figure 2-13. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot................................................................................. 27
Figure 2-14. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot with Stacked 3U Support ....................................... 28
Figure 2-15. 3U Hybrid Peripheral Slot Compatible PXI-1 Module...................................................... 29
Figure 2-16. 6U Hybrid Peripheral Slot Compatible PXI-1 Module...................................................... 29
Figure 2-17. Typical System Components.............................................................................................. 31
Figure 2-18. Example of a PXI Express Chassis that Supports 3U Stacking ......................................... 32
Figure 2-19. Instrumentation Signal Implementation Example.............................................................. 35
Figure 2-20. Instrumentation Signals Connector Mapping..................................................................... 36
Figure 3-1. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module PCB .......................................................................... 45
Figure 3-2. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module................................................................................... 46
Figure 3-3. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Slot ......................................................................................... 47
Figure 3-4. 6U PXI Express Hybrid Slot .............................................................................................. 48
Figure 3-5. 3U PXI Express System Timing Module PCB .................................................................. 49
Figure 3-6. 6U PXI Express System Timing Module PCB .................................................................. 50
Figure 3-7. 3U PXI Express System Timing Slot Backplane Dimensions .......................................... 51
Figure 3-8. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot Backplane Dimensions........................................... 52
Figure 3-9. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot with Stacked Support Backplane Dimensions ...... 53
Figure 3-10. PXI Logo ............................................................................................................................ 55
Figure 3-11. PXI Express Logo .............................................................................................................. 55
Figure 3-12. Cooling Airflow Direction in a PXI Express System ........................................................ 56
Figure 3-13. Module Glyphs................................................................................................................... 58
Figure 3-14. Slot Glyphs......................................................................................................................... 58
Figure 4-1. PXI Trigger Bus Termination ............................................................................................ 64
Figure 4-2. Timing relationship of PXI_CLK10 to PXIe_CLK100 ..................................................... 68
Figure 4-3. Timing Relationship of PXIe_SYNC100 to PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100 ................. 68
Figure 4-4. PXIe_SYNC100 Default Behavior .................................................................................... 69
Figure 4-5. PXIe_SYNC100 at 3.33 MHz Using PXIe_SYNC_CTRL as Restart .............................. 70
Figure 4-6. PXIe_SYNC100 Using PXIe_SYNC_CTRL as Enable.................................................... 70
Figure 4-7. Timing Relationship between SYNC_CTRL and PXI_CLK10 ........................................ 71
Figure 4-8. Peripheral Module Circuit for Terminating PXIe_CLK100 Signal ................................... 72
Figure 4-9. Peripheral Module Circuit for Terminating PXIe_SYNC100 Circuit ............................... 73
Figure 4-10. Circuit to recreate PXI_CLK10 Internally as MyCLK10 .................................................. 73
Figure 4-11. Peripheral Module Circuit for Terminating PXIe_DSTARA ............................................ 76
Figure 4-12. Text Required for Low-Power Chassis .............................................................................. 88

Tables
Table 2-1. PXI Express and CompactPCI Express Specification Names ........................................... 17
Table 2-2. PXI and PXI Express Module Interoperability .................................................................. 33
Table 3-1. Upper and Lower 3U Slot Implementation ........................................................................ 54
Table 4-1. System Module and Slot Requirements ............................................................................. 59
Table 4-2. PXI Express Peripheral Module and Slot Requirements ................................................... 61
Table 4-3. System Timing Module and Slot Requirements ................................................................ 62
Table 4-4. Hybrid Slot Requirements.................................................................................................. 63
Table 4-5. Timing relationship of PXI_CLK10 to PXIe_CLK100 ..................................................... 68
Table 4-6. Timing Relationship of PXIe_SYNC100 to PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100 ................. 69
Table 4-7. Timing Relationship between SYNC_CTRL and PXI_CLK10 ........................................ 71
Table 4-8. PXIe_DSTAR Set Mapping ............................................................................................... 74
Table 4-9. PXI Express Peripheral Slot and Module Pin Assignments............................................... 80
Table 4-10. Pin Assignments for 4 Link Operation............................................................................... 81

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 Contents

Table 4-11. Pin Assignments for 2 Link Operation............................................................................... 82

Table 4-12. Hybrid Peripheral Slot Pin Assignments............................................................................ 83
Table 4-13. PXI Express System Timing Slot/Module Pinout.............................................................. 84
Table 4-14. XP8/XJ8 Pin Assignments ................................................................................................. 85
Table 4-15. PXI Express Chassis Minimum Required Continuous Current ......................................... 86
Table 4-16. PXI Express Backplane Continuous Current Capability ................................................... 87

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1. Introduction
This section describes the primary objectives and scope of the PXI-5: PCI Express eXtensions for
Instrumentation specification. It also defines the intended audience and lists relevant terminology and
documents.

1.1 Objectives
PXI Express was created to build on the successful PXI-1: PXI Hardware Specification and the new
CompactPCI Express standard to make new levels of performance possible in modular instrumentation and
automation Systems. Similar to the PXI-1 standard, existing industry standards are leveraged by PXI Express
to benefit from high component availability at lower costs. PXI Express also continues to maintain software
compatibility with industry-standard personal computers, allowing customers to use the same software
tools and environments with which they are familiar. Not only does PXI Express provide a giant leap in
measurement and automation performance, but it also provides a high level of compatibility with PXI-1, so
customers can preserve their investment in PXI-1 Modules.

PXI Express leverages the electrical features defined by the widely adopted PCI Express specification for data
movement. This is accomplished by PXI Express Modules complying with the CompactPCI Express
specification, which combines the PCI Express electrical specification with rugged Eurocard mechanical
packaging and high-performance differential connectors. This allows measurement and automation Systems
based on PXI Express to have a data throughput of upto 128 GBytes/sec in each direction. PXI Express also
offers two-way interoperability with CompactPCI Express products.

Instrumentation capabilities within PXI Express can reach a new level of performance by providing
point-to-point differential triggers, point-to-point differential variable clocks, and a 100 MHz differential
System clock. The highly used bussed triggers, point-to-point triggers, and 10 MHz clock defined in the
PXI-1 specification are maintained. This allows PXI Express Module designers to make optimized cost versus
performance tradeoffs when implementing instrumentation features.

PXI Express maintains compatibility with Modules designed to be compliant with the PXI-1 specification in
two ways. First, PXI Express allows Chassis to have slots that are defined in the PXI-1 specification. Second,
PXI Express defines a slot that accepts either a high-performance Module that uses PCI Express for data
transfer or a Module designed to the PXI-1 specification that has had a connector change. Of course, this also
means PXI Express allows for the compatibility with Modules designed to the CompactPCI specification.

By implementing PCI Express, PXI Express Systems can leverage the large base of existing industry-standard
software. Desktop PC users have access to different levels of software, from operating systems to low-level
device drivers to high-level instrument drivers to complete graphical APIs. All of these software levels can be
used in PXI Express Systems. The PXI Systems Alliance maintains a separate Software Specification for PXI
Express Modules, Chassis, and Systems. By having a separate Software Specification, the PXI Systems
Alliance can more quickly adopt the latest operating Systems and software standards. PXI Express Modules,
Chassis, and Systems developed to comply with this PXI Hardware Specification must also comply with the
PXI-6: PXI Express Software Specification.

© PXI Systems Alliance 11 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
1. Introduction

Figure 1-1 summarizes the scope of the PXI Express Hardware Specification by depicting its mechanical and
electrical architectures.

PXI Express: PCI Express eXtensions for Instrumentation

Hardware Specification

Mechanical Electrical
Architecture Architecture

PXI-1 and PXI-1 and

CompactPCI CompactPCI
PXI Express CompactPCI PXI Express CompactPCI
Express Express
Compatability Compatability

System Eurocard PCI Express Differential PCI

Slots and Timing 100MHz Clock
Boards Module
IEC Triggers,
SMBus Ref. Clock.
Differential Cooling Connectors Differential
Connectors Point to Point Local Bus
Triggers
Environmental PXI-1 Slots &
EuroCard Testing Hybrid Slots Differential
Variable Clock

Single Ended
Ref Clock
Triggers

Figure 1-1. PXI Express Hardware Specification Architectures

Figure 1-2 summarizes the scope of the PXI-6: PXI Express Software Specification by depicting its
architecture.

PXI Express: PCI Express

eXtensions for
Instrumentation
Software Specification

Software
Architecture

Resource
Operating Systems Driver Software
Management

Figure 1-2. PXI Express Software Specification Architecture

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 1. Introduction

1.2 Intended Audience and Scope

This specification is organized with a top-down approach whereby general descriptions precede the more
detailed specifications found deeper in the subsections. This structure is intended to serve the needs of a
variety of audiences from product developers to System integrators to end-users. Product developers may
want to become familiar with all portions of this specification, while end users may be interested in only the
feature set description and perhaps the summaries of how these features are implemented. The goal of this
specification is to serve as the highest level document relevant to all users and providers of PXI Express
compatible Systems, but in many cases this specification references other specifications such as CompactPCI
Express and PXI-1 for certain details. These specifications and the specifications they in turn refer to may be
needed to fully implement PXI Express products.

The first section of this specification describes the features that PXI Express Systems can offer and how these
features can be applied to instrumentation. The subsequent sections cover the mechanical, electrical, and
software requirements specific to implementing PXI Express features.

1.3 Background and Terminology

This section defines the acronyms and key words that are referred to throughout this specification. This
specification uses the following acronyms:
• API—Application Programming Interface
• CompactPCI—PICMG 2.0 Specification
• Eurocard—European Packaging Specifications (IEC 60297, IEEE 1101.1, IEEE 1101.10,
IEEE 1101.11)
• GPIB—General Purpose Interface Bus, IEEE 488
• ISA—Industry Standard Architecture; desktop PC adapter board specification
• PCI—Peripheral Component Interconnect; electrical specification defined by PCISIG
• PCI Express—Serialized evolution of PCI
• PCI-SIG—PCI Special Interest Group
• PICMG—PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group
• PXI—PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation
• PXI Express—PCI Express eXtensions for Instrumentation
• VISA—Virtual Instrument Software Architecture
• VITA—VMEbus International Trade Association
• VME—Versa Module Europe; VMEbus specification governed by the VSO
• VPP—VXIplug&play Specification
• VSO—VITA Standards Organization
• VXI—VME Extensions for Instrumentation

This specification uses several key words, which are defined as follows:

RULE: Rules SHALL be followed to ensure compatibility. A rule is characterized by the use of the words
SHALL and SHALL NOT.

RECOMMENDATION: Recommendations consist of advice to implementers that will affect the usability
of the final Module. A recommendation is characterized by the use of the words SHOULD and SHOULD
NOT.

© PXI Systems Alliance 13 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
1. Introduction

PERMISSION: Permissions clarify the areas of the specification that are not specifically prohibited.
Permissions reassure the reader that a certain approach is acceptable and will cause no problems. A
permission is characterized by the use of the word MAY.

OBSERVATION: Observations spell out implications of rules and bring attention to things that might
otherwise be overlooked. They also give the rationale behind certain rules, so that the reader understands why
the rule must be followed.

MAY: A key word indicating flexibility of choice with no implied preference. This word is usually associated
with a permission.

SHALL: A key word indicating a mandatory requirement. Designers SHALL implement such mandatory
requirements to ensure interchangeability and to claim conformance with the specification. This word is
usually associated with a rule.

SHOULD: A key word indicating flexibility of choice with a strongly preferred implementation. This word
is usually associated with a recommendation.

1.4 Applicable Documents

This specification defines extensions to the base PCI Express and CompactPCI Express specifications
referenced in this section. It is assumed that the reader has a thorough understanding of PCI Express and
CompactPCI Express. The CompactPCI Express specification refers to several other applicable documents
with which the reader may wish to become familiar. This specification refers to the following documents
directly:
• PXI Software Specification (Latest Revision)
• PXI Hardware Specification (Latest Revision)
• PCI Local Bus Specification, Rev. 2.3
• PCI Express Base Specification 1.1
• PCI Express Card Electromechanical (CEM) Specification 1.1
• PICMG 2.0 R3.0 CompactPCI Specification
• PICMG EXP.0 CompactPCI Express Specification
• System Management Bus (SMBus) Specification, Version 2.0
• VXIplug&play Specifications (VPP-3.x and VPP-7)
• IEC 61326-1:1998, Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use—EMC
requirements—Part I, General requirements, International Electrotechnical Commission
• IEC 1010-1:1990 + A1:1992, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use—Part 1, General requirements, International Electrotechnical Commission
• IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing, International Electrotechnical Commission

1.5 Useful Web Sites

Below is a list of Web site links that at the time of publication of this specification point to sites with
information useful in the understanding and design of PXI products:
• http://www.pxisa.org/—PXI specifications
• http://www.picmg.org/—PICMG specifications
• http://www.ieee.org/—IEEE specifications
• http://www.iec.org/—IEC specifications
• http://www.pcisig.com/—PCI and PCI Express specifications

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 1. Introduction

• http://www.vita.com/—VME specifications
• http://www.vxi.org/—VXI specifications
• http://www.vxipnp.org/—VISA specifications
• http://www.smbus.org/—SMBus specification

© PXI Systems Alliance 15 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
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2. PXI Express Architecture Overview
This section presents an overview of PXI Express System features and capabilities by summarizing the
mechanical, electrical, and software architectures defined by this specification.

2.1 Mechanical Architecture Overview

PXI Express supports 3U and 6U Module form factors just like PXI-1. Several new connectors have been
added to support PCI-Express and are defined by the CompactPCI Express specification. This specification
uses different names for the Module and slot types as compared to CompactPCI Express and introduces some
new types as well. Table 2-1 shows the PXI Express component name and the equivalent CompactPCI
Express component name.

Table 2-1. PXI Express and CompactPCI Express Specification Names

PXI Express Specification Name CompactPCI Express Specification Name

PXI Express System Slot System Slot
PXI Express System Module System Board
PXI Express Peripheral Slot Type 2 Peripheral Slot
PXI Express Peripheral Module Type 2 Peripheral Board
PXI Express Hybrid Slot Hybrid Slot
Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Module N/A
PXI Express System Timing Slot N/A
PXI Express System Timing Module N/A
PXI-1 Slot Legacy Slot
PXI-1 Module CompactPCI Peripheral Board

The Module and slot types used from the CompactPCI Express specification as well as the new ones
introduced by this specification are described in the following sections.

2.1.1 Module and Slot Types

PXI Express Module and slot types include a 3U and 6U PXI Express System Module and Slot, a 3U and 6U
PXI Express Peripheral Module and Slot, a PXI Express 3U and 6U Hybrid Peripheral Slot, a 3U and 6U PXI
Express System Timing Module and Slot, a 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot, and a 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot compatible
PXI-1 Module. In addition to these Module and slot types, 3U and 6U PXI Peripheral Slots defined in the
PXI-1 specification are allowed in PXI Express Chassis to support PXI-1 Peripheral Modules.

2.1.1.1 3U and 6U PXI Express System Module and Slot

PXI Express System Modules have four required connectors, XP1/XJ2/XJ3/XJ4, as defined by the
CompactPCI Express specification. A simplified description of the connector functionality is XP1/XJ1 is for
power, XP2/XJ2 and XP3/XJ3 are for PCI Express, and XP4/XJ4 is for instrumentation signals defined in the
PXI-1 specification. The 6U System Module may use J3/J4/J5 for rear I/O applications.

© PXI Systems Alliance 17 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

Figures 2-1 and 2-2 show the 3U and 6U PXI Express System Modules, respectively.

XJ4

XJ3

XJ2

XP1

Figure 2-1. 3U PXI Express System Module

J5

Optional for
J4
Rear I/O

J3

XJ4

XJ3

XJ2

XP1

Figure 2-2. 6U PXI Express System Module

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

Figures 2-3 and 2-4 show the 3U and 6U PXI Express System Slots, respectively.

XP4

XP3

XP2

XJ1

Figure 2-3. 3U PXI Express System Slot

© PXI Systems Alliance 19 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

P5

Optional for
P4
Rear I/O

P3

XP4

XP3

XP2

XJ1

Figure 2-4. 6U PXI Express System Slot

2.1.1.2 3U and 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module and Slot

The 3U PXI Express Peripheral Module has two connectors, XJ3 and XJ4. A simplified description of the
connector functionality is that XP3/XJ3 are for PCI Express and Differential Triggers and Timing, and
XP4/XJ4 is for instrumentation signals that are defined in the PXI-1 specification. The 6U PXI Express
Peripheral Module has an Optional eHM connector (required for backplanes), XJ8, that is populated in the
upper columns of the legacy J5 location to provide additional power to the 6U Module. The PXI Express
specification does not support the use of J3/J4/J5 on 6U Peripheral Modules.

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

Figures 2-5 and 2-6 show the 3U and 6U PXI Express Peripheral Modules, respectively.

XJ4

XJ3

Figure 2-5. 3U PXI Express Peripheral Module

Optional—XJ8

XJ4

XJ3

Figure 2-6. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module

© PXI Systems Alliance 21 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

Figures 2-7 and 2-8 show the 3U and 6U PXI Express Peripheral Slots, respectively.

XP4

XP3

Figure 2-7. 3U PXI Express Peripheral Slot

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

XP8

XP4

XP3

Figure 2-8. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Slot

2.1.1.3 3U and 6U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

3U Hybrid Peripheral Slots have three connectors: P1, XP3, and XP4. A simplified description of the
connector functionality is that P1/J1 are for 32 bit PCI, XP3/XJ3 are for PCI Express and Differential Triggers
and Timing, and XP4/XJ4 is for instrumentation signals defined in the PXI-1 specification. 6U Hybrid
Peripheral Slots have four connectors: P1, XP3, XP4, and XP8. P3, P4, and P5 are not allowed.

