MCX-Series PICMG 1.3 PCI Express System Host Boards featuring Multi-Core Intel Xeon Processors

Trenton Technology's MCX series of PICMG® 1.3 PCI Express System Host Boards offers a wide variety of board configurations designed to excel in the most demanding server-class computing applications.

Dual-Core processor options provide two and Quad-Core processors provide four execution cores per processor. For dual-processor board configurations, each processor has its own independent system bus to reduce data bottlenecks while maximizing processing throughput. The four-channel memory interface features DDR2-667 FB-DIMMS with a maximum of 16GB. An extended-memory SHB configuration is available that supports up to 32GB of system memory. The processing power and configuration flexibility built into the MCX-series give system designers and their customers the best technology fit for their server-class PICMG 1.3 computing applications.

Key Features:

• Dual- or Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® Processors and the Intel® 5000P chipset
• A single-board design with two processors that provide up to eight processor execution cores per board (1 + 2 = 8)
• An independent 1066/1333MHz system bus for each processor
• Support for 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems
• A four-channel system memory interface with standard memory (16GB) and extended memory (32GB) support
• Six SATA/300 ports that support RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 drive arrays
• Three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces and seven USB 2.0 ports
• Supports PCI Express™, PCI-X and PCI option cards
• Compatible with the SHB Express™ (PICMG® 1.3) specification

Processor

Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® Processors 5100 1.6GHz to 3.0GHz*

Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® Processors 5300 1.66GHz to 2.66GHz*

Processor Package: LGA771 (Socket J)

* Higher Speeds as available

Chipset

The independent system bus feature of the Intel® 5000P chipset allows each processor on an MCXT or MCXT-E to communicate directly to the Memory Controller Hub over a dedicated 1066/1333MHz system bus. The chipset has a four-channel memory interface that supports up to 16GB of system memory on an MCXT or MCXI board and up to 32GB on the MCXT-E and MCXI-E extended-memory SHB versions.

One x4 and two x8 off-board PCI Express™ interfaces are supported by the chipset, and an additional x4 PCIe link is made available to a PICMG® 1.3 backplane via the optional IOB expansion board. The I/O Controller Hub’s LPC bus is routed to the SHB’s controlled impedance connector to provide support for legacy I/O via header connectors on the IOB30 and IOB31.

Intel® 6321 ESB I/O Controller Hub

The Intel® 6321 ESB I/O Controller Hub on the MCX-series supports six Serial ATA/300 ports, seven USB 2.0 interfaces, one Ultra ATA/100 interface, a video controller and one Gigabit Ethernet interface that is routed directly to the SHB’s edge connector C for use on a PICMG 1.3 backplane. The ICH also provides a dual-channel Ethernet PHY to support the dual 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet ports on the SHB’s I/O plate.

High-speed communications between the Intel® 5000P Memory Controller Hub and the I/O Controller Hub occur over the ESI interface and two x4 PCI Express links.

Three 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet Interfaces

The MCX-series of SHBs feature the Intel® 82563EB Dual Port adapter that connects to the I/O Controller Hub and supports two high-speed 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet interfaces on LAN ports 1 and 2 of the SHB’s I/O bracket. RJ-45 connectors, located on the I/O bracket, provide the physical interface to the Ethernet network.

A third 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet interface is supplied to the SHB’s edge connector C for use on a PICMG 1.3 backplane. The third Ethernet interface is provided by an Intel® 82573E Ethernet controller, which is driven by a x1 PCI Express link from the board’s I/O Controller Hub.

Six Serial ATA/300 Ports

The integrated Serial ATA (SATA) controller on the Trenton Technology MCX-series SHBs supports six independent SATA storage devices such as hard disks and CD-RW devices. The SATA/300 ports also enable software-driven RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 drive array configurations for demanding drive storage and security applications.

SATA technology provides lower pin counts, reduced signaling voltages, simplified cabling, CRC error detection and hot-plug support. SATA produces higher performance interfacing by providing data transfer rates up to 300MB per second on each port.

