Trenton Technology BP6FS6605 Six Segment PCI Express Backplane

The six system host board (SHB) segments on the Trenton Technology BP6FS6605 backplane are flexible enough to be ordered in either a graphics-class or server-class configuration. Each segment supports either a graphics-class or server-class SHB and one or two PCI Express™ option card slots. Backplane versions are available that enable the SHB segments to operate independently or as part of the backplane’s Ethernet fabric network. Additional backplane ordering options are available that allow the segments to have power applied using either standard ATX/EPS power connectors or terminal blocks.

Features:

• 20-slot form factor supports six SHBs and PCI-Express option cards
• Six SHB Express (PICMG® 1.3) System Host Board Slots (Server- or Graphics-Class SHBs)
• One x16 PCI Express™ mechanical slot per segment
• Three segments also support an additional x8 PCI Express mechanical slot (x4 electrical link)
• Optimized for use with SHBs having low-profile cooling solutions such as Trenton’s TML, SLT or SLI
• Available in standalone on Ethernet fabric configurations
• Flexible power connection options

System Host Board Slots

Each segment is supported by a single SHB Express™ (PICMG® 1.3) compliant graphics-class or server-class processor board. The density of the backplane card slots demands the use of system host boards featuring low power CPUs with low-profile cooling solutions. The Trenton TML board is an example of a graphics-class SHB that satisfies this requirement. Backplanes with graphics-class configurations support SHB edge connectors A, B, C and D. Trenton’s SLT and SLI boards are examples of server-class SHBs than can be used effectively in server-class configurations of the BP6FS6605 backplane. Backplanes with server-class configurations support SHB edge connectors A, B and C.

PCI Express Option Card Slots - Graphics Class Configuration

In a graphics-class configuration of the BP6FS6605, the SHB slot in each backplane segment supports a graphics-class PICMG 1.3 system host board such as Trenton’s TML. Each graphics-class SHB segment supports the segment’s x16 PCI Express (PCIe) mechanical slot with a x16 PCIe electrical link from the SHB. There is one x16 PCIe mechanical slot for each SHB segment: PCIe1-2, PCIe2-2, PCIe3-2, PCIe4-1, PCIe5-1 and PCIe6-1.

PCI Express Option Card Slots - Server Class Configuration

In a server-class configuration of the BP6FS6605, the SHB slot in each backplane segment supports server-class PICMG 1.3 system host boards such as the Trenton SLT or SLI. Each server-class SHB segment supports the x16 PCI Express (PCIe) mechanical slot with a x8 PCIe electrical link from the SHB. SHB segments A1, A2 and A3 also feature a x8 PCIe mechanical slot. These slots are labeled PCIe1-1, PCIe2-1 and PCIe3-1 and are driven by an SHB’s x4 PCI Express link in both graphics-class and server-class configurations of the backplane.

Optional Ethernet Fabric Network

Trenton's BP6FS6605 backplane is available with an optional Ethernet fabric to enable the SHBs in each segment to share data and communicate information to and from the system host via the backplane's Ethernet hub port. The backplane's optional Ethernet hub switch makes this functionality possible. The Ethernet hub switch controls the SHB-to-SHB communication and the SHB's communication to the host system via the 10/100Base-T Ethernet port interface. This optional backplane capability requires that the SHB support the optional Ethernet interface routing to SHB edge connector C as defined in the PICMG® 1.3 or SHB Express™ specification. The Ethernet fabric on the BP6FS6605 backplane enables many system advantages in applications that require cluster computing.

Printed Circuit Layers

The backplane is a six-layer, .080” thick board with three separate signal, power (+5V/+12V, +3.3V ) and ground layers. Multi-layer backplane construction provides excellent noise immunity.

Power Indicators

Surface-mount LEDs provide a convenient visual check for +5V, +5V AUX,+12V, -12V and +3.3V power connection and status. CAUTION: Never install or remove an SHB or any option card from any segment when any LED is illuminated.

Power Connections Options

Each backplane segment provides soft control power circuitry to control the power-up and power-down sequences of each SHB segment. Connecting an independent power source to each segment maximizes the power control aspect of each backplane segment. The BP6FS6605 backplane allows segments to be powered individually or grouped together for the purpose of being powered by a single power source. Care must be used when grouping segments together to ensure that adequate power is provided and the desired power sequences are controlled. See the section entitled USING SOFT-POWER CONTROL SIGNALS for more information. The BP6FS6605 backplane supports two backplane connector option types: ATX/EPS and terminal blocks.

Standard APX/ETS Segment Power Connectors

In this configuration, each SHB segment is usually powered by a separate ATX or EPS power supply. A 24-pin vertical power connector in each SHB segment provides the interface to the segment’s power supply. Each segment also includes a +12V auxiliary power connector for routing the auxiliary power directly to the SHB’s edge connectors. This new capability of PICMG 1.3 compliant SHBs and backplanes eliminates the need for auxiliary power connections on the system host board. The BP6FS6605 backplane power connectors used in the standalone configuration are suitable for use with either an ATX or EPS power supply.

Soft-Power Control Signals

A different approach to connecting system power is required for the combination of new power supply technologies, soft-power control signals available via the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) supported by PICMG 1.3 SHBs, and auxiliary power connectors on PICMG 1.3 backplanes that deliver all of the SHBs power to the edge connectors.

Trenton’s PICMG 1.3 SHBs and backplane SHB edge connector slots have ample power pins available to meet the power demands of SHBs like the Trenton SLT, SLI or TML. The ATX/EPS and +12V power connectors on the BP6FS6605 backplane also have a sufficient number of power pins available to meet these demands. The system designer needs to be aware of the potential power demands of the entire system, including the number of SHB segments connected to the power supply, and ensure that the power connectors in the cable harness can safely deliver the necessary power to drive the entire system.

Specific implementations of ACPI signals, power supply type and operating system software will determine the specific connection method for the power supply or power supplies. For example, the use of the Power Good (PWRGD), Power Supply On (PSON#), +5V Standby (5VSB) and the Power Button (PWRBT#) ACPI or soft power control signals require the following connection method:

ACPI signal usage is optional and may be turned off using the SHBs BIOS and/or signal jumpers. Specific power connections and BIOS parameters will differ according to unique system design requirements. For more information refer to the Appendix B (Power Connection) and Advanced Setup BIOS sections of any Trenton Technical Reference Manual for your specific Trenton system host board for more information.

Ordering Information

Please contact us on +44 1672 511166 to discuss your single board computer backplane / motherboard application. For further details of these and other Trenton Technology PCI Express PCI-E products, please see the Trenton Technology web pages on this site or contact us via our Contacts page.