© PXI Systems Alliance 23 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

Figures 2-9and 2-10 show the 3U and 6U PXI Express Hybrid Slots, respectively.

XP4

XP3

P1

Figure 2-9. 3U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

XP8

XP4

XP3

P1

Figure 2-10. 6U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

2.1.1.4 3U and 6U PXI Express System Timing Module and Slot

PXI Express introduces new 3U and 6U Modules called a System Timing Module. It also introduces the
associated slots for 3U and 6U called a System Timing Slot.

The 3U System Timing Module has four connectors, TJ1, TJ2, XJ3 and XJ4, as shown in Figure 2-11. A
simplified description of the connector functionality is TJ1/TP1 and TJ2/TP2 are for fanout of the Differential
and Star Triggers, XP3/XJ3 are for PCI Express and Differential Triggers and Timing, and XP4/XJ4 is for
instrumentation signals that are defined in the PXI-1 specification.

The 3U Slot has three required connectors: TP2, XP3, and XP4. TP1 is Optional for backplanes that have
seven or fewer slots requiring differential triggers.

A 6U System Timing Module has the same connectors as the 3U Timing Module, plus the Optional XJ8
connector for additional power.

A 6U System Timing Module designed for 6U Chassis that support stacking 3U Modules with more than
18 Slots has the additional TJ5 and TJ6 connectors. This allows the 6U System Timing Module to connect to
additional triggers.

© PXI Systems Alliance 25 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

A 6U System Timing Slot that does not allow stacking 3U System Timing Modules has four required
connectors: TP2, XP3, XP4, and XP8. TP1 is Optional for backplanes with seven or fewer slots requiring
differential triggers.

A 6U System Timing Slot that supports stacking 3U System Timing Modules has seven required connectors:
TP1, TP2, XP3, XP4, upper TP2, upper XP3, and upper XP4. The upper TP1 connector is Optional for
backplanes with 24 or fewer slots requiring differential triggers.

Optional—XJ8

*TJ5 and TJ6 populated only

TJ6
for System Timing Modules
that support Chassis with
3U stacking capability in the TJ5
System Timing Slot

XJ4

XJ3

TJ2

TJ1

Figure 2-11. 6U PXI Express System Timing Module

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

The 3U PXI Express System Timing Slot is shown in Figure 2-12.

XP4

XP3

TP2

Optional—TP1

Figure 2-12. 3U PXI Express System Timing Slot

The 6U Timing Module Slot is shown in Figures 2-13 and 2-14.

XP8

XP4

XP3

TP2

Optional—TP1

Figure 2-13. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot

© PXI Systems Alliance 27 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

XP4

XP3

TP2

Optional—TP1

XP4

XP3

TP2

TP1

Figure 2-14. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot with Stacked 3U Support

2.1.1.5 PXI-1 Slot

In a PXI Express Chassis, there may be slots that support PXI boards as they are defined in PXI-1 (PXI
Hardware Specification, Revision 2.2). These slots meet the mechanical requirements of the PXI Hardware
Specification and are referred to as PXI-1 slots.

2.1.1.6 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Module

PXI-1 or an associated ECN defines a 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Module that
consists of a 3U or 6U PXI-1 Module where the J2 HM connector has been replaced with an eHM connector.
The eHM connector is a modified 2 mm HM connector that includes application keying and is installed in the
same location as the upper eight columns of the PXI-1 J2 connector. This board type may be used in any PXI-1
or PXI Express Hybrid Slot. Figures 2-15 and 2-16 show the 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1
Modules.

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

XJ4

J1

Figure 2-15. 3U Hybrid Peripheral Slot Compatible PXI-1 Module

XJ4

J1

Figure 2-16. 6U Hybrid Peripheral Slot Compatible PXI-1 Module

2.1.2 System Slot and System Timing Module Location

PXI Express defines the System Slot location to be the furthest left slot within a Chassis and to be numbered
Slot 1. This defined arrangement is a subset of the numerous possible configurations allowed by CompactPCI
Express (a CompactPCI Express System Slot may be located anywhere on a backplane). Defining a single
location for the System Slot simplifies integration and increases the degree of compatibility between PXI
Express Controllers and Chassis. Furthermore, the PXI Express Hardware Specification requires that, if
necessary, the System Module should expand to the left into what are defined as Controller expansion slots.
Expanding to the left prevents System Modules from using up valuable Peripheral Slots.

Some PXI Express Chassis may integrate the System Module functionality within the Chassis. In such a
system, a System Slot is not required, and Peripheral Slots begin their numbering with 2.

© PXI Systems Alliance 29 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

PXI Express defines a System Timing Slot that can accept a PXI Express Peripheral Module or a System
Timing Module that can provide individual triggers to all other Peripheral Modules and allow the replacement
of the System reference clock. The location of the System Timing Slot is not mandated by the specification,
which allows backplane designers to optimize the backplane for cost.

2.1.3 Additional Mechanical Features

In addition to the features defined by the PXI-1 Specification, PXI Express has added additional suggestions
for cooling and for the measurement and specification of acoustic noise levels.

2.1.4 Interoperability with CompactPCI Express

Interoperability among PXI Express-compliant products and standard CompactPCI Express products is a
very important feature provided by this specification and the CompactPCI Specification. Some PXI
Express-compatible systems may require components that do not implement PXI Express-specific features.
For example, a user may want to use a standard CompactPCI Express network interface Module in a PXI
Express Chassis. Likewise, some users may choose to use a PXI Express-compatible Module in a standard
CompactPCI Express Chassis. In these cases, the user cannot use PXI Express-specific Functions, but still
can use the basic Module Functions.

Note that interoperability between PXI Express products and other application-specific implementations of
CompactPCI Express products (which may define other signal definitions for the I/O pins of the XP4/XJ4
connectors) is not guaranteed. The CompactPCI Express specification provides mechanical keying of the
XP4/XJ4 connectors for both PXI Express products and application-specific CompactPCI Express products
to prevent electrical conflict between them.

2.1.5 Typical System Components

Figure 2-17 presents an example PXI Express system to help illustrate the following key words (in italics). A
PXI Express System is composed of a Chassis that supports the PXI Express backplane and provides the
means for supporting the System Controller and Peripheral Modules. The Chassis may have one System Slot
and must have one or more Peripheral Slots. Any number of System Expansion Slots may be available to the
left of the System Slot. The System Timing Slot may reside in any of the available slots to the right of Slot 1.
The backplane carries the interface connectors (XP1, XJ2, etc.) and provides the interconnection between the
Controller, Peripheral and Timing Slots.

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

PXI Express Peripheral Slot Module PXI Express System Timing Slot
PXI Express System Slot PXI Express Hybrid Slot

Backplane
Interface
Connectors

PXI-1 Slot

Backplane

Chassis

H H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

System Expansion Slots Peripheral Slots

Figure 2-17. Typical System Components

2.1.6 Chassis Supporting Stacking 3U Modules in a 6U Slot

Just as with the PXI-1 Specification, PXI Express allows for efficient use of 3U Modules in a 6U Chassis. 6U
PXI Express Chassis can support stacking of certain combinations of 3U Modules in a single 6U Slot. This
allows one 3U Module to be plugged into the lower position of a 6U Slot, and another 3U Module to be
plugged into the upper position of the same 6U Slot simultaneously. This can be accomplished mechanically
using a 3U/3U adapter or using commercially available Subrack center extrusions. A 6U PXI Express Chassis
may have any number of 6U Slots that support this feature. Figure 2-18 shows a general configuration of a
6U Chassis supporting 3U Module stacking. A 6U PXI Express Chassis may have any number of 6U Slots
that support this feature.

© PXI Systems Alliance 31 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

System Expansion Slots Slot Supporting 3U Stacking 6U Slots

13 14 15

INTERFACE CONNECTORS, UPPER BAY

OPTIONAL SYSTEM SLOT CONNECTORS

3U 3U
MODULE MODULE

6U 6U 6U 6U 6U 6U 6U 6U
MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE MODULE
SYSTEM SLOT CONNECTORS, LOWER BAY

INTERFACE CONNECTORS, LOWER BAY

3U 3U
MODULE MODULE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

System Controller Slot X = GLYPH FOR APPROPRIATE SLOT TYPE

Figure 2-18. Example of a PXI Express Chassis that Supports 3U Stacking

2.2 Electrical Architecture Overview

In the same way that PXI combined instrumentation features with the desktop computer bus standard of PCI,
PXI Express combines instrumentation features with the new desktop computer bus standard of PCI Express.
The instrumentation features of PXI Express include many of the PXI instrumentation features, as well as a
new differential 100 MHz system clock, new point-to-point differential triggers, and a new point-to-point
variable frequency clock. These features are implemented on the backplane for the highest performance
instrumentation timing and synchronization.

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

2.2.1 Features Leveraged from CompactPCI Express

PCI Express is one of the main features that PXI Express leverages from CompactPCI Express. PXI Express
Systems can have up to 24 GBytes/sec per direction of data moving to and from the System Module, and an
individual PXI Express Peripheral Module can have up to 8GBytes/sec per direction. Considering that PCI
Express Switches have the ability for multiple separate data paths to be transferring data between PCI Express
devices at the same time, the possibility exists for data rates upto 128 GBytes/sec per direction within a PXI
Express System. The amount of bandwidth for a system is implementation specific and allows PXI Express
suppliers to develop systems that meet their customers’ needs in terms of cost and performance.

Electrical rules that are leveraged from the CompactPCI Express specification into PXI Express include but
are not limited to the following:
• PCI Express transmit and receive electrical signaling definitions and budgets
• PCI Express reference clock
• PCI Express sideband signals
• SMBus
• Backplane identification and capability via SMBus
• Signals used for power supply control
• Power supply requirements
• Module and slot pin assignments with the exception of the additional instrumentation signals
• PCI with certain slot types

Table 2-2 shows the components that are interoperable between the two specifications. Note that when PXI
Express Modules are used in CompactPCI Express Chassis, the PXI Express Module’s instrumentation
features are not usable.

Table 2-2. PXI and PXI Express Module Interoperability

CompactPCI Express Component

Type 2 Type 2 CompactPCI

System System Peripheral Peripheral Hybrid Legacy Peripheral
PXI Express Component Slot Board Slot Board Slot Slot Board

PXI Express System Slot OK

PXI Express System Module OK

PXI Express Peripheral Slot OK

PXI Express Peripheral Module OK OK

PXI Express Hybrid Slot OK OK 1

Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Module OK OK

System Timing Slot OK

System Timing Module OK

PXI-1 Slot OK

PXI-1 Module OK
1 CompactPCI Peripheral Board will work if it has J1 only.

© PXI Systems Alliance 33 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

2.2.2 Features Leveraged from the PXI Hardware Specification

PXI Express products can take advantage of the increase in data performance while implementing the
instrumentation features in the PXI-1 Specification. Each PXI Express Module and slot type defined in this
specification can leverage the PXI 10 MHz system clock (PXI_CLK10), the PXI-bused trigger lines, a Local
Bus line, and PXI star trigger as defined in the PXI-1 Specification, in addition to the new instrumentation
features defined in this specification. PXI-1 slots implemented in PXI Express systems also maintain the PXI
Local Bus. PXI Express slots have the potential for a virtual local bus by taking advantage of PCI Express
Switches allowing multiple data paths to transfer data between PCI Express devices at the same time.
Determinism of data movement with such a virtual local bus may be PCI Express Switch and data dependent.

2.2.3 New Instrumentation Features

The system timing and synchronization capabilities of PXI are a key differentiation from other
instrumentation form factors. PXI was created by adding those features to the high-bandwidth PCI bus and
compact modular form factor of CompactPCI while maintaining reasonable implementation cost. The timing
and triggering capabilities of PXI are retained in this specification and will continue to solve many system
applications in PXI. With the advances in technology affording higher performance, low-cost differential
signaling, and the differential connectors necessary for PCI Express already required, PXI Express builds on
the existing capabilities by providing a differential system clock, differential synchronization, and differential
star trigger and clock signals from a new System Timing Module. The key advantages of providing
differential clocking and synchronization is the increased noise immunity provided to instrumentation clocks
and the ability to transmit higher frequency clocks. These high-frequency clocks not only allow for higher
performance, but also match well with modern processes and allow for low-cost products to remove clock
multiplication circuits in many cases. The new features are added in a way to be compatible and highly
interoperable with existing PXI Modules. The following sections will describe the new additions. Figure 2-19
shows one example of how the instrumentation signals are implemented on a PXI Express backplane that has
a System Timing Slot.

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© PXI Systems Alliance
PXI_CLK10 PXI_TRIG(0:7)
PXI_STAR

PXI_CLK10_IN

Local Local Local Local Local Local

Bus[6] Bus[6] Bus[6] Bus[6] Bus Bus
PXIe_CLK100 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 [0:12] [0:12]
PXIe_SYNC100
PXIe_SYNC_CTRL 5-6 7-8
PXI_CLK10
Circuit Local

(A:C)2
Bus
[0:12]
6-7
_D

35
(A:C)0
(A:C)1
RAT S
P
eI XPXIe_DSTAR(A:C)2

AT S_D
AT S_D

PXIe_DSTAR(A:C)0
P
PPXIe_DSTAR(A:C)1

eI X R
PXIe_SYNC100 PXIe_CLK100 eI X R
2.

PXIe_SYNC_CTRL

Figure 2-19. Instrumentation Signal Implementation Example

H H

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018

PXI Express Architecture Overview
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

Figure 2-20 shows how the instrumentation signals are mapped to the connectors of the Hybrid Slot, PXI
Express Peripheral Slot, and the System Timing Slot.

Hybrid Slot Peripheral Slot System Timing Slot

Instrumentation Signals Instrumentation Signals Instrumentation Signals

PXI_STAR PXI_STAR SYNC_CTRL

PXI_TRIG[0:7] PXI_CLK10 PXI_CLK10
PXI_TRIG[0:7] PXI_CLK10 PXI_TRIG[0:7]
PXI_CLK10_IN
PXI_LBL6 PXI_LBL6 PXI_LBL6
PXI_LBR6 PXI_LBR6 PXI_LBR6

PXIe_DSTARA PXIe_CLK100 PXIe_DSTARA

PXIe_CLK100 PXIe_CLK100 PXIe_DSTARA
PXIe_DSTARB PXIe_SYNC100 PXIe_DSTARB
PXIe_SYNC100 PXIe_SYNC100 PXIe_DSTARB
PXIe_DSTARC PXIe_DSTARC PXIe_DSTARC

PXIe_DSTARA[0:16]
PXI_STAR[0:16] PXIe_DSTARB[0:16]
PXIe_DSTARC[0:16]

Figure 2-20. Instrumentation Signals Connector Mapping

2.2.3.1 High-Frequency System Reference Clock

The High-Frequency System Reference Clock, or PXIe_CLK100 as it is called out in the specification, is the
most significant addition for timing in PXI Express. This signal provides a differential, 100 MHz LVPECL
clock to each PXI Express Peripheral Slot in the system. Advancing technology has allowed PXI to adopt
differential clocking, which provides for increased noise immunity in the backplane. This allows
instrumentation Modules to receive a clock with low jitter and improve overall system performance. The
differential technology also allows for a higher frequency reference clock of 100 MHz. This not only allows
for higher performance clocking, but also allows the cost of Modules to be lowered by eliminating clock
multiplication for Modules able to work with PXIe_CLK100 and divisions directly. The PXIe_CLK100 is
added into the specification in a way to be completely interoperable with PXI_CLK10. The PXI_CLK10 and
PXIe_CLK100 are phase aligned and allow for highly accurate synchronization of devices, including all
PXI-1 compliant devices, no matter which clock is used.

2.2.3.2 Differential Synchronization Signal

With the High-Frequency System Reference Clock (PXIe_CLK100) comes the need to accurately
synchronize Modules using this reference clock along with those using PXI_CLK10. The Differential
Synchronization Signal or PXIe_SYNC100 is routed by the backplane to each Module and provides this
capability. This signal is synchronous to PXIe_CLK100 and asserts one out of every 10 clocks to indicate the
phase relationship of the 10 MHz and 100 MHz reference clocks. This is key for synchronization and
triggering in that it allows the existing triggering capabilities to be used and interoperate. Devices using the
Trigger Bus can send triggers synchronous to PXI_CLK10 no matter what system reference clock is used.
The PXIe_SYNC100 also provides a synchronization signal for Modules wanting to divide the 100 MHz
reference clock for use on the Module. This allows multiple Modules to begin the clock division on the same
clock edge without requiring a high-frequency trigger bus.

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

2.2.3.3 Differential Triggers

Previous PXI specifications could take advantage of the low cost of TTL logic to provide a complete timing
and synchronization system. While TTL logic provided efficient implementations, it does come with a limit
on the frequencies that may be transmitted in the system. With PXI Express, the clocking and triggering
system can take advantage of the lowered cost of differential signaling and provide high-quality and
high-frequency connections to each Module. In the same way that PXI_STAR allows a direct connection
between each Module to a central timing resource, the Differential Star Triggers allows for three direct,
high-frequency connections back to the System Timing Module. A key benefit of these signals is the ability
to transmit high-frequency, high-quality clocks to and from Modules in a PXI system. By having multiple
connections, a larger number of system applications may be solved by providing increased routing
capabilities. While a primary application of PXIe_DSTAR will be clock distribution, the signals are flexible
and allow for a large number of unique applications of these connections.