Cache Memory (L2 and L1)

The ECC level two (L2) cache memory is a 4MB L2 cache shared by the two processor cores on the Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® 5100 series processors.

Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® 5300 series processors are constructed with two die, each of which contains two processor cores. Each die contains a 4MB L2 cache memory shared between the two processor cores. This results in a total of 8MB of L2 ECC cache memory per quad-core processor. Each processor core on the dual- and quad-core processors features a 32KB level one (L1) instruction and 32KB L1 data cache.

DDR2-667/533 FB-DIMM Memory

The DDR2-667/533 Fully-Buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) interface is a four-channel interface originating at the Memory Controller Hub with each channel terminating at an FB-DIMM socket on the MCXT and MCXI SHBs.

On the MCXT-E and MCXI-E SHBs, the four channels each terminate in two FB-DIMM sockets, for a total of eight FB-DIMMs. The SHBs use ECC registered PC2-5300 or PC2-4200 FB-DIMMs. The peak memory interface bandwidth per channel is 8.0GB/s when using PC2-5300 FB-DIMMs.

The MCXT/MCXI SHBs support a maximum memory capacity of 16GB, while the MCXT-E/MCXI-E boards feature an extended memory capacity of 32GB. The extended-memory board versions require four additional FB-DIMM sockets that extend the height of the MCXT-E/MCXI-E SHBs by 0.75” (1.90cm).

DDR2-667/533 FB-DIMM Memory Slot Population

An MCX-series SHB uses industry standard 72-bit wide ECC gold finger FB-DIMM memory modules in four (MCXT/MCXI) or eight (MCXT-E/MCXI-E) 240-pin sockets. The FB-DIMMs must be PC2-4200 or PC2-5300 (DDR2-533 or DDR2-667) and comply with the JEDEC Rev 2.0 specifications.

With the bracket end of the board to the right, the four FB-DIMM sockets available on the MCXT and MCXI SHBs are numbered BK0A, BK1A, BK0B and BK1B, from top to bottom. On the extended-memory MCXT-E and MCXI-E SHBs, there are an additional four FB-DIMM sockets. The upper sockets are BK2A and BK2B, from left to right, and the lower sockets are BK3A and BK3B.

To maximize memory interface speed and bandwidth, and to take full advantage of the four channel memory interface of the SHB’s memory controller hub, the FB-DIMMs in socket banks 0A and 1A must be identical with respect to manufacturing, speed, timing, and organization. Likewise, FB-DIMMs used in sockets 0B and 1B must be identical. FB-DIMMs in socket banks contained within the same memory channel i.e., 0A and 2A do not need to be identical.

A minimum of one 512MB FB-DIMM is required in DIMM socket BK0A. When using more that one FB-DIMM, you must populate the memory sockets in multiples of two in order to maximize the speed and performance of the memory interface. Please refer to the memory population chart on the MCX-series Technical Detail web page.

Seven USB Interfaces

The MCX series of SHBs supports seven high-speed USB 2.0 ports for data transfers up to 480Mbit/sec. The SHBs also support USB 1.1 devices for data transfers at 1.2 or 1.5Mbit/sec. Two USB 2.0 interface ports are located on the SHB’s I/O bracket. An on-board header supports two USB 2.0 interfaces, and three additional USB 2.0 interfaces are routed to edge connector C for use on a PICMG 1.3 backplane.

Watchdog Timer

The U14 integrated circuit on the MCX series of SHBs supplies the watchdog timer functionality. U14 is a MAX6369 from Maxim, and the IC supports a watchdog timer disable setting plus four watchdog timer reset ranges: 100-300 milli-seconds, 1-2 seconds, 10-30 seconds and 1-3 minutes. DISABLE is the default watchdog timer setting on the SHB.

Power Requirements

Typical values - 100% stressed with 4GB system memory

Typical Values - System Idling with 4GB system memory

Tolerance for all voltages is +/- 5% and must be applied by the PICMG 1.3 backplane to edge connector C. Each 1GB of additional FB-DIMM system memory typically draws an additional 0.5A of +12V power.