2.2.3.4 System Timing Module

The Slot 2 or Star Trigger Slot of PXI-1 provides access to advanced system timing applications with
individual connections to each Module and the ability to replace the system clock reference. With the addition
of the Differential Star Triggers and High-Frequency System Reference Clock, a larger number of
high-performance connections are required to be provided by the backplane to the Modules. The System
Timing Module (STM) is the connection point for the three starred signals added to each Module. The STM
becomes the central connection point and routing manager for the most advanced timing and synchronization
capabilities for a PXI Express system. The System Timing Module in PXI Express Systems replaces the Star
Trigger Module defined in PXI-1 while it retains the connection point for PXI_STAR to each Module and it
provides the connection point for clock replacement in the backplane. The STM is also key in providing the
access to support highly synchronized systems across multiple Chassis of heterogeneous systems. While
backplanes will provide the capability to support an STM, the System Timing Slot (STS) may accept a PXI
Express Peripheral Module if the advanced timing synchronization capabilities are not necessary in a system.

2.2.4 Slot Identification

PXI Express has explicit hardware support for geographical addressing. A PXI Express device can determine
its slot number by reading the GA(4:0) pins. Previously, to create the pxisys.ini file describing the
topology of the PXI system, a PXI resource manager needed to use the run time PCI device tree, the
chassis.ini files, and vendor-specific information about the PCI topology of the Slot 1 Controller.
Using the new hardware support, a full PCI bus tree is no longer needed. Each Module can discover its slot
number independently.

2.2.4.1 Module Drivers and the GA Pins

For instrument drivers, VISA implementations, and application software to find a particular device by slot
number, the driver for each Module must provide a mechanism to report its slot number to other software
components in the system. This mechanism is defined in the PXI-6: PXI Express Software Specification.

2.2.4.2 Determining the Chassis Number

Although there is explicit hardware support for determining a Module’s slot number, the mechanism for
determining a Chassis number requires knowledge of the bus and device numbers of some of the PCI Express
Switches and of the Modules in the system. The PXI Express Software specification describes the interfaces
for discovering the Chassis number for a PXI Express Module.

© PXI Systems Alliance 37 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

2.2.5 Controller Identification

PXI Express has hardware support for identification of a PXI Express Chassis using an EEPROM on the
SMBus. PXI Express also uses information about the bus numbers of the links from the system Module to the
Chassis to enumerate which devices are in which Chassis. Therefore, the PXI Express Software Specification
defines a mechanism for identifying what Controllers exist, how those Controllers access the SMBus, and
what bus numbers are subordinate to that Controller.

The PXI Express Software Specification specifies an interface for accessing the SMBus using a Slot 1
Controller. There is a one-to-one correspondence between Slot 1 Controllers and instances of the PXI Express
SMBus Controller interface.

2.2.6 Chassis Identification

PXI Express leverages the requirements set in the CompactPCI Express specification for the Backplane
Identification and Capability EPROM. This EPROM is accessed by the system Module via the SMBus and
gives the PXI Express system a way to uniquely identify the vendor, model, revision, and serial number of the
Chassis. It also provides information on the slots within the Chassis and the PCI Express topology. This
information can be used by software to load a Chassis driver to provide additional information about the
Chassis or access backplane and Chassis functionality.

2.2.7 Power Requirements

The power requirements for PXI Express systems include the following defined in CompactPCI Express:
• Power rails
• Regulation
• Ripple and noise
• Decoupling
• Power rail timing
• Power supply signals to and from the system Module

PXI Express additionally includes Chassis power supply minimum current requirements per voltage rail for
each slot type. This guarantees a high level of interoperability between Modules and Chassis and gives
guidance to PXI Express Module designers on how much current they can expect from a Chassis. Power
requirements for PXI-1 slots implemented in PXI Express systems are defined in the PXI-1 Specification.

2.3 Software Architecture Overview

PXI Express introduces new software features for managing the new hardware features of CompactPCI
Express and PXI Express. These new features include:
• A software interface for accessing SMBus devices, such as the serial EEPROM of each Chassis.
• A software interface for accessing the slot number of each Module as provided by the GA pins.
• A mechanism for associating a Chassis number with the Modules in each Chassis.
• A software protocol for enumerating PXI components, such as Controllers, Modules, Chassis, and other
resources.
• A namespace for those PXI components.
• A general registration mechanism for services implemented by the drivers for PXI components.
• Standard software interfaces for services implemented by Controllers, Chassis and Modules.

The PXI Express Software Specification requires each Controller, Chassis, and Module to include software
implementing certain services, and to register those services. By creating standards for these services and how

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 2. PXI Express Architecture Overview

they are registered, the PXI Express Software Specification provides a new level of interoperability. If, for
example, a Controller, a Chassis, a Module, and a VISA implementation are each provided by a different
vendor, all of the following are possible:
• The VISA implementation can determine the physical location of the Module by interacting with the
Module driver.
• The Chassis driver can control backplane resources by using the SMBus driver on the Slot 1 Controller.
• A configuration tool can determine the list of Chassis and Modules in the system.

The new software requirements and features for PXI Express are specified in the PXI Express Software
Specification.

© PXI Systems Alliance 39 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
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3. Mechanical Requirements
This section defines the mechanical requirements for PXI Express systems. It discusses the maximum number
of slots, the location of the system slot, slot numbering, PXI-1 slots, Chassis requirements, connector
requirements, Module types, the interoperability of the Controller with the Chassis, the PXI Express
logo/glyphs, environmental testing, and cooling.

3.1 Drawing Standard

The drawings in this specification shall be interpreted per ANSI Y14.100.

3.2 Dimensional Units

Dimensions in this specification are in millimeters unless otherwise specified.

3.3 Chassis Subrack Mechanical Requirements

RULE: Just as with PXI-1, CompactPCI, and CompactPCI Express, a PXI Express Chassis SHALL use
PICMG 2.0-compliant Chassis Subracks.

3.4 Minimum Slot Requirements to be a PXI Express Chassis

RULE: A PXI Express Chassis SHALL at least have either one PXI Express Peripheral Slot or one Hybrid
Slot.

RULE: A PXI Express Chassis SHALL NOT have a Star Trigger Slot as defined in the PXI-1 Specification.

RECOMMENDATION: A PXI Express Chassis SHOULD have a System Timing Slot.

3.5 Features Leveraged from PXI-1: PXI Hardware Specification

3.5.1 Maximum Number of Slots
Since the CompactPCI Express specification accommodates 31 slots based on the definition of the
Geographical Addressing pins, it is necessary to limit a PXI Express Chassis to 31 slots.

RULE: A PXI Express Chassis SHALL NOT have more than 31 slots.

3.5.2 System Slot Location and Rules

All PXI Express-compatible systems require a backplane/Chassis, a System Timing Slot, and at least either
one PXI Express Peripheral Slot or one Hybrid Slot. A System Slot is not a requirement if the system Module
functionality is built into the Chassis. If the Chassis does have a System Slot, it allows users to mix and match
different Controllers. However, because the CompactPCI Express specification allows a System Slot to be
located anywhere relative to Peripheral Slots, the possibility for confusion and incompatibility exists. To
address this problem the following rules must be followed for PXI Express-compatible systems:

RULE: The System Slot SHALL be defined as the leftmost PXI slot in a PXI Chassis/backplane. For
documentation purposes, this slot is counted as one System Slot.

RECOMMENDATION: If the System Module requires more than one slot width, it SHOULD extend to the
LEFT of the System Slot in full slot increments (one slot equals 20.32 mm, or 0.8 in.) into additional
Controller expansion slots.

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3. Mechanical Requirements

OBSERVATION: In a PXI Express system, these additional Controller slots are for physical expansion of
the System Controller Module only and cannot support Peripheral Modules. These slots DO NOT have
connectors that interface to PCI Express links routed on the backplane.

OBSERVATION: Extending the System Module to the LEFT allows all PXI Express Peripheral Slots to be
used.

RECOMMENDATION: The System Module SHOULD NOT extend to the RIGHT of the System Slot into
Peripheral Slots.

OBSERVATION: If a System Module expands to the right, the number of usable PXI Express Peripheral
Slots may be compromised.

RULE: Every PXI Express System Module SHALL clearly document how many Controller expansion slots
(to the left of the System Slot) and Peripheral Slots it occupies.

RULE: Every PXI Express Chassis SHALL clearly document how many Peripheral and Controller
Expansion Slots are available.

OBSERVATION: The two preceding rules help ensure that end users can easily determine whether a
particular Controller-Chassis pair is compatible and how many Peripheral Slots are available.

Figure 2-17 depicts typical System Expansion Slot designations in a PXI Express System.

3.5.3 Slot Numbering and Orientation

PXI Express Chassis slot numbering is handled the same way that the PXI-1 Specification requires. The
exception is that PXI Express allows for Chassis that have the System Module to be built in.

RULE: PXI Express Chassis with a System Slot SHALL meet the slot numbering requirements set in the
PXI-1 Specification.

RULE: PXI Express Chassis without a System Slot (the System Module is built in), SHALL meet the slot
numbering requirements set in the PXI-1 Specification, except the slots will have their numbering begin at
the number 2.

PERMISSION: Slot orientation and numbering schemes other than those defined in PXI-1 MAY be used as
long as it is clear and logical for the end user.

3.5.4 PXI-1 Slot

In a PXI Express Chassis, there may be slots that support PXI boards as they are defined in PXI-1 (PXI
Hardware Specification, Revision 2.2). These slots meet the mechanical requirements of the PXI Hardware
Specification and are referred to as PXI-1 slots.

PERMISSION: PXI-1 3U and 6U Peripheral Modules and Slots are MAY be used in PXI Express Systems.

RULE: PXI-1 slots in a PXI Express Chassis SHALL meet the mechanical requirements set in the PXI-1
Specification.

RULE: PXI-1 Peripheral Modules SHALL NOT be plugged into Hybrid Peripheral Slots unless they meet
the requirements for Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Modules as defined by this specification.

RECOMMENDATION: PXI-1 3U and 6U Peripheral Modules SHOULD also meet the side-2 component
height recommendation as defined by the CompactPCI Express specification to minimize mechanical
interference issues.

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

3.5.5 Hybrid Slot-Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Modules

PXI-1 or an associated ECN defines a 3U and 6U Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Module that
consists of a 3U or 6U PXI-1 Module where the J2 HM connector has been replaced with an eHM connector.
The eHM connector is a modified 2 mm HM connector that includes application keying and is installed in the
same location as the upper eight columns of the PXI-1 J2 connector. This board type may be used in any PXI-1
or PXI Express Hybrid Slot.

OBSERVATION: A Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Module MAY be used in a legacy PXI-1 or
PXI Express Hybrid Slot.

3.6 Features Leveraged from CompactPCI Express Specification

Just as PXI-1 was based on CompactPCI, PXI Express is based on CompactPCI Express, which has integrated
PCI Express into a CompactPCI type architecture. This section outlines the features rules, suggestions,
permissions, and observations leveraged from that specification.

RULE: All mechanical requirements defined by the CompactPCI Express specification SHALL be met
unless stated otherwise in this specification.

3.6.1 Module Connector Requirements

3.6.1.1 Advanced Differential Fabric (ADF) Connector

RULE: PXI Express Modules SHALL use the ADF-F-3-10-2-F-25 connector as defined by the CompactPCI
Express specification.

3.6.1.2 Enriched Hard-Metric (eHM) Connector

RULE: PXI Express Modules SHALL use the eHM-F2 connector as defined by the CompactPCI Express
specification.

3.6.1.3 Universal Power (UPM) Connector

RULE: System Controller Modules SHALL use the UPM-M-7 or UPM-M-7-HP connector as defined by the
CompactPCI Express specification.

3.6.2 Backplane Connector Requirements

3.6.2.1 Advanced Differential Fabric (ADF) Connector

RULE: PXI Express Slots SHALL use the ADF-M-3-10-2-B-25 or ADF-M-3-10-2-S-25-0100 connector as
defined by the CompactPCI Express specification.

3.6.2.2 Enriched Hard-Metric (eHM) Connector

RULE: PXI Express Slots SHALL use the eHM-M2-HP or eHM-M2 connector as defined by the
CompactPCI Express specification.

3.6.2.3 Universal Power (UPM) Connector

RULE: System Controller Slots SHALL use the UPM-F-7 connector as defined by the CompactPCI Express
specification.

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3. Mechanical Requirements

3.6.3 3U and 6U Module Requirements

3.6.3.1 System Module

RULE: 3U and 6U PXI Express Modules SHALL meet the mechanical requirements as defined in the
CompactPCI Express specification.

OBSERVATION: 6U PXI Express System Modules and backplanes MAY use J3/P3, J4/P4, and J5/P5 if
desired for rear I/O applications.

3.6.3.2 PXI Express Peripheral Module

RULE: The 3U PXI Express Peripheral Modules SHALL meet the mechanical requirements for the 3U Type
2 Peripheral Module as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification.

RULE: The 6U PXI Express Peripheral Modules SHALL meet the mechanical requirements for 6U Type 2
Peripheral Boards as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification with the exception that the J3/J4/J5
connectors SHALL NOT be used. The 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module PCB SHALL meet the
requirements defined by Figure 3-1.

RULE: 6U PXI Express Peripheral Modules that are not 6U System Timing Modules SHALL NOT have any
connectors other than the XJ3, XJ4, and XJ8 connectors.

PERMISSION: 6U PXI Express Peripheral Modules MAY populate the Optional eHM connector, in the XJ8
position as shown in Figure 3-1, when additional power is required.

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

Optional—XJ8

XJ4

XJ3

Figure 3-1. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module PCB

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3. Mechanical Requirements

Optional—XJ8

XJ4

XJ3

Figure 3-2. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Module

3.6.4 Backplane Requirements

RULE: 3U and 6U PXI Express backplanes SHALL meet the size, mechanical mounting hole, and tolerance
requirements as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification.

Requirements for the various connector locations are defined in further detail in the following sections.

3.6.4.1 System Slot

RULE: 3U and 6U PXI Express System Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements defined in the
CompactPCI Express specification.

PERMISSION: As with CompactPCI Express, 6U System Slots MAY use J3/J4/J5 if desired for rear I/O
applications.

3.6.4.2 Peripheral Slot

RULE: 3U PXI Express Peripheral Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements for 3U Type 2 Peripheral
Slots as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification.

RULE: 6U PXI Express Peripheral Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements for 6U Type 2 Peripheral
Slots as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification with the exception that an additional XP8 eHM
connector SHALL be populated in the location shown in Figure 3-3.

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

XP8

XP4

XP3

Figure 3-3. 6U PXI Express Peripheral Slot

3.6.4.3 PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

RULE: 3U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements for 3U Hybrid
Peripheral Slots as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification.

RULE: 6U PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements for 6U Hybrid
Peripheral Slots as defined in the CompactPCI Express (PICMG EXP.0) specification, with the exceptions
that the XP8 eHM connector SHALL be populated in the position shown in Figure 3-4, and the legacy
P3/P4/P5 connectors SHALL NOT be used.

© PXI Systems Alliance 47 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
3. Mechanical Requirements

XP8

XP4

XP3

P1

Figure 3-4. 6U PXI Express Hybrid Slot

3.7 New Module and Slot Types

3.7.1 PXI Express System Timing Module Requirements
RULE: 3U PXI Express System Timing Modules SHALL meet the mechanical requirements as defined in
Figure 3-5.

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

XJ4

XJ3

TJ2

TJ1

Figure 3-5. 3U PXI Express System Timing Module PCB

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3. Mechanical Requirements

RULE: 6U PXI Express System Timing Module PCBs SHALL meet the mechanical requirements as defined
in Figure 3-6.

Optional—XJ8

TJ6
*TJ5 and TJ6 populated only
for System Timing Modules
that support Chassis with TJ5
3U stacking capability in the
System Timing Slot

XJ4

XJ3

TJ2

TJ1

Figure 3-6. 6U PXI Express System Timing Module PCB

PERMISSION: A 6U PXI Express System Timing Module MAY populate TJ5 and TJ6 connectors to allow
it to be used in a Chassis that requires such a Module to provide enough star triggers or differential triggers,
or in a Chassis that supports stacking 3U System Timing Modules.

3.7.2 Backplane Requirements for New Slot Types

RULE: 3U and 6U PXI Express backplanes SHALL meet the size, mechanical mounting hole, and tolerance
requirements as defined in the CompactPCI Express specification.

Requirements for the various connector locations are defined in further detail in the following sections.

3.7.2.1 PXI Express System Timing Slot Requirements

RULE: 3U PXI Express System Timing Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements as defined in
Figure 3-7.

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

RULE: 6U PXI Express System Timing Slots SHALL meet the mechanical requirements as defined in
Figure 3-8.

RULE: 6U PXI Express System Timing Slots that support stacking 3U System Timing Modules SHALL
meet the mechanical requirements as defined in Figure 3-9.

RULE: If the TP1 connector is not populated on a System Timing Slot, there SHALL be a 2.2 mm maximum
component height restriction zone on the backplane where the TP1 connector would normally be to avoid
interference with System Timing Modules that have TJ1 populated.

XP4

XP3

TP2

Optional—TP1

Figure 3-7. 3U PXI Express System Timing Slot Backplane Dimensions

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3. Mechanical Requirements

XP8

XP4

XP3

TP2

Optional—TP1

Figure 3-8. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot Backplane Dimensions

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

XP8

TP3

TP2

Optional—TP1

XP4

XP3

TP2

TP1

Figure 3-9. 6U PXI Express System Timing Slot with Stacked Support Backplane Dimensions

RULE: For applications where the backplane TP1 connector is Optional, there SHALL be a 2.2 mm max high
component keep out region on the backplane in the TP1 area to avoid interference with timing Modules that
have TJ1 populated.

PERMISSION: If a 3U PXI Express backplane can connect all slots that can connect to star triggers and
differential triggers via the TP2 connector, the TP1 connector MAY NOT be populated.

PERMISSION: A 6U PXI Express backplane, to provide enough differential triggers and star triggers to all
slots that can connect to them, could support either stacking two 3U System Timing Modules or a 6U System
Timing Module with additional connectors. If such a 6U PXI Express backplane can connect all slots that can
connect to star triggers and differential triggers without using the TP5 connector, the TP5 connector MAY
NOT be populated.

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3. Mechanical Requirements

3.8 Requirements for Stacking 3U Modules in 6U Slots

Just as with the PXI-1 specification, PXI Express allows for efficient use of 3U Modules in a 6U Chassis.

Mechanically, this configuration can be accomplished by making use of center extrusions fixed within the
Chassis to physically support the insertion, extraction, and mounting of the lower and upper 3U Modules
residing in a 6U Slot. Alternatively, this may accomplished mechanically by a stacking adapter attached to
the two 3U Modules prior to insertion into the 6U Slot. Figure 2-18 shows an example of a 6U Chassis that
supports stacking 3U Modules.

RULE: 6U PXI Express Chassis that support stacking 3U Modules SHALL populate the appropriate
connectors in the lower half of the 6U Slot to implement a lower 3U Slot according to the type of 3U Slot
being implemented (System, Hybrid, PXI Express Peripheral, PXI-1, or System Timing Slot).

RULE: 6U PXI Express Chassis that support stacking 3U Modules SHALL populate the appropriate
connectors in the upper half of the 6U Slot to implement an upper 3U Slot according to the type of 3U Slot
being implemented (Hybrid, PXI Express Peripheral, PXI-1, or System Timing Slot).

RULE: Table 3-1 shows the upper 3U Slot that SHALL and SHALL NOT be implemented based on how the
lower 3U Slot is implemented within a 6U Slot of a PXI Express Chassis that supports stacking 3U Modules.

Table 3-1. Upper and Lower 3U Slot Implementation

Upper 3U Slot
PXIe Hybrid PXI 2.X
Lower 3U Slot System Peripheral System Timing Peripheral Peripheral
System No Yes No Yes Yes
PXIe Peripheral No Yes No Yes No
System Timing No Yes Yes No No
Hybrid No Yes No Yes No
Peripheral
PXI 2.X No Yes No Yes Yes
Peripheral

OBSERVATION: An upper 3U System Timing Slot is not allowed above any slot other than the lower 3U
System Timing Slot.

OBSERVATION: Upper 3U System Slots are not allowed.

OBSERVATION: A lower slot that is a PXI Express Peripheral Slot, System Timing Slot, or a Hybrid
Peripheral Slot cannot have a PXI-1 Peripheral Slot in the upper position. This is so a 6U Module can have
the upper eHM connector for extra power and still plug into 6U Slots that support stacking 3U Modules.

3.9 PXI Logo

PXI Express products use the same logo as PXI products. PXI Express Peripheral Modules, PXI Express
System Modules, PXI Express System Timing Modules, and PXI Express Chassis may have the PXI Express
logo on their marketing material, datasheets, and manuals to help customers identify that the PXI products
have PCI Express capabilities.

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

PERMISSION: Vendors who are members of the PXI Systems Alliance MAY use the PXI logo as defined
below on either the front panel or the injector/ejector handle of products claiming full compliance with the
PXI Express Hardware Specification.

RULE: If the PXI logo is used, the vendor SHALL obtain a license to use the trademarked logo from the PXI
System Alliance.

RULE: If the PXI logo is used, it SHALL NOT be altered in any way other than scale. The logo SHALL NOT
incorporate any additions.

Figure 3-10 shows the PXI logo. PXI Systems Alliance members can obtain logo artwork and the license from
the alliance.

TM

Figure 3-10. PXI Logo

RULE: Vendors who are members of the PXI Systems Alliance SHALL NOT use the PXI Express logo as
defined below on any part of PXI or PXI Express hardware products.

PERMISSION: Vendors who are members of the PXI Systems Alliance MAY use the PXI Express logo as
defined below in the marketing material, datasheets, and manuals of PXI Express Peripheral Modules, PXI
Express System Modules, PXI Express System Timing Modules, and PXI Express Chassis claiming full
compliance with the PXI Express Hardware Specification.

RULE: If the PXI Express logo is used, the vendor SHALL obtain a license to use the trademarked logo from
the PXI System Alliance.

RULE: If the PXI Express logo is used, it SHALL NOT be altered in any way other than scale. The logo
SHALL NOT incorporate any additions.

Figure 3-11 shows the PXI Express logo. PXI Systems Alliance members can obtain logo artwork and the
license from the alliance.

TM

Express
Figure 3-11. PXI Express Logo

3.10 Chassis with Built-In System Modules

PERMISSION: A PXI Express Chassis MAY have a built-in System Module and therefore not have a
System Slot.

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3. Mechanical Requirements

3.11 Cooling Requirements

3.11.1 Module Cooling Requirements
RULE: Modules SHALL be designed to allow a suitable airflow path from bottom to the top of the Module
as shown in Figure 3-12.

OBSERVATION: Airflow, and thus cooling, through a Module depends on the Chassis as well as the Module
design. Modules with a lower airflow resistance will receive more airflow, and those with higher resistance
will receive less air flow for a given Chassis.

Figure 3-12. Cooling Airflow Direction in a PXI Express System

RULE: Module manufacturers SHALL document and make available to the customer the nominal and peak
power dissipated by the Module, by voltage rail, under normal operating conditions.

RECOMMENDATION: Single-width 3U Modules SHOULD NOT dissipate more than 30 W within the
Chassis.

RECOMMENDATION: Single-width 6U Modules SHOULD NOT dissipate more than 60 W within the
Chassis.

OBSERVATION: 6U Chassis typically require more airflow per slot than a 3U Chassis for a given ambient
temperature specification due to preheating effects

RECOMMENDATION: Modules SHOULD have a mechanism to detect whether the temperatures of their
components are exceeding the intended use limits and take action to cause the components to return to within
the intended temperature limits.

OBSERVATION: The action to cause the components to return to within intended temperature limits could
be to shut down the module or a subsection of the module where the module is no longer functional until the
system is restarted. Other actions are permissible as well.

3.11.2 Chassis Cooling Requirements

RULE: Chassis SHALL provide forced airflow that flows from the bottom to the top of a Module as shown
in Figure 3-12.

OBSERVATION: For typical Chassis configurations, the airflow through a slot will be flowing against
gravity or upwards, (that is, in the same directly of naturally rising hot air). This specification does not,
however, preclude other Module orientations such as horizontal.

RULE: Chassis manufacturers SHALL document and make available to the customer the maximum total
power that a given Chassis can dissipate within the Subrack and the maximum power it can dissipate for the

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 3. Mechanical Requirements

worst-case slot. Furthermore, the manufacturer SHALL document and make available to the customer the
specific test procedure used to determine these power dissipation levels.

RECOMMENDATION: The worst-case slot power dissipation value SHOULD be based not only on how
much power may be available to a given slot, but also on the cooling capabilities of the Chassis for the
worst-case slot.

RECOMMENDATION: Thermal load cards SHOULD be used in all Chassis slots while determining the
cooling capabilities for the Chassis and the worst slot.

RULE: PXI Chassis SHALL have filler panels installed in slots that do not have Modules populated.

OBSERVATION: If filler panels are not installed in slots that do not have populated Modules, proper Module
cooling cannot be guaranteed.

3.12 Environmental Specifications

RECOMMENDATION: The environmental testing listed below SHOULD be carried out according to the
procedures described in IEC 60068.

RULE: Test results and reports generated for environmental testing SHALL be made available to end users
of PXI Express Systems. All manufacturers of PXI Express Chassis and Modules SHALL supply the required
environmental ratings, as described below, for their products.

RECOMMENDATION: All manufacturers SHOULD provide the required environmental ratings, as

described below, in their product datasheets.

RULE: If a manufacturer chooses to use environmental testing procedures other than those recommended
above, these procedures, in addition to the test results and reports, SHALL be documented and made available
to the customer.

OBSERVATION: It is the system integrator’s responsibility to select Modules and Chassis appropriate for
the application’s environmental requirements.

3.12.1 Temperature Specifications

RULE: PXI Chassis and Modules SHALL be tested for storage and operating temperature ranges.

3.12.2 Humidity Specifications

RECOMMENDATION: PXI Express Chassis and Modules SHOULD be tested for humidity.

3.12.3 Vibration Specifications

RECOMMENDATION: PXI Express Chassis and Modules SHOULD be tested for vibration.

3.12.4 Acoustic Noise Specifications

RECOMMENDATION: All PXI Express Chassis SHOULD be tested for acoustic noise levels (A-weighted
sound pressure level, LPA). This acoustic testing SHOULD be carried out according to ISO-7779 on a standard
test table at the operator position. Chassis testing SHOULD be conducted with the Chassis running at full load
with front panels installed. If multiple fan speed options are available, the sound pressure levels SHALL be
provided for the various fan speed options.

OBSERVATION: A-weighted sound power level, LWA,, may also be provided. This acoustic testing
SHOULD be carried out according to ISO-7779 on a standard test table.

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3. Mechanical Requirements

3.13 PXI Express Compatibility Glyphs

3.13.1 Module Glyphs
RULE: The PXI Express System Module compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-13 SHALL be visible on
front panels of PXI Express System Modules.

RULE: The PXI Express Peripheral Module compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-13 SHALL be visible on
front panels of PXI Express Peripheral Modules.

RULE: The PXI Express System Timing Module compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-13 SHALL be
visible on front panels of PXI Express System Timing Modules.

OBSERVATION: PXI-1 Modules and Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Modules have visible the Peripheral
Module glyph defined in the PXI-1 specification.

PXI Express PXI-1 Peripheral PXI Express PXI Express System

System Module Module and Hybrid Peripheral Module Timing Module
Slot Compatible PXI-1
Peripheral Module

Figure 3-13. Module Glyphs

3.13.2 Chassis Slot Glyphs

RULE: The PXI Express System Slot compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-14 SHALL be visible directly
below the PXI Express System Slot on a PXI Express Chassis with the slot number indicated inside the glyph.

RULE: The PXI Express Peripheral Slot compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-14 SHALL be visible
directly below the PXI Express Peripheral Slots on a PXI Express Chassis with the slot number indicated
inside the glyph.

RULE: The PXI Express Hybrid Slot compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-14 SHALL be visible directly
below the PXI Express Hybrid Slots on a PXI Express Chassis with the slot number indicated inside the glyph.

RULE: The PXI Express System Timing Slot compatibility glyph shown in Figure 3-14 SHALL be visible
directly below the PXI Express System Timing Slot on a PXI Express Chassis with the slot number indicated
inside the glyph.

OBSERVATION: PXI-1 Slots have visible the Peripheral Slot glyph defined in the PXI-1 specification.

H
1 2 3 4 5
PXI Express PXI-1 Peripheral Slot PXI Express PXI Express PXI Express
System Slot Hybrid Slot Peripheral Slot SystemTiming Slot

Figure 3-14. Slot Glyphs

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4. Electrical Requirements
This section discusses the detailed electrical requirements for developing PXI Express-compatible Peripheral
Modules, System Modules, System Timing Modules, and backplanes. It also discusses appropriate connector
pinouts, power supply requirements, and 6U form factor implementation issues.

4.1 PCI Signals

PXI Express backplanes may contain Hybrid Slots or PXI-1 Slots. These slots contain pins for PCI
functionality that are defined in the PXI-1 and PICMG 2.0 specifications.

4.1.1 Hybrid Slot Requirements

RULE: Hybrid Slots in PXI Express backplanes SHALL meet the requirements of the PXI-1 specification
for the signals on the P1 connector.

RULE: The address line to IDSEL mapping based on logical slot number defined in the PICMG 2.0
specification SHALL be used for Hybrid Slots.

RULE: The interrupt assignments based on logical slot number defined in the PICMG 2.0 specification
SHALL be used for Hybrid Slots.

4.1.2 PXI-1 Slot Requirements

RULE: PXI-1 slots in PXI Express backplanes SHALL meet the requirements of the PXI-1 specification for
the signals on the P1 and P2 connectors.

RULE: The address line to IDSEL mapping based on logical slot number defined in the PICMG 2.0
specification SHALL be used for PXI-1 slots.

RULE: The interrupt assignments based on logical slot number defined in the PICMG 2.0 specification
SHALL be used for PXI-1 slots.

4.2 CPCI Express Signals

The signals involved in PCI Express communication, as well as various sideband signals used by PXI Express
Modules and slots, are defined in the CompactPCI Express Specification. PXI Express developers need to
follow the requirements of the CompactPCI Express Specification as well as the requirements of this
specification when developing PXI Express backplanes and Modules.

4.2.1 System Module/Slot Requirements

RULE: PXI Express System Modules and System Slots SHALL meet all requirements for System Boards
and System Slots defined in the CompactPCI Express Specification for the signals listed in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1. System Module and Slot Requirements

Signal Name Note

yPETpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPETnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yRefClk+ where y is the Link

© PXI Systems Alliance 59 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018
4. Electrical Requirements

Table 4-1. System Module and Slot Requirements (Continued)

Signal Name Note

yRefClk- where y is the Link
PWR_OK
PS_ON
LINKCAP
PWRBTN#
SMBDAT
SMBCLK
PERST#
GA4..GA0
SYSEN#
WAKE#
ALERT#
I/O Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
RSV Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
12V
5V
3.3V
5VAux
GND

Within the CompactPCI Express Specification, two backplane routing schemes are allowed for the System
Slot: a 4 Link configuration and a 2 Link configuration.

PERMISSION: PXI Express backplanes MAY follow either the 4 Link routing configuration or the 2 Link
routing configuration as defined by the CompactPCI Express Specification.

RULE: System Modules SHALL provide 4 Links.

PERMISSION: Some System Modules MAY be able to combine the four smaller Links into two larger
Links.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

4.2.2 PXI Express Peripheral Module / Slot Requirements

RULE: PXI Express Peripheral Modules and Peripheral Slots SHALL meet all requirements for Type 2
Peripheral Boards and Type 2 Peripheral Slots defined in the CompactPCI Express Specification for the
signals listed in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2. PXI Express Peripheral Module and Slot Requirements

Signal Name Note

yPETpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPETnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yRefClk+ where y is the Link
yRefClk- where y is the Link
ATNLED
ATNSW#
PRSNT#
PWREN#
MPWRGD#
SMBDAT
SMBCLK
PERST#
GA4..GA0
SYSEN#
WAKE#
ALERT#
I/O Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
RSV Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
12V
3.3V
5VAux
GND

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4.2.3 System Timing Module/Slot Requirements

RULE: PXI Express System Timing Modules and System Timing Slots SHALL meet all requirements for
Type 2 Peripheral Boards and Type 2 Peripheral Slots defined in the CompactPCI Express Specification for
the signals listed in Table 4-3.

Table 4-3. System Timing Module and Slot Requirements

Signal Name Note

yPETpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPETnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yRefClk+ where y is the Link
yRefClk- where y is the Link
ATNLED
ATNSW#
PRSNT#
PWREN#
MPWRGD#
SMBDAT
SMBCLK
PERST#
GA4..GA0
SYSEN#
WAKE#
ALERT#
I/O Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
RSV Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
12V
3.3V
5VAux
GND

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 4. Electrical Requirements

4.2.4 Hybrid Slot Requirements

RULE: PXI Express Hybrid Slots SHALL meet all requirements for Type 2 Peripheral Slots defined in the
CompactPCI Express Specification for the signals listed in Table 4-4.

Table 4-4. Hybrid Slot Requirements

Signal Name Note

yPETpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPETnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERpx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yPERnx where y is the Link and x is Lane within a Link
yRefClk+ where y is the Link
yRefClk- where y is the Link
ATNLED
ATNSW#
PRSNT#
PWREN#
MPWRGD#
SMBDAT
SMBCLK
PERST#
GA4..GA0
SYSEN#
WAKE#
ALERT#
I/O Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
RSV Several of these signals are defined within this specification for
instrumentation functionality.
12V
5V
3.3V
5VAux
GND

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4.3 PXI-1 Instrumentation Signals

This specification retains all the timing and synchronization capabilities of the PXI-1 specification. That
feature set can solve a wide range of system applications and remains a key advantage for PXI systems.
Retaining this complete compatibility also allows for seamless migration of existing architectures into new
PXI Express systems.

4.3.1 Reference Clock: PXI_CLK10

The PXI_CLK10 signal remains a primary method of synchronization of PXI Modules and is carried forward
to this specification. Due to the relationship between PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100, the rules for
implementing PXI_CLK10 within PXI Express backplanes, Peripheral Modules, and System Timing
Modules is defined in the PXI Express Timing References section of this specification. The requirements in
this section for PXI_CLK10 make it compatible with PXI-1 Peripheral Modules.

4.3.2 Trigger Bus

RULE: The trigger bus, PXI_TRIG[0:7], on PXI Express Chassis, Peripheral Modules, System Modules, and
System Timing Modules SHALL meet the electrical requirements in PXI-1 for all rules, except the following
changes.

(1) The definition of a PXI segment no longer depends on a PCI bridging segments. It is inconvenient and
adds no value to tie Data Bus topology and Trigger Bus topology.

RULE: For each PXI trigger bus segment in a PXI Chassis, the PXI Chassis SHALL bus the PXI_TRIG[0:7]
signal to each PXI slot (System and Peripheral) in that segment. A Chassis SHALL NOT directly connect
PXI_TRIG buses from different PXI trigger bus segments. If a System Slot controls multiple PXI segments,
it SHALL NOT directly connect PXI trigger buses from different segments. A trigger bus segment SHALL
NOT have more than eight trigger loads. A trigger load is defined as a trigger buffer device or Slot connection.

(2) Termination is added to both ends of the trigger bus to improve signal quality by more effectively
preventing reflections.

RULE: PXI_TRIG[0:7] SHALL be AC terminated with a 50 Ω resistor and 33 pf cap at both ends of the bus
segment in addition to the diode termination required in the PXI-1 specification as shown in Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1. PXI Trigger Bus Termination

(3) A pullup is added to the backplane to guarantee a stable state on the trigger line when the bus is in high
impedance. The Module pull-up restriction is simplified.

RULE: PXI_TRIG[0:7] SHALL be pulled to the 5 V rail with a 2.2 KΩ pullup on one end of the bus segment.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

PERMISSION: Modules MAY place a pull-up of 20 KΩ or greater value on PXI_TRIG[0:7].

(4) The characteristic impedance of the backplane is changed to 65 Ω ± 10% to allow backplanes to be built
with more cost-effective trace widths.

RULE: The unloaded characteristic impedance for the backplane Zl,min SHALL be 65 Ω ± 10% using a
stripline transmission line geometry.

(5) The maximum length stub allowed on a Module is increased to 3 in. to make Module trigger routing easier.

RULE: Printed circuit board trace lengths for PXI trigger bus signals on modules SHALL be less than or
equal to 3 in.

The following new recommendations are made:

RECOMMENDATION: Synchronous trigger Clk to Out–Tval defined in the PXI-1 specification SHOULD
be less than 20 ns to allow extra time for the signal to propagate through multiple bus segments and bridges.
This recommendation precludes sending data on falling edge and receiving on rising edge.

RECOMMENDATION: Type A drivers are no longer recommended. When sending clocks or edges across
the backplane, the driver SHOULD be a slow slew rate driver to minimize reflections.

4.3.3 Star Trigger

The PXI_STAR signal is routed by the backplane as a point-to-point connection back to the System Timing
Slot. A System Timing Module may be used in this Slot to have private transmission of clocks of triggers to
each Module connected to a PXI_STAR.

RULE: The PXI_STAR signals SHALL meet all requirements called out in the PXI-1 specification.

In the PXI-1 specification, there is a recommended mapping of PXI star triggers to Peripheral Slots. In the
case of a PXI Express System Timing Slot, the PXI star triggers are allowed to route to any Peripheral Slot.
Software is made aware of this mapping by a .ini file.

PERMISSION: A PXI_STAR signal from a PXI Express System Timing Slot MAY route to any slot.

RULE: Every slot in a PXI Express Chassis, except for the PXI Express System Timing Slot, SHALL have
a PXI star trigger routed to it from the PXI Express System Timing Slot, unless the number of slots requiring
PXI star triggers exceeds the number of available PXI star triggers.

OBSERVATION: The PXI Express System Controller Slot has a PXI star trigger connected to it from the
PXI Express System Timing Slot.

OBSERVATION: The PXI_STAR signal to slot mapping is specified in the Chassis .ini file according to
the format specified in the PXI Express Software Specification.

4.3.4 Local Bus

PXI-1 Implemented a 13 line daisy-chained local bus between adjacent Peripheral Slots. PXI Express
modules maintain the PXI_LBL6 and PXI_LBR6 signals.

RULE: The PXI_LBL6 and PXI_LBR6 signals SHALL meet all requirements called out in the PXI-1
specification for local bus signals.

OBSERVATION: The PXI Express System Slot has the PXI_LBR6 signal defined but no PXI_LBL6 signal
defined because there are no PXI Express Slots to the left of the System Slot.

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4.4 PXI Express Timing References

4.4.1 Backplane Requirements
The PXI Express backplane is responsible for providing a common reference clock for synchronization of
multiple Modules in an instrumentation system. To that end, the backplane provides 10 MHz and 100 MHz
clocks independently to each Peripheral Slot with single-source, single-destination connections. The low
slot-to-slot skew makes these clocks ideal for qualifying trigger protocols. The 100 MHz clock is a
fast-switching LVPECL clock for precise timing. The 10 MHz TTL/CMOS clock preserves compatibility
with PXI Modules.

4.4.1.1 PXIe_CLK100
RULE: The PXIe_CLK100 signal provided by the backplane SHALL be a 100 MHz, differential, 3.3 V
LVPECL clock. Its frequency accuracy SHALL be ±100 ppm or better over the specified operating
temperature and time.

RULE: When each line of the PXIe_CLK100 pair is terminated with a 50 Ω load to 1.30 V (or Thévenin
equivalent), the absolute value of the differential voltage across the pair at the Peripheral Module connector
SHALL be 800 mV nominally and SHALL NOT be less than 400 mV (except during transition) or greater
than 1000 mV. The VOH level for each line SHALL be greater than 2.0 V and less than 2.5 V.

RULE: The PXIe_CLK100 signal SHALL have a duty cycle between 45% and 55%, measured by the
differential 0 V transition times. The 20%-to-80% rise and fall times SHALL NOT exceed 350 ps.

RULE: The PXIe_CLK100 signal to each Peripheral Slot SHALL be driven by an independent differential
LVPECL driver. The backplane SHALL transmit the signal to each slot with a balanced transmission line pair
having a differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω. The backplane SHALL NOT include any termination or
bias network on the transmission line.

OBSERVATION: Equivalently, each trace in the transmission line pairs must have an odd-mode impedance
of 50 Ω ± 5 Ω.

RULE: The time skew between rising or falling edges of the PXIe_CLK100 signals at any two Peripheral
Module connectors SHALL NOT exceed 200 ps. The edges are defined as the differential 0 V transition times
and are measured where each signal pin enters the Peripheral Module circuit board.

RECOMMENDATION: PXIe_CLK100 is capable of high performance. Jitter SHOULD be kept under 5 ps

rms from 12 kHz to 20 MHz, and 5 ps rms from 10 Hz to 12 kHz.

4.4.1.2 PXI_CLK10
RULE: The PXI_CLK10 provided by the backplane SHALL be a 10 MHz TTL signal, with VOH no less than
2.4 V and VOL no greater than 0.5 V. PXI_CLK10 SHALL NOT exceed 3.3 V.

RULE: The frequency accuracy SHALL be ±100 ppm or better over the specified operating temperature and
time.

RULE: The PXI_CLK10 signal SHALL have a duty cycle between 45% and 55%, measured by the 1.5 V
transition times.

RULE: The PXI_CLK10 signal to each Peripheral Slot SHALL be driven by an independent buffer that has
a source impedance matched to the transmission line. Each transmission line SHALL have 65 Ω ± 10 Ω
characteristic impedance, and each driver SHALL have a source impedance of 65 Ω ± 10 Ω.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

OBSERVATION: In most cases it will necessary to place a resistor in series with the driver so that the total
output impedance is 65 Ω.

RULE: The time skew between the rising or falling edges of the PXI_CLK10 signals at any two Peripheral
Module connectors SHALL NOT exceed 1 ns. The edges are defined as the 1.5 V transition times and are
measured where each signal pin enters the Peripheral Module circuit board.

RECOMMENDATION: The use of low-cost PLL buffers for driving the clock to each slot MAY lead to
excessive jitter and therefore SHOULD NOT be used.

4.4.1.3 PXIe_SYNC100
PXIe_SYNC100 is a differential signal distributed to each Peripheral Slot by the Chassis backplane resource.
PXIe_SYNC100 asserts as a 10 ns pulse synchronous to PXIe_CLK100 with a frequency determined by the
system. The assertion of that pulse is coordinated with the rising edge of the PXI_CLK10 signal.

The relationship of PXIe_SYNC100 to PXI_CLK10 allows a Peripheral Module to create a local version of
PXI_CLK10 that is in phase with the PXI_CLK10 signal and can be used to send triggers to, and receive
triggers from, devices that use PXI_CLK10. A device receiving PXIe_SYNC100 in this manner can therefore
perform PXI_CLK10-synchronous communication without actually connecting to the PXI_CLK10 signal.
This can be useful for devices with PLLs or DLLs that cannot lock to a frequency as low as 10 MHz.

RULE: The PXIe_SYNC100 signal provided by the backplane SHALL be a differential 3.3 V LVPECL
signal.

RULE: When each line of the PXIe_SYNC100 pair is terminated with a 50 Ω load to 1.30 V (or Thévenin
equivalent), the absolute value of the differential voltage across the pair at the Peripheral Module connector
SHALL be 800 mV nominally and SHALL NOT be less than 400 mV (except during transition) or greater
than 1000 mV. The VOH level for each line SHALL be greater than 2.0 V and less than 2.5 V.

RULE: The 20%-to-80% rise and fall times for PXIe_SYNC100 SHALL NOT exceed 350 ps.

RULE: The PXIe_SYNC100 signal to each Peripheral Slot SHALL be driven by an independent differential
LVPECL driver. The backplane SHALL transmit the signal to each slot with a balanced transmission line pair
having a differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω. The backplane SHALL NOT include any termination or
bias network on the transmission line.

OBSERVATION: Equivalently, each trace in the transmission line pairs must have an odd-mode impedance
of 50 Ω ± 5 Ω.

4.4.1.4 Timing, Switching, and PXIe_SYNC_CTRL

RULE: PXI_CLK10 SHALL be synchronous to PXIe_CLK100. Each rising edge of PXI_CLK10 SHALL
assert no earlier than 1 ns before the rising edge of PXIe_CLK100 and no later than 6.5 ns after the
PXIe_CLK100 rising edge, as measured where each signal pin enters the Peripheral Module circuit board.
The rising edges are defined as the differential 0 V transition times for PXIe_CLK100 and 1.5 V transition
times for PXI_CLK10.

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4. Electrical Requirements

Figure 4-2 and Table 4-5 illustrate this relationship:

PXIe_CLK100
tSKEW_C100ToC10 tSKEW_C100ToC10
PXI_CLK10

Figure 4-2. Timing relationship of PXI_CLK10 to PXIe_CLK100

Table 4-5. Timing relationship of PXI_CLK10 to PXIe_CLK100

Description Parameter Min Max

Delay from rising edge of PXIe_CLK100 tSKEW_C100ToC10 -1 ns 6.5 ns
to either edge of PXI_CLK10 (at PXI
Express connector)

RECOMMENDATION: A backplane SHOULD allow PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100 to be derived from

the PXI_CLK10_IN signal from the System Timing Slot or another external source to allow for a more
accurate or stable reference.

RULE: If a backplane allows PXI_CLK10 to be received from the System Timing Slot, the backplane
SHALL have a 1500 Ω ± 5% pull-down resistor to ground on the PXIe_CLK10_IN signal. The receiving
circuitry for this signal on the backplane SHALL be TTL compatible and 5V tolerant, with VIH no greater
than 2.0 V and VIL no less than 0.8 V.

RULE: If PXI_CLK10 is switched between sources, the minimum pulse width (high or low) created on
PXI_CLK10 SHALL NOT be less than 30 ns and the minimum time between successive edges of the same
polarity SHALL NOT be less than 80 ns. The minimum pulse width (high or low) created on PXIe_CLK100
SHALL NOT be less than 2.5 ns and the minimum time between successive edges of the same polarity
SHALL NOT be less than 8 ns.

OBSERVATION: The preceding rule is intended to prevent a state machine from being corrupted by glitches
in the clock during transition.

RULE: The PXI Express backplane resource SHALL ensure that PXI_CLK10 asserts with the next rising
edge of PXIe_CLK100 after the rising edge of PXIe_CLK100 where PXIe_SYNC100 was asserted.

RULE: PXIe_SYNC100 SHALL meet the timing requirements shown in Figure 4-3 and Table 4-6, as
measured where each signal pin enters the Peripheral Module circuit board.

PXIe_CLK100
tDEL_S2C
PXI_CLK10
tSU_PXIe_SYNC100 tH_PXIe_SYNC100
PXIe_SYNC100
Figure 4-3. Timing Relationship of PXIe_SYNC100 to PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100

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 4. Electrical Requirements

Table 4-6. Timing Relationship of PXIe_SYNC100 to PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100

Description Parameter Min Max

Setup from edge of PXIe_SYNC100 to tSU_PXIe_SYNC100 3 ns —
rising edge of PXIe_CLK100 (at PXIe
connector)
Hold from rising edge of PXIe_CLK100 to tH_PXIe_SYNC100 1 ns —
edge of PXIe_SYNC100 (at PXIe
connector)
Delay from rising edge of PXIe_CLK100 tDEL_S2C 10 ns + 10 ns +
where PXIe_SYNC100 is asserted to next tSKEW_C100ToC10.min tSKEW_C100ToC10.max
rising edge of PXI_CLK10 (at PXIe
connector)

OBSERVATION: Timing parameter tDEL_S2C is listed to illustrate the relationship between PXIe_SYNC100
and PXI_CLK10 and will be met automatically if all other timing rules are followed.

Figure 4-4 shows an expanded relationship of PXIe_CLK100, PXIe_SYNC100, and PXI_CLK10. In this
example, PXIe_SYNC100 has the default 10 MHz behavior.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

PXIe_CLK100

PXI_CLK10

PXIe_SYNC100

Figure 4-4. PXIe_SYNC100 Default Behavior

In Figure 4-4, PXIe_SYNC100 pulses high for one PXIe_CLK100 cycle and remains low for
9 PXIe_CLK100 cycles. The high pulse precedes the rising edge of PXIe_CLK10, making the creation
of an onboard version of PXI_CLK10 possible. Refer to the PXI Express Peripheral Module Requirements
section for more information.

RULE: The PXI Express backplane resource SHALL implement the PXIe_SYNC100 default behavior.

PERMISSION: PXIe_SYNC100 MAY be driven by the backplane at a frequency other than 10 MHz,
including driving it as a nonperiodic signal, as long as its assertion and deassertion follow the timing rules in
the above table.

PERMISSION: When a backplane implements nondefault behavior for PXIe_SYNC100, the backplane
MAY use PXIe_SYNC_CTRL from the System Timing Module to control that behavior.

The above permissions allow devices to use PXIe_SYNC100 to communicate via synchronous triggers even
when those devices are electrically farther apart than 100 ns. For example, two PXIe Chassis can coordinate
their PXIe_SYNC_CTRL signals so that their PXIe_SYNC100 signals toggle at 5 MHz in phase with each
other. Instead of using CLK10 to send and receive triggers, Modules in each Chassis use flip-flops clocked
by PXIe_CLK100 and enabled by PXIe_SYNC100. With a 5 MHz PXIe_SYNC100, these Modules now
have 200 ns to propagate a trigger from a device in one Chassis to a device in another. And because

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4. Electrical Requirements

PXIe_SYNC100 always maintains its relationship to PXIe_CLK10, the performance of Modules that use
PXI_CLK10 is not affected.

The System Timing Module drives PXIe_SYNC_CTRL synchronous to PXI_CLK10 and is used by the
backplane resource to determine when to assert PXIe_SYNC100. Figures 4-5 and 4-6 show some possible
behaviors:

PXI_CLK10
PXIe_SYNC_CTRL
PXIe_SYNC100
SYNC100 divider
restarted here

Figure 4-5. PXIe_SYNC100 at 3.33 MHz Using PXIe_SYNC_CTRL as Restart

In this case, the backplane resource is configured to drive PXIe_SYNC100 at 3.33 MHz and to use
PXIe_SYNC_CTRL to reset its counter. The assertion of PXIe_SYNC_CTRL causes the counter to start over,
adjusting the phase of the PXIe_SYNC100 signal. This allows multiple Chassis that create 3.33 MHz
PXIe_SYNC100 signals to have their respective PXIe_SYNC100 signals in phase with each other.

RULE: If a backplane receives PXIe_SYNC_CTRL from the System Timing Slot, the PXI Express
backplane resource default behavior SHALL be to interpret a high level on PXIe_SYNC_CTRL as a
synchronous restart, according to Figure 4-5. The PXI Express backplane resource default behavior SHALL
ignore a low level on PXIe_SYNC_CTRL.

RULE: A PXI Express backplane resource that implements behaviors for PXIe_SYNC_CTRL other than the
default behavior SHALL implement the default behavior until programmed to do otherwise at run time.

Figure 4-6 shows an alternate behavior for PXIe_SYNC_CTRL.

PXI_CLK10
PXIe_SYNC_CTRL
PXIe_SYNC100

Figure 4-6. PXIe_SYNC100 Using PXIe_SYNC_CTRL as Enable

In this case, the backplane resource uses PXIe_SYNC_CTRL as an enable. Every rising PXI_CLK10 edge
where PXIe_SYNC_CTRL is Asserted is preceded by a PXIe_SYNC100 pulse.

RULE: If a backplane receives PXIe_SYNC_CTRL from the System Timing Slot, the backplane SHALL
have a pull-down resistor to ground on the PXIe_SYNC_CTRL signal with a value between 10 KΩ and
100 KΩ. Receiving circuitry for this signal on the backplane SHALL have a minimum VIH no greater than
2.0 V and a maximum VIL no less than 0.8 V.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

4.4.2 System Timing Module Requirements

RULE: If a System Timing Module drives the SYNC_CTRL signal, it SHALL ensure SYNC_CTRL meets
the timing requirements shown in Figure 4-7 and Table 4-7.

PXI_CLK10
tSU_SyncCtrl tH_SyncCtrl
PXIe_SYNC_CTRL

Figure 4-7. Timing Relationship between SYNC_CTRL and PXI_CLK10

Table 4-7. Timing Relationship between SYNC_CTRL and PXI_CLK10

Description Parameter Min Max

Setup from edge of PXIe_SYNC_CTRL to tSU_SYNC_CTRL 50 ns —
rising edge of PXI_CLK10 (at PXI
Express connector)
Hold from rising edge of PXI_CLK10 to tH_SYNC_CTRL 0 ns —
edge of PXIe_SYNC_CTRL (at PXI
Express connector)

OBSERVATION: The large minimum time for tSU_SYNC_CTRL allows the backplane resource to receive
SYNC_CTRL using flip-flops clocked by PXIe_CLK100 and have time to assert PXIe_SYNC100 before the
next edge of PXI_CLK10.

RULE: A System Timing Module driving PXI_CLK10_IN SHALL have a driver with a source impedance of
65 Ω ± 10%. The characteristic impedance of the circuit board trace from the driver to the PXI_CLK10_IN
connection SHALL be 65 Ω ± 10%. The signal SHALL be a 10 MHz TTL signal, with VOH no less than 2.4
V and VOL no greater than 0.5 V.

OBSERVATION: In most cases it will necessary to place a resistor in series with the driver so that the total
output impedance is 65 Ω.

4.4.3 Peripheral Module Requirements

4.4.3.1 PXIe_CLK100
RULE: If a Peripheral Module uses PXIe_CLK100, it SHALL terminate both lines with a 50 Ω (±5 Ω) load
to 1.3 V (±0.2 V) or Thévenin equivalent. If a Peripheral Module does not use PXIe_CLK100, it SHALL leave
the lines unconnected and unterminated.

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4. Electrical Requirements

RECOMMENDATION: Peripheral Modules SHOULD terminate the PXIe_CLK100 signal with the
following circuit:

Figure 4-8. Peripheral Module Circuit for Terminating PXIe_CLK100 Signal

RULE: Peripheral Modules SHALL NOT terminate PXIe_CLK100 more than 1 ns of electrical length
beyond the backplane connector. Any transmission line between the backplane connector and the termination
SHALL have a characteristic differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RECOMMENDATION: Because of the fast rise- and fall-times of the PXIe_CLK100 signal, signal integrity
will be best at or very near the termination. In Peripheral Modules, the electrical length of the connections
beyond the termination SHOULD NOT exceed 160 ps, which in typical glass-epoxy circuit boards is about
25 mm trace length. To maintain good signal integrity, Peripheral Modules SHOULD connect only one active
receiver to PXIe_CLK100. If more than one receiver is used, the configuration SHOULD be simulated
carefully to ensure that the waveforms are well behaved.

4.4.3.2 PXI_CLK10
RULE: Peripheral Module PXI_CLK10 Receivers SHALL be 3.3 V tolerant, with VIH no greater than 2.0 V
and VIL no less than 0.8 V. Peripheral Modules SHALL NOT terminate PXI_CLK10. Board traces from the
connector to the PXI_CLK10 Receivers SHALL have a characteristic impedance of 65 Ω ± 10 Ω.

4.4.3.3 PXIe_SYNC100
RULE: If a Peripheral Module uses PXIe_SYNC100, it SHALL terminate both lines with a 50 Ω (±5 Ω) load
to 1.3 V (±0.2 V) or Thévenin equivalent. If a Peripheral Module does not use PXIe_SYNC100, it SHALL
leave the lines unconnected and unterminated.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

RECOMMENDATION: Peripheral Modules SHOULD terminate the PXIe_SYNC100 signal with the
following circuit:

Figure 4-9. Peripheral Module Circuit for Terminating PXIe_SYNC100 Circuit

RULE: Peripheral Modules SHALL NOT terminate PXIe_SYNC100 more than 1 ns of electrical length
beyond the backplane connector. Any transmission line between the backplane connector and the termination
SHALL have a characteristic differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RECOMMENDATION: Because of the fast rise and fall-times of the PXIe_SYNC100 signal, signal
integrity will be best at or very near the termination. In Peripheral Modules, the electrical length of the
connections beyond the termination SHOULD NOT exceed 160 ps, which in typical glass-epoxy circuit
boards is about 25 mm trace length. To maintain good signal integrity, Peripheral Modules SHOULD connect
only one active receiver to PXIe_CLK100. If more than one receiver is used, the configuration SHOULD be
simulated carefully to ensure that the waveforms are well behaved.

Because the assertion of PXIe_SYNC100 always precedes the rising edge of PXI_CLK10 according to the
rules above, a PXI Express Peripheral Module can create a signal that is in phase with PXI_CLK10 without
connecting to PXIe_CLK10.

Figure 4-10 shows an example of a circuit that accomplishes this.

FPGA

SET
SYNC100 D Q SyncRst
MyCLK10
CLR Q
/10

CLK100 PLL

Figure 4-10. Circuit to recreate PXI_CLK10 Internally as MyCLK10

SYNC100 is captured by a flip-flop, the output of which is used to synchronously reset a divider that divides
PXIe_CLK100 by 10. The resulting signal is in phase with PXI_CLK10. Note that this circuit will create a
signal in phase with PXI_CLK10 even if the frequency of PXIe_SYNC100 is not 10 MHz.

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4. Electrical Requirements

OBSERVATION: The maximum skew of MyCLK10 and PXI_CLK10 is determined by the skew of
PXIe_CLK100 between slots, the skew between PXI_CLK10 and PXIe_CLK100, the clock-to-out time of
flip-flops internal to the FPGA, and the insertion delay of the PXIe_CLK100 signal (including added jitter).

4.5 Differential Triggers

The PXIe_DSTARA, PXIe_DSTARB, and PXIe_DSTARC signals are differential point-to-point connections
between the System Timing Slot and the Peripheral Slots. For each of these three signals, there is an
independent differential pair between each Peripheral Slot and the System Timing Slot. Additionally, all
signals are matched length.

PXIe_DSTARA is designed for distributing high-speed, high-quality clock signals from the System Timing
Slot to the peripherals.

PXIe_DSTARB is designed for distributing high-speed, high-quality trigger signals from the System Timing
Slot to the peripherals.

PXIe_DSTARC is designed for sending high-speed, high-quality trigger or clock signals from the peripherals
to the System Timing Slot.

The PXIe_DSTARA signal is a fast-switching LVPECL clock for precise timing. The PXIe_DSTARB and
PXIe_DSTARC signals are fast-switching LVDS clock/triggers for high-speed synchronization while
maintaining compatibility with common FPGAs and other ICs.

4.5.1 Chassis Requirements

If a PXI Express System Timing Slot is implemented within a PXI Express Chassis, there will be a set of three
differential pairs connecting each slot to the System Timing Slot in a star configuration for the purpose of
timing and synchronization. The low slot-to-slot skew and signal-to-signal skew make these ideal for
transferring a clock and synchronous trigger. These differential pairs will be referred to as a PXIe DSTAR set.
To make backplane routing possible and reasonable, the Chassis developer will have the flexibility to route
any PXIe DSTAR set to any slot provided that members of the set are not split between separate slots.

The rules and recommendations in this section only apply if the PXI Express Chassis implements a System
Timing Slot.

RULE: A PXIe DSTAR set SHALL be defined as containing the three differential signal pairs
(PXIe_DSTARAn, PXIe_DSTARBn, PXIe_DSTARCn), where n denotes the PXIe DSTAR set number.

RULE: All differential pairs within a PXIe DSTAR set SHALL be routed to the same slot.

RULE: If a PXIe DSTAR set is routed to a Peripheral Slot, its signals SHALL be connected to the Peripheral
Slot according to Table 4-8, where n denotes PXIe DSTAR set number.

Table 4-8. PXIe_DSTAR Set Mapping

Differential System Timing Pair Peripheral Slot Pair on XP3

PXIe_DSTARAn+ PXIe_DSTARA+
PXIe_DSTARAn- PXIe_DSTARA-
PXIe_DSTARBn+ PXIe_DSTARB+
PXIe_DSTARBn- PXIe_DSTARB-

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 4. Electrical Requirements

Table 4-8. PXIe_DSTAR Set Mapping (Continued)

Differential System Timing Pair Peripheral Slot Pair on XP3

PXIe_DSTARCn+ PXIe_DSTARC+
PXIe_DSTARCn- PXIe_DSTARC-

PERMISSION: A PXIe DSTAR set MAY be routed to the PXIe_DSTARA, PXIe_DSTARB and
PXIe_DSTARC pins on any slot.

RULE: If a slot is connected to a PXIe DSTAR set from the System Timing Slot, it SHALL only be connected
to the signals from one PXIe DSTAR set.

RULE: One PXIe DSTAR set SHALL be routed back to the PXI Express System Timing Slot XP3 connector
following the interpair and pair-to-pair length matching requirements placed on these signals in this section.

RULE: Every PXI Express Peripheral Slot, PXI Express Hybrid Slot and PXI Express System Timing Slot
SHALL have a PXIe DSTAR set routed to it from the PXI Express System Timing Slot unless the total
number of these slots exceeds the number of available PXIe DSTAR sets.

OBSERVATION: The PXIe DSTAR set to slot mapping is specified in the Chassis .ini file according to
the format specified in the PXI Express Software Specification.

OBSERVATION: The pinout for the System Timing Slot was chosen so that when placed in the middle of a
backplane, the signal lengths can be kept to a minimum and the layer count will be minimized by keeping all
or most of the differential pairs on one routing layer.

RULE: The backplane SHALL route the PXIe_DSTAR signals to each slot with balanced transmission line
pairs having a differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

OBSERVATION: Equivalently, each trace in the transmission line pairs SHOULD have an odd-mode
impedance of 50 Ω ± 5 Ω.

RECOMMENDATION: All PXIe_DSTARA, PXIe_DSTARB, and PXIe_DSTARC pairs SHOULD be

routed on a single layer referenced to a solid ground plane to improve radiated immunity when traces are
floating.

RULE: The time skew of the propagation delay of any two PXIe_DSTAR pairs (including all
PXIe_DSTARA, PXIe_DSTARB, and PXIe_DSTARC signals) across the backplane SHALL NOT exceed
150 ps, including the backplane connectors.

RULE: The time skew of the propagation delay of the two signals within a PXIe_DSTAR differential pair
across the backplane SHALL NOT exceed 25 ps, including the backplane connectors.

4.5.2 PXIe Peripheral Module / Slot Requirements

4.5.2.1 PXIe_DSTARA
RULE: If a Peripheral Module receives PXIe_DSTARA, it SHALL terminate both lines with a 50 Ω (±5 Ω)
load to 1.3 V (±0.2 V) or Thévenin equivalent. If a Peripheral Module does not receive PXIe_STARA, it
SHALL leave the lines unconnected and unterminated.

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4. Electrical Requirements

RECOMMENDATION: Peripheral Modules that are receiving PXIe_DSTARA SHOULD terminate the
PXIe_DSTARA signal with the following circuit:

Figure 4-11. Peripheral Module Circuit for Terminating PXIe_DSTARA

RULE: Peripheral Modules SHALL NOT terminate PXIe_DSTARA more than 1 ns of electrical length
beyond the backplane connector. Any transmission line between the backplane connector and the termination
SHALL have a characteristic differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RECOMMENDATION: Because of the fast rise and fall-times of the PXIe_DSTARA signal, signal
integrity will be best at or very near the termination. The electrical length of the connections between the
termination and the LVPECL Receiver SHOULD NOT exceed 160 ps, which in typical glass-epoxy circuit
boards is about 25 mm trace length. To maintain good signal integrity, Peripheral Modules SHOULD connect
only one active receiver to PXIe_DSTARA. If more than one receiver is used, the configuration SHOULD be
simulated carefully to ensure that the waveforms are well behaved.

4.5.2.2 PXIe_DSTARB
RULE: If a Peripheral Module receives PXIe_DSTARB, it SHALL terminate the lines with a 100 Ω ± 10 Ω
differential resistor.

RULE: Peripheral Modules SHALL NOT terminate PXIe_DSTARB more than 1 ns of electrical length
beyond the backplane connector. Any transmission line between the backplane connector and the termination
SHALL have a characteristic differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RECOMMENDATION: Because of the fast rise and fall-times of the PXIe_DSTARB signal, signal integrity
will be best at or very near the termination. The electrical length of the connections between the termination
and the LVDS Receiver SHOULD NOT exceed 160 ps, which in typical glass-epoxy circuit boards is about
25 mm trace length. To maintain good signal integrity, Peripheral Modules SHOULD connect only one active
receiver to PXIe_DSTARB. If more than one receiver is used, the configuration SHOULD be simulated
carefully to ensure that the waveforms are well behaved.

4.5.2.3 PXIe_DSTARC
RULE: If the Peripheral Module chooses to implement PXIe_DSTARC, the signal provided SHALL be a
differential, LVDS signal. The Peripheral Module SHALL transmit the signal to the System Timing Slot with
a balanced transmission line pair having a differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RULE: When the PXIe_DSTARC pair is terminated with a 100 Ω differential load at the Receiver, the voltage
levels at the connector to the System Timing Module SHALL be compliant with the TIA/EIA-644 LVDS
specification.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

RULE: The signal source SHALL ensure that the LVDS driver is off (either tri-stated or driving a constant)
by default, and MAY only enable it under software control when a Receiver with a 100 Ω differential
termination resistor is known to exist.

4.5.3 System Timing Module/Slot Requirements

4.5.3.1 PXIe_DSTARA
RULE: The PXIe_DSTARA signals provided by the System Timing Module SHALL be differential 3.3 V
LVPECL signals. The System Timing Module SHALL transmit the signals to all slots with balanced
transmission line pairs having a differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω. The System Timing Module SHALL
NOT include any termination or bias network on the transmission lines, except to ensure that each driver is
disabled when unterminated by a Module.

RULE: When each line of the PXIe_DSTARA pair is terminated with a 50 Ω load to 1.30 V (or Thévenin
equivalent), the absolute value of the differential voltage across the pair at the Peripheral Module connector
SHALL be 800 mV nominally and SHALL NOT be less than 400 mV (except during transition) or greater
than 1000 mV. The VOH level for each line SHALL be greater than 2.0 V and less than 2.5 V.

OBSERVATION: While many FPGAs have “LVPECL” output drivers, these drivers are generally not
compatible with the aforementioned LVPECL requirement.

RULE: The PXIe_DSTARA signal to each Peripheral Slot SHALL be driven by an independent differential
LVPECL driver.

RECOMMENDATION: The PXIe_DSTARA signal SHOULD have a duty cycle between 45% and 55%,
measured by the differential 0 V transition times. The 20%-to-80% rise and fall times SHOULD NOT exceed
350 ps.

RECOMMENDATION: The time skew between rising or falling edges of the PXIe_DSTARA signals at any
two connections to the backplane SHOULD NOT exceed 200 ps. The edges are defined as the differential 0 V
transition times.

RECOMMENDATION: System Timing Modules SHOULD specify the maximum skew between all
PXIe_DSTARA signals as provided to the pins of the connectors on the System Timing Module which
connect it to the backplane.

4.5.3.2 PXIe_DSTARB
RULE: The PXIe_DSTARB signal provided by System Timing Module SHALL be a differential, LVDS
signal. The System Timing Module SHALL transmit the signal to each slot with a balanced transmission line
pair having a differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RULE: When the PXIe_DSTARB pair is terminated with a 100 Ω differential load at the Receiver the voltage
levels at the connector to the Peripheral Module SHALL be compliant with the TIA/EIA-644 LVDS
specification.

RULE: The signal source SHALL ensure that the LVDS driver is off (either tri-stated or driving a constant)
by default, and may only enable it under software control when a Receiver with a 100 Ω differential
termination resistor is known to exist.

RULE: The PXIe_DSTARB signal to each Peripheral Slot SHALL be driven by an independent differential
LVDS driver.

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4. Electrical Requirements

RECOMMENDATION: System Timing Modules SHOULD specify the maximum skew between all
PXIe_DSTARA and PXIe_DSTARB signals, as provided to the pins of the connectors on the System Timing
Module which connect it to the backplane.

4.5.3.3 PXIe_DSTARC
RULE: If the System Timing Module receives PXIe_DSTARC, it SHALL terminate the pairs differentially
with 100 Ω ± 10 Ω resistors.

RULE: The System Timing Module SHALL NOT terminate PXIe_DSTARC more than 1 ns of electrical
length beyond the backplane connector. Any transmission line between the backplane connector and the
termination SHALL have a characteristic differential impedance of 100 Ω ± 10 Ω.

RECOMMENDATION: Because of the fast rise and fall-times of the PXIe_DSTARC signal, signal integrity
will be best at or very near the termination. The electrical length of the connections between the termination
and the LVDS Receivers SHOULD NOT exceed 160 ps, which in typical glass-epoxy circuit boards is about
25 mm trace length. To maintain good signal integrity, the System Timing Module SHOULD connect only
one active receiver to each PXIe_DSTARC pair. If more than one receiver is used, the configuration SHOULD
be simulated carefully to ensure that the waveforms are well behaved.

4.6 Slot Identification

Slot Identification in PXI Express is performed using the geographical address pins (GA) in each slot. The
software mechanisms for reporting the value encoded on these pins is defined in the PXI Express Software
Specification.

RULE: A PXI Express Module, other than a PXI Express System Module, must provide a software
mechanism for the PXI Express System Module to read the value on pins GA(4:0) in the slot where the
Module is located.

OBSERVATION: The System Module does not need to report its slot number via software, because it can
be assumed to be in Slot 1.

OBSERVATION: PXI-1 Peripheral Modules and Hybrid Slot Compatible PXI-1 Peripheral Modules are not
required to provide a software mechanism for the PXI Express System Module to read the value on pins
GA(4:0) in the slot where the Module is located.

RULE: A PXI Express Module SHALL include software that reports its slot number using the interfaces
specified in the PXI Express Software Specification.

4.7 Backplane Identification

RULE: PXI Express Chassis SHALL have the Backplane Identification and Capability Record implemented
as a serial EPROM or similar functioning device as defined by the CompactPCI Express Specification.

Within the Backplane Identification and Capability Record is a Peripheral Slot descriptor that requires
additional definition and clarification to handle the System Timing Slot and the different names used for slots
within PXI Express.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

RULE: Bits 2:0 of the Slot Type field of all Peripheral Slot Descriptors within a Backplane Identification and
Capability Record of a PXI Express Chassis SHALL have the following definition:

Bits (2:0)
000 = N/A
001 = PXI Express Peripheral Slot
010 = PXI-1 Slot
011 = Hybrid Peripheral Slot
111 = System Timing Slot

4.8 SMBus Address Reservation

The SMBus allows backplane identification to be possible in PXI Express systems. It also allows for suppliers
to implement Chassis-specific Functions without needing a PCI Express interface. The SMBus may connect
to other devices on System Modules, so it is important that these other devices do not conflict with the
Backplane Identification and Capability Record EPROM and any Chassis-specific Functions. This section
sets the requirements for SMBus addressing for any Chassis-specific Functions and CompactPCI Express sets
addressing requirements for the Backplane Identification and Capability Record EPROM.

Peripheral Module use of SMBus is also possible. To prevent addressing conflicts between Peripheral
Modules and other devices on the SMBus, Peripheral Module SMBus devices are required to support the
Address Resolution Protocol to have their address assigned.

PERMISSION: System Modules MAY connect devices related to System Module functionality to the
SMBus.

OBSERVATION: The CompactPCI Express specification reserves SMBus address A4h for the Backplane
Identification and Capability Record EPROM. This requirement applies to PXI Express as well.

RULE: PXI Express System Modules SMBus devices that connect to the SMBus defined in this specification
SHALL NOT use SMBus addresses 58h to 5Ch, C6h to C8h, and A4h.

RULE: Any SMBus devices within a PXI Express Chassis for Chassis-specific Functions other than the
Backplane Identification and Capability Record EPROM SHALL use addresses 58h to 5Ch.

OBSERVATION: The SMBus addresses specified are 8-bit addresses where the least significant bit
represents read or write. This implies that for every even address, an odd address is reserved as well. For
example, A4h is the SMBus address to write to the Backplane Identification and Capability Record EPROM,
and A5h is the address to read from the Backplane Identification and Capability Record EPROM.

RULE: PXI Express Peripheral Modules that connect devices to the SMBus SHALL implement the Address
Resolution Protocol (ARP) defined in the SMBus 2.0 Specification for setting their SMBus addresses of the
devices.

4.9 Electrical Guidelines for 6U

In an effort to make efficient use of 3U PXI Express Modules in 6U PXI Express Chassis, the PXI Express
Hardware Specification defines a 6U Slot that allows 3U Modules to be stacked within. This allows two 3U
Modules to be used in 1 6U Slot. These systems have additional connectors in slots that support stacking 3U
Modules. This section also covers the electrical rules associated with 6U PXI Express Chassis that support
this feature and defines a 6U System Timing Module that can support the differential triggers for 3U Modules
that are stacked in a 6U Slot.

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4. Electrical Requirements

4.9.1 6U Chassis that Support Stacking 3U Modules

RULE: 6U PXI Express Chassis that support stacking 3U Modules SHALL route the signals for the upper
and lower 3U Slots according to the type of 3U Slots being implemented within the 6U Slot (System, Hybrid,
PXI Express Peripheral, PXI-1 or System Timing Slot).

RULE: If a PXI Express 6U Chassis that supports stacking 3U Modules cannot provide enough star triggers
or differential triggers to support all slots via the lower 3U Slot within the System Timing Slot, the PXI
Express 6U Chassis SHALL support stacking 3U System Timing Modules in the System Timing Slot.

RULE: 6U PXI Express Chassis that support stacking 3U Modules SHALL implement a PXI Express
Peripheral Slot or System Timing Slot only in the upper 3U Slot of a 6U System Timing Slot.

RULE: The PCI Express or PCI interfaces needed for the upper 3U Slots of PXI Express 6U Chassis that
support stacking 3U Modules SHALL be provided by the backplane and SHALL NOT be provided by the
System Controller Module.

OBSERVATION: The preceding rule allows most 6U CompactPCI Express System Modules to work in 6U
PXI Express Chassis that support stacking 3U Modules.

4.10 Connector Pin Assignments

4.10.1 PXI Express Peripheral Slots and Modules
RULE: PXI Express Peripheral Slots and PXI Express Peripheral Modules SHALL use the pin assignments
in Table 4-9.
Table 4-9. PXI Express Peripheral Slot and Module Pin Assignments
Pin Z A B C D E F
1 GND GA4 GA3 GA2 GA1 GA0 GND
2 GND 5Vaux GND SYSEN# WAKE# ALERT# GND
3 GND 12V 12V GND GND GND GND
4 GND GND GND 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V GND XP4 / XJ4 Connector
5 GND PXI_TRIG3 PXI_TRIG4 PXI_TRIG5 GND PXI_TRIG6 GND
6 GND PXI_TRIG2 GND ATNLED PXI_STAR PXI_CLK10 GND
7 GND PXI_TRIG1 PXI_TRIG0 ATNSW# GND PXI_TRIG7 GND
8 GND RSV GND RSV PXI_LBL6 PXI_LBR6 GND
Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef

XP3 / XJ3 Connector

1 PXIe_CLK100+ PXIe_CLK100- GND PXIe_SYNC100+ PXIe_SYNC100- GND PXIe_DSTARC+ PXIe_DSTARC- GND
2 PRSNT# PWREN# GND PXIe_DSTARB+ PXIe_DSTARB- GND PXIe_DSTARA+ PXIe_DSTARA- GND
3 SMBDAT SMBCLK GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
4 MPWRGD PERST# GND RSV RSV GND 1RefClk+ 1RefClk- GND
5 1PETp0 1PETn0 GND 1PERp0 1PERn0 GND 1PETp1 1PETn1 GND
6 1PETp2 1PETn2 GND 1PERp2 1PERn2 GND 1PERp1 1PERn1 GND
7 1PETp3 1PETn3 GND 1PERp3 1PERn3 GND 1PETp4 1PETn4 GND
8 1PETp5 1PETn5 GND 1PERp5 1PERn5 GND 1PERp4 1PERn4 GND
9 1PETp6 1PETn6 GND 1PERp6 1PERn6 GND 1PETp7 1PETn7 GND
10 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND 1PERp7 1PERn7 GND

4.10.2 PXI Express System Slot and Modules

Two backplane routing schemes are allowed for the System Slot within the CompactPCI Express
Specification. The 4 Link configuration maximizes the number of Links from the System Slot to Peripheral
Slots, to Switches, to a Switch Slot, or PCI Express to PCI Bridges. However, the highest Lane count for each
of the 4 Links is 4 lanes per Link. The 2 Link configuration assumes there are 2 Links coming from the System
Board, where one of the Links can be up to eight lanes and the other Link can be up to 16 lanes.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

4.10.2.1 4 Link Configuration

RULE: PXI System Slots routed for the 4 Link Configuration SHALL use the pin assignments in Table 4-10.

RULE: PXI System Modules SHALL follow the pin assignments in Table 4-10 to support 4 Link operation.
Table 4-10. Pin Assignments for 4 Link Operation

Pin Z A B C D E F
1 GND GA4 GA3 GA2 GA1 GA0 GND
2 GND 5Vaux GND SYSEN# WAKE# ALERT# GND
3 GND RSV RSV RSV RSV RSV GND
4 GND RSV RSV RSV RSV RSV GND XP4/ XJ4 Connector
5 GND PXI_TRIG3 PXI_TRIG4 PXI_TRIG5 GND PXI_TRIG6 GND
6 GND PXI_TRIG2 GND RSV PXI_STAR PXI_CLK10 GND
7 GND PXI_TRIG1 PXI_TRIG0 RSV GND PXI_TRIG7 GND
8 GND RSV GND RSV RSV PXI_LBR6 GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef

XP3 / XJ3 Connector

1 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
2 RSV RSV GND PWR_OK PS_ON# GND LINKCAP PWRBTN# GND
3 SMBDAT SMBCLK GND 4RefClk+ 4RefClk- GND 2RefClk+ 2RefClk- GND
4 RSV PERST# GND 3RefClk+ 3RefClk- GND 1RefClk+ 1RefClk- GND
5 1PETp0 1PETn0 GND 1PERp0 1PERn0 GND 1PETp1 1PETn1 GND
6 1PETp2 1PETn2 GND 1PERp2 1PERn2 GND 1PERp1 1PERn1 GND
7 1PETp3 1PETn3 GND 1PERp3 1PERn3 GND 2PETp0 2PETn0 GND
8 2PETp1 2PETn1 GND 2PERp1 2PERn1 GND 2PERp0 2PERn0 GND
9 2PETp2 2PETn2 GND 2PERp2 2PERn2 GND 2PETp3 2PETn3 GND
10 3PETp0 3PETn0 GND 3PERp0 3PERn0 GND 2PERp3 2PERn3 GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef

XP2 / XJ2 Connector

1 3PETp1 3PETn1 GND 3PERp1 3PERn1 GND 3PETp2 3PETn2 GND
2 3PETp3 3PETn3 GND 3PERp3 3PERn3 GND 3PERp2 3PERn2 GND
3 4PETp0 4PETn0 GND 4PERp0 4PERn0 GND 4PETp1 4PETn1 GND
4 4PETp2 4PETn2 GND 4PERp2 4PERn2 GND 4PERp1 4PERn1 GND
5 4PETp3 4PETn3 GND 4PERp3 4PERn3 GND RSV RSV GND
6 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
7 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
8 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
9 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
10 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND

Pin
G GND
F 12V
E 12V
XP1 / XJ1 Connector
D GND
C 5V
B 3.3V
A GND

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4.10.2.2 2 Link Configuration

RULE: System Modules that can combine the four smaller Links into two larger Links SHALL follow the
pin assignments in Table 4-11 when in 2 Link operation.

RULE: PXI System Slots routed for the 2 Link Configuration SHALL use the pin assignments in Table 4-11.
Table 4-11. Pin Assignments for 2 Link Operation

Pin Z A B C D E F
1 GND GA4 GA3 GA2 GA1 GA0 GND
2 GND 5Vaux GND SYSEN# WAKE# ALERT# GND
3 GND RSV RSV RSV RSV RSV GND
4 GND RSV RSV RSV RSV RSV GND XP4 / XJ4 Connector
5 GND PXI_TRIG3 PXI_TRIG4 PXI_TRIG5 GND PXI_TRIG6 GND
6 GND PXI_TRIG2 GND RSV PXI_STAR PXI_CLK10 GND
7 GND PXI_TRIG1 PXI_TRIG0 RSV GND PXI_TRIG7 GND
8 GND RSV GND RSV RSV PXI_LBR6 GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef

XP3 / XJ3 Connector

1 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
2 RSV RSV GND PWR_OK PS_ON# GND LINKCAP PWRBTN# GND
3 SMBDAT SMBCLK GND RSVD RSVD GND RSVD RSVD GND
4 RSV PERST# GND 2RefClk+ 2RefClk- GND 1RefClk+ 1RefClk- GND
5 1PETp0 1PETn0 GND 1PERp0 1PERn0 GND 1PETp1 1PETn1 GND
6 1PETp2 1PETn2 GND 1PERp2 1PERn2 GND 1PERp1 1PERn1 GND
7 1PETp3 1PETn3 GND 1PERp3 1PERn3 GND 1PETp4 1PETn4 GND
8 1PETp5 1PETn5 GND 1PERp5 1PERn5 GND 1PERp4 1PERn4 GND
9 1PETp6 1PETn6 GND 1PERp6 1PERn6 GND 1PETp7 1PETn7 GND
10 2PETp0 2PETn0 GND 2PERp0 2PERn0 GND 1PERp7 1PERn7 GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef

XP2 / XJ2 Connector

1 2PETp1 2PETn1 GND 2PERp1 2PERn1 GND 2PETp2 2PETn2 GND
2 2PETp3 2PETn3 GND 2PERp3 2PERn3 GND 2PERp2 2PERn2 GND
3 2PETp4 2PETn4 GND 2PERp4 2PERn4 GND 2PETp5 2PETn5 GND
4 2PETp6 2PETn6 GND 2PERp6 2PERn6 GND 2PERp5 2PERn5 GND
5 2PETp7 2PETn7 GND 2PERp7 2PERn7 GND 2PETp8 2PETn8 GND
6 2PETp9 2PETn9 GND 2PERp9 2PERn9 GND 2PERp8 2PERn8 GND
7 2PETp10 2PETn10 GND 2PERp10 2PERn10 GND 2PETp11 2PETn11 GND
8 2PETp12 2PETn12 GND 2PERp12 2PERn12 GND 2PERp11 2PERn11 GND
9 2PETp13 2PETn13 GND 2PERp13 2PERn13 GND 2PETp14 2PETn14 GND
10 2PETp15 2PETn15 GND 2PERp15 2PERn15 GND 2PERp14 2PERn14 GND

Pin
G GND
F 12V
E 12V
D GND
XP1 / XJ1 Connector
C 5V
B 3.3V
A GND

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 4. Electrical Requirements

4.10.3 PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slot

RULE: PXI Express Hybrid Peripheral Slots SHALL use the pin assignments in Table 4-12.
Table 4-12. Hybrid Peripheral Slot Pin Assignments
Pin Z A B C D E F
1 GND GA4 GA3 GA2 GA1 GA0 GND
2 GND 5Vaux GND SYSEN# WAKE# ALERT# GND
3 GND 12V 12V GND GND GND GND
4 GND GND GND 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V GND XP4 / XJ4 Connector
5 GND PXI_TRIG3 PXI_TRIG4 PXI_TRIG5 GND PXI_TRIG6 GND
6 GND PXI_TRIG2 GND ATNLED PXI_STAR PXI_CLK10 GND
7 GND PXI_TRIG1 PXI_TRIG0 ATNSW# GND PXI_TRIG7 GND
8 GND RSV GND RSV PXI_LBL6 PXI_LBR6 GND
Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef

XP3 / XJ3 Connector

1 PXIe_CLK100+ PXIe_CLK100- GND PXIe_SYNC100+ PXIe_SYNC100- GND PXIe_DSTARC+ PXIe_DSTARC- GND
2 PRSNT# PWREN# GND PXIe_DSTARB+ PXIe_DSTARB- GND PXIe_DSTARA+ PXIe_DSTARA- GND
3 SMBDAT SMBCLK GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
4 MPWRGD PERST# GND RSV RSV GND 1RefClk+ 1RefClk- GND
5 1PETp0 1PETn0 GND 1PERp0 1PERn0 GND 1PETp1 1PETn1 GND
6 1PETp2 1PETn2 GND 1PERp2 1PERn2 GND 1PERp1 1PERn1 GND
7 1PETp3 1PETn3 GND 1PERp3 1PERn3 GND 1PETp4 1PETn4 GND
8 1PETp5 1PETn5 GND 1PERp5 1PERn5 GND 1PERp4 1PERn4 GND
9 1PETp6 1PETn6 GND 1PERp6 1PERn6 GND 1PETp7 1PETn7 GND
10 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND 1PERp7 1PERn7 GND
Pin Z A B C D E F
25 GND 5V REQ64# ENUM# 3.3V 5V GND
24 GND AD[1] 5V V(I/O) AD[0] ACK64# GND
23 GND 3.3V AD[4] AD[3] 5V AD[2] GND
22 GND AD[7] GND 3.3V AD[6] AD[5] GND
21 GND 3.3V AD[9] AD[8] M66EN C/BE[0]# GND
20 GND AD[12] GND V(I/O) AD[11] AD[10] GND
19 GND 3.3V AD[15] AD[14] GND AD[13] GND
18 GND SERR# GND 3.3V PAR C/BE[1]# GND
17 GND 3.3V IPMB_SCL IPMB_SDA GND PERR# GND
16 GND DEVSEL# GND V(I/O) STOP# LOCK# GND
15 GND 3.3V FRAME# IRDY# BD_SEL# TRDY# GND
12–14 Key Area P1 / J1 Connector
11 GND AD[18] AD[17] AD[16] GND C/BE[2]# GND
10 GND AD[21] GND 3.3V AD[20] AD[19] GND
9 GND C/BE[3]# IDSEL AD[23] GND AD[22] GND
8 GND AD[26] GND V(I/O) AD[25] AD[24] GND
7 GND AD[30] AD[29] AD[28] GND AD[27] GND
6 GND REQ# GND 3.3V CLK AD[31] GND
5 GND BRSVP1A5 BRSVP1B5 RST# GND GNT# GND
4 GND IPMB_PWR HEALTHY# V(I/O) INTP INTS GND
3 GND INTA# INTB# INTC# 5V INTD# GND
2 GND TCK 5V TMS TDO TDI GND
1 GND 5V -12V TRST# +12V 5V GND

4.10.4 PXI-1 Slot

RULE: PXI-1 Slots SHALL follow the pin assignments defined in the PXI Hardware Specification.

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4. Electrical Requirements

4.10.5 System Timing Slot

RULE: System Timing Modules and System Timing Slots SHALL use the pinouts in Table 4-13.
Table 4-13. PXI Express System Timing Slot/Module Pinout

Pin Z A B C D E F

XP4/XJ4 Connector
1 GND GA4 GA3 GA2 GA1 GA0 GND
2 GND 5Vaux GND SYSEN# WAKE# ALERT# GND
3 GND 12V 12V GND GND GND GND
4 GND GND GND 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V GND
5 GND PXI_TRIG3 PXI_TRIG4 PXI_TRIG5 GND PXI_TRIG6 GND
6 GND PXI_TRIG2 GND ATNLED PXI_CLK10_IN PXI_CLK10 GND
7 GND PXI_TRIG1 PXI_TRIG0 ATNSW# GND PXI_TRIG7 GND
8 GND PXIe_SYNC_CTRL GND RSV PXI_LBL6 PXI_LBR6 GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef
1 PXIe_CLK100+ PXIe_CLK100- GND PXIe_SYNC100+ PXIe_SYNC100- GND PXIe_DSTARC+ PXIe_DSTARC- GND

XP3/XJ3 Connector
2 PRSNT#* PWREN#* GND PXIe_DSTARB+ PXIe_DSTARB- GND PXIe_DSTARA+ PXIe_DSTARA- GND
3 SM BDAT SM BCLK GND RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND
4 M PWRGD* PERST# GND RSV RSV GND 1RefClk+ 1RefClk- GND
5 1PETp0 1PETn0 GND 1PERp0 1PERn0 GND 1PETp1 1PETn1 GND
6 1PETp2 1PETn2 GND 1PERp2 1PERn2 GND 1PERp1 1PERn1 GND
7 1PETp3 1PETn3 GND 1PERp3 1PERn3 GND 1PETp4 1PETn4 GND
8 1PETp5 1PETn5 GND 1PERp5 1PERn5 GND 1PERp4 1PERn4 GND
9 1PETp6 1PETn6 GND 1PERp6 1PERn6 GND 1PETp7 1PETn7 GND
10 RSV RSV GND RSV RSV GND 1PERp7 1PERn7 GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef
1 PXIe_DSTARC0+ PXIe_DSTARC0- GND PXIe_DSTARC8+ PXIe_DSTARC8- GND PXIe_DSTARB8+ PXIe_DSTARB8- GND

TP2/TJ2 Connector
2 PXIe_DSTARA0+ PXIe_DSTARA0- GND PXIe_DSTARC9+ PXIe_DSTARC9- GND PXIe_DSTARA8+ PXIe_DSTARA8- GND
3 PXIe_DSTARB0+ PXIe_DSTARB0- GND PXIe_DSTARC1+ PXIe_DSTARC1- GND PXIe_DSTARA9+ PXIe_DSTARA9- GND
4 PXIe_DSTARB1+ PXIe_DSTARB1- GND PXI_STAR0 PXI_STAR1 GND PXIe_DSTARB9+ PXIe_DSTARB9- GND
5 PXIe_DSTARA1+ PXIe_DSTARA1- GND PXI_STAR2 PXI_STAR3 GND PXIe_DSTARC10+ PXIe_DSTARC10- GND
6 PXIe_DSTARC2+ PXIe_DSTARC2- GND PXI_STAR4 PXI_STAR5 GND PXIe_DSTARA10+ PXIe_DSTARA10- GND
7 PXIe_DSTARB2+ PXIe_DSTARB2- GND PXI_STAR6 PXI_STAR7 GND PXIe_DSTARB10+ PXIe_DSTARB10- GND
8 PXIe_DSTARA2+ PXIe_DSTARA2- GND PXI_STAR8 PXI_STAR9 GND PXIe_DSTARC11+ PXIe_DSTARC11- GND
9 PXIe_DSTARC3+ PXIe_DSTARC3- GND PXI_STAR10 PXI_STAR11 GND PXIe_DSTARA11+ PXIe_DSTARA11- GND
10 PXIe_DSTARB3+ PXIe_DSTARB3- GND PXIe_DSTARC16+ PXIe_DSTARC16- GND PXIe_DSTARB11+ PXIe_DSTARB11- GND

Pin A B ab C D cd E F ef
1 PXIe_DSTARA3+ PXIe_DSTARA3- GND PXIe_DSTARC7+ PXIe_DSTARC7- GND PXIe_DSTARC12+ PXIe_DSTARC12- GND

TP1/TJ1 Connector
2 PXIe_DSTARC4+ PXIe_DSTARC4- GND PXI_STAR12 PXI_STAR13 GND PXIe_DSTARA12+ PXIe_DSTARA12- GND
3 PXIe_DSTARB4+ PXIe_DSTARB4- GND PXIe_DSTARA16+ PXIe_DSTARA16- GND PXIe_DSTARB12+ PXIe_DSTARB12- GND
4 PXIe_DSTARA4+ PXIe_DSTARA4- GND PXIe_DSTARB7+ PXIe_DSTARB7- GND PXIe_DSTARC13+ PXIe_DSTARC13- GND
5 PXIe_DSTARC5+ PXIe_DSTARC5- GND PXI_STAR14 PXI_STAR15 GND PXIe_DSTARA13+ PXIe_DSTARA13- GND
6 PXIe_DSTARB5+ PXIe_DSTARB5- GND PXIe_DSTARB16+ PXIe_DSTARB16- GND PXIe_DSTARB13+ PXIe_DSTARB13- GND
7 PXIe_DSTARA5+ PXIe_DSTARA5- GND PXIe_DSTARA7+ PXIe_DSTARA7- GND PXIe_DSTARC14+ PXIe_DSTARC14- GND
8 PXIe_DSTARC6+ PXIe_DSTARC6- GND PXI_STAR16 RSV GND PXIe_DSTARA14+ PXIe_DSTARA14- GND
9 PXIe_DSTARB6+ PXIe_DSTARB6- GND PXIe_DSTARC15+ PXIe_DSTARC15- GND PXIe_DSTARB14+ PXIe_DSTARB14- GND
10 PXIe_DSTARA6+ PXIe_DSTARA6- GND PXIe_DSTARB15+ PXe_DSTARB15- GND PXIe_DSTARA15+ PXIe_DSTARA15- GND

4.10.6 XP8/XJ8 Connector Pin Assignments

Section 4.9.1 contains the rules for 6U slots that support stacking 3U modules. This section makes explicit
the pin assignments for the XP8 eHM connector that are required to be populated for 6U PXI Express slots
that do not support stacking 3U modules. It also makes explicit the corresponding optional connector that may
be populated in the XJ8 position on 6U PXI Express Peripheral and System Timing Modules. This optional
eHM connector is for additional power.

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 4. Electrical Requirements

RULE: 6U PXI Express Peripheral, Hybrid, and System Timing Slots, and 6U PXI Express Peripheral and
System Timing Modules, SHALL use the pin assignments in Table 4-14.
Table 4-14. XP8/XJ8 Pin Assignments
Pin Z A B C D E F
1 GND RSV RSV RSV RSV RSV GND
2 GND 5Vaux GND RSV RSV RSV GND
3 GND 12V 12V GND GND GND GND
4 GND GND GND 3.3V 3.3V 3.3V GND XP8/XJ8 Connector
5 GND RSV RSV RSV GND RSV GND
6 GND RSV GND RSV RSV RSV GND
7 GND RSV RSV RSV GND RSV GND
8 GND RSV GND RSV RSV RSV GND

OBSERVATION: The XP8 pin assignments are used only if a 6U PXI Express Peripheral, Hybrid, or
System Timing slot does not support stacking 3U modules. 6U PXI Express slots that support stacking 3U
Modules route the signals and follow the pin assignments for the upper and lower 3U Slots according to the
type of 3U Slots being implemented within the 6U Slot (System, Hybrid, PXI Express Peripheral, PXI-1, or
System Timing Slot).

4.11 Power
The power requirements for PXI Express Chassis and Modules include all requirements defined in the
CompactPCI Express Specification, as well as additional rules that set minimum requirements for power
provided by Chassis. These additional rules enhance the interoperability between Modules and Chassis. All
minimum current and power specifications listed apply to the chassis. All maximum current and power
specifications listed apply to modules.

4.11.1 Power Requirements from CompactPCI Express

RULE: PXI Express Chassis and Modules SHALL meet all the rules relating to power defined within the
CompactPCI Express specification. These rules include but are not limited to the following:
• Voltage rails
• Regulation
• Ripple and noise
• Backplane power decoupling
• Power rail timing
• Power supply signals to and from the System Module and the associated timing requirements

4.11.2 Chassis Requirements

Minimum power supply requirements are specified to ensure that Module designers can design Modules
knowing that they will operate in any PXI Express Chassis regardless of the number of slots or form factor.

4.11.2.1 Chassis Minimum Required Continuous Current

RULE: The power supply in a PXI Express Chassis SHALL provide at least the required amounts of
continuous current and total power per slot specified in Table 4-15.

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4. Electrical Requirements

Table 4-15. PXI Express Chassis Minimum Required Continuous Current

Total
5V 3.3 V +12 V -12 V 5 VAUX Power Notes
System Controller Slot 9A 9A 11 A N/A 1A 140 W 1, 2
with 2 or More
Expansion Slots
System Controller Slot 2A 6A 4A N/A 1A 60 W 1
with 1 Expansion Slot
System Controller Slot 1A 3A 2A N/A 1A 30 W 1
with no Expansion Slots
PXI Express Peripheral N/A 3A 2A N/A 0A 30 W 1, 3
Slot / System Timing
Slot
Hybrid Slot 2A 3A 2A 0.25 A 0A 30 W 1, 3, 4
PXI-1 Peripheral Slot 2A 2A 0.5 A 0.25 A N/A 25.6 W 1

Notes:
1. The PXI Express chassis must provide at least the minimum currents on each rail as specified, when each
rail is loaded individually. The PXI Express chassis must be able to provide the minimum total power
specified in the Total Power Column to each slot. This total power may be distributed arbitrarily across
all available rails for the slot while staying below the specified minimum currents required for each rail.
2. The PXI Express Chassis is required to provide aminimum of 61.5 W combined power on the 3.3 V and
5 V rails to a System Controller Slot with two or more expansion slots.
3. There SHALL be 0.5 A of 5VAUX available for all PXI Express Peripheral Modules to share.
4. A Hybrid Slot SHALL provide the continuous current required for a PXI Express Peripheral Module OR
a PXI-1 Peripheral Module (not both at the same time).

OBSERVATION: The minimum current for each voltage rail provided by a power supply in a PXI Express
Chassis with X PXI Express Peripheral Slots, Y Hybrid Slots, and Z PXI-1 Peripheral Slots can be determined
by the following formulas:

+12 V: 11 A + (X + Y) × 2 A + Z × 0.5 A

3.3 V: 9 A + (X + Y) × 3 A + Z × 2 A

5 V: 9 A + (Y + Z) × 2 A

-12 V: (Y + Z) × 0.25 A

5 VAUX: 1.5 A if (X + Y) > 0; else 1 A

For an 8-slot Chassis with one PXI Express System Timing Slot, two Hybrid Slots, and four PXI-1 Slots, the
minimum current for each voltage rail for the entire Chassis would be as follows:

+12 V: 11 A + (1 + 2) × 2 A + 4 × 0.5 A = 11 A + 6 A + 2 A = 19 A

3.3 V: 9 A + (1 + 2) × 3 A + 4 × 2 A = 9 A + 9 A + 8 A = 26 A

5 V: 9 A + (2 + 4) × 2 A = 9 A + 12 A = 21 A

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 4. Electrical Requirements

-12 V: (2 + 4) × 0.25 A = 1.5 A

5 VAUX: 1.5 A

For a 14-slot Chassis with one PXI Express System Timing Slot, two PXI Express Peripheral Slots, six Hybrid
Slots, and four PXI-1 Slots, the minimum current for each voltage rail for the entire Chassis would be as
follows:

+12 V: 11 A + (3 + 6) × 2 A + 4 × 0.5 A = 11 A + 18 A + 2 A = 31 A

3.3 V: 9 A + (3 + 6) × 3 A + 4 × 2 A = 9 A + 27 A + 8 A = 44 A

5 V: 9 A + (6 + 4) × 2 A = 9 A + 20 A = 29 A

-12 V: (6 + 4) × 0.25 A = 2.5 A

5 VAUX: 1.5 A

OBSERVATION: The minimum power provided by a power supply in a PXI Express Chassis with X PXI
Express Peripheral Slots, Y Hybrid Slots, and Z PXI-1 Slots can be determined by the following formula:

140 W + (X + Y) × 30 W + Z × 25.6 W

PERMISSION: PXI Express Chassis MAY provide additional current beyond what is required in Table 4-15.

OBSERVATION: Each generation of processors requires more power than the previous generation.
Providing copious amounts of power and cooling to the System Slot of a Chassis can extend the product
applicability in the future.

RULE: A PXI Express Chassis SHALL have its DC current output capability for each rail documented and
available to the end users.

RULE: A PXI Express Chassis backplane and connectors SHALL be capable of transferring the amount of
current specified in Table 4-16 to each slot simultaneously on all rails.

RULE: The backplane and connectors SHALL be capable of receiving as much return current as they are
capable of delivering.

Table 4-16. PXI Express Backplane Continuous Current Capability

5V V(I/O) 3.3 V +12 V -12 V 5 VAUX Notes

PXI Express System 15 A 0A 15 A 30 A 0A 1A 1
Controller Slot
3U PXI Express 0A 0A 9A 6A 0A 1A 2
Peripheral Slot
6U PXI Express 0A 0A 18 A 6A 0A 2A 2
Peripheral Slot
3U Hybrid Slot 6A 5A 9A 6A 1A 1A 2
6U Hybrid Slot 6A 5A 18 A 6A 1A 2A 2
PXI-1 Peripheral Slot 6A 11 A 6A 1A 1A 0A 2

Notes:

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4. Electrical Requirements

1. Maximum combined current from 12 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V on the PXI Express System Controller Slot
is 45 A.
2. The continuous current capability for Peripheral and Hybrid Slots exceeds what was allowed in the
CompactPCI Express specification. This was the result of extensive research proving it is very feasible
to sustain 3 A/pin on the 3.3 V and 12 V rails of the eHM connector in a PXI Express Chassis. Module
and chassis suppliers still should take care to ensure this current can be sustained while having significant
margin around the 125 °C contact temperature limit of the connector. This includes keeping heat sources
away from the eHM connectors and temperature testing of the contacts.

4.11.2.2 Low-Power Chassis Power Supply Specifications

A Chassis designed for portable application or one with a DC power input may be constrained by the battery
and operating hours. This may make meeting the minimum power requirements listed in Table 4-15
impractical, but minimum power requirements for this class of Chassis are still important for interoperability
with Modules. The minimum power requirements for low-power Chassis are set to allow at least one PXI
Express System Module that requires no expansion slots and two PXI Express Peripheral Modules to work
in the Chassis, regardless or 3U/6U or the number of slots available.

PERMISSION: A low-power PXI Express Chassis MAY provide less power than is required in Table 4-15.

RULE: A low-power PXI Express Chassis with less power than is required in Table 4-15 SHALL provide at
least the minimum output current necessary for a PXI Express System Module that requires no expansion
slots and any two Peripheral Slots (PXI Express, Hybrid or PXI-1) that are in the Chassis.

RULE: PXI Express Chassis having less power than is required in Table 4-15 and meeting the power
requirement for a low-power PXI Express Chassis SHALL have the text LOW POWER clearly visible with
a character height of at least 4 mm on the front of the Chassis, as shown in Figure 4-12. Logo artwork can be
obtained from the PXI Systems Alliance.

Figure 4-12. Text Required for Low-Power Chassis

4.11.3 Module Requirements

The purpose of this section is to provide rules and recommendations for interoperability between the PXI
Express System Controller and Peripheral Modules.

4.11.3.1 Module Maximum Continuous Current Draw

PERMISSION: A PXI Express System Controller or Peripheral Module MAY draw more continuous current
than the Chassis is required to provide in Table 4-15.

RULE: A PXI Express System Controller or Peripheral SHALL NOT draw more continuous current from
the voltage rails of a slot than the maximum continuous current capabilities specified in Table 4-16.

RULE: A PXI Express System Controller or Peripheral Module SHALL publish its maximum continuous
current requirements to the end user.

4.12 Chassis Grounding

Reference the PXI Hardware Specification for Chassis grounding requirements.

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5. Regulatory Requirements
The following standards assure uniform performance and international portability of PXI systems and
Modules. All regulatory compliance information must be clearly documented for the user. Subsequently
issued standards or amendments to these standards SHALL apply.

5.1 Requirements for EMC

RULE: Testing SHALL be performed for all PXI Express Modules and Chassis, either by the manufacturer
or a competent laboratory, marked accordingly, and documented showing compliance to the following
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standard(s). The latest released or accepted standard should be used. A
competent laboratory should be qualified by a recognized accreditation body for EMC.

IEC 61326-1, Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use—EMC
Requirements—Part I, General Requirements:
• Localized EMC standards may be substituted if sale and use are restricted accordingly.
• Use current edition of EN 55011, Group 1, Class A or Class B Limits, at 10 m for radiated emissions
testing.

5.2 Requirements for Electrical Safety

RULE: Safety testing SHALL be performed for all PXI Express Modules and Chassis, either by an accredited
safety organization1 and marked accordingly (preferred), or tested by a qualified manufacturer, and
documented showing compliance to the following electrical safety standard(s). Strictly safety extra
low-voltage (SELV) devices do not need formal agency testing, though the basic requirements still apply, such
as material flammability, DC power outputs fused or limited, and so on.

IEC 61010-1, Second Edition (2001), Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement,
Control, and Laboratory use—Part 1, General Requirements:
• IEC 60950 and amendments are acceptable for applications restricted to the office use only.
• Localized safety standards may be substituted if sale and use are restricted accordingly, and laws allow. 2
• All relevant safety laws and standards must be met for country(s) of use.

5.3 Additional Requirements for Chassis

RULE: A PXI Express Chassis SHALL be qualified for electrical safety as listed previously. Manufacturer
claims of safety compliance are not sufficient without independent certification and regular inspection by a
competent safety organization.

RULE: PXI Express Chassis manufacturers, or a designated party, SHALL demonstrate EMC compliance
with a commonly available Controller. A reasonably common processor speed is sufficient for this test. The
complete Controller system, including hard drive, floppy drive, serial, parallel, keyboard, mouse, and video
ports (as offered with the Controller) will be exercised with typical Peripherals. Filling remaining slots, if any,
is not required.

1 Examples of accredited safety organizations are NRTLs in the U.S. and Notified Bodies in Europe.
2 The use of localized EMC or safety standards must be clearly documented for the benefit of the user. The standards used may include standards
in force during legally allowed transitional periods of new standards or amendments. Currently, manufacturer declarations must list all standards
used for declaring compliance and conveniently meet this requirement when the declarations are included with the user documentation.

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6. PXI Express Software Specification
Compliance
RULE: PXI Express Modules, Chassis, and systems SHALL comply with the rules defined in the
PXI-6: PXI Express Software Specification maintained by the PXI Systems Alliance.

© PXI Systems Alliance 91 PXI Express Hardware Specification Rev. 1.1 5/31/2018