PCI Express Interfaces

Trenton Technology's MCX-series System Host Boards provides two x8 and one x4 PCI Express links on a PICMG 1.3 server-class backplane. Each of the x8 links can be bifurcated into two x4 PCIe links, and the single x4 PCI Express link can be divided into four x1 PCIe links.

These links, along with eight PCI Express reference clocks, are routed to SHB edge connectors A and B. Trenton’s optional IOB31 module, part number 6474-000, may be used to provide an additional x4 PCIe link to the backplane. The PCI Express links support PCI Express option cards and bridge chips that provide PCI/PCI-X option card functionality.

PCI Express auto-negotiation capability is supported on the MCX series of SHBs and enables communications to x1, x4, x8 and x16 PCI Express cards as well as PCI/PCI-X cards via PCI Express-to-PCI/PCI-X bridge technology on a PICMG 1.3 backplane.

PCI Express Configuration and Bus Speed

Notes:
1. Each x8 PCIe link on SHB edge connectors A & B may be bifurcated into two x4 PCIe links on a PICMG 1.3 backplane
2. The x4 PCIe link on SHB edge connectors A & B may be divided into four x1 PCIe links on a PICMG 1.3 backplane

Super XGA Video Interface

Trenton Technology's MCX-series SHBs are equipped with the ATI® ES1000 video controller. The external memory chip used with the ES1000 provides 16MB of on-board video memory. The video controller supports pixel resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 (SXGA). Software drivers are available for popular operating systems.

BIOS (FLASH)

The MCX-series boards use AMIBIOS8®; the flash BIOS resides in the SHB’s Firmware Hub ( FWH). AMIBIOS8 contains features such as:

• Support for flash devices for BIOS upgrading
• Integrated support for USB mass storage devices such as USB CD-ROM, CD-RW, etc.
• Boot from network, USB mass storage devices, IDE or ATAPI
• Serial port console redirection to support headless operation (requires optional IOB30/IOB31, part nos. 6391-000/6474-000)
• SATA/ATA/ATAPI support includes 48-bit LBA addressing to support SATA/ATA/IDE hard drive capacities over 137GB

IOB30/IOB31 Expansion Boards (Optional)

These optional boards provide legacy I/O connections via the Super I/O controller (LPC47B272). The I/O controller on an IOB30/31 connects to the SHB’s LPC Bus via the board’s controlled impedance connector. The following I/O interfaces are supported by the MCX-series boards via either the IOB30 or IOB31:

• Serial Interface - The Super I/O controller supports two full-function serial ports with independently programmable baud rates. The controller has two high-speed, NS16C550 compatible UARTs with Send/Receive 16-byte FIFOs. The IRQ for each serial port has BIOS selectable addressing.
• Floppy Drive Interface - The IOB30/IOB31 supports up to two floppy disk drives in combinations of 360K to 2.88MB.
• Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Interfaces - The mini DIN connector located on the I/O bracket provides an external interface for a PS/2 mouse and keyboard. A "Y" adapter plugged into the mini DIN connector allows the PS/2 mouse and keyboard to share the same port. Internal PS/2 mouse and keyboard headers are also available. A self-resetting fuse protects the +5V line of the keyboard and the mouse.
• Parallel Interface - The parallel port interface is compatible with IBM PC/XT®, PC/AT®, PS/2™, Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP1.7, EPP1.9) and Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) modes of operation. Both the EPP and ECP modes are IEEE 1284 compliant. The parallel port has BIOS selectable addressing.

The IOB31 supports all of the same I/O functions as the IOB30 using cable header connectors. There is no I/O plate on the IOB31. The IOB31 also provides a x4 PCI Express edge connector designed to fit into a PCI Express expansion slot on a PICMG 1.3 backplane. When used on an MCX-series system host board, the IOB31 provides an extra x4 PCI Express link to the backplane.

Operating systems exhibit certain boot-up behavior with regard to the handling of keyboard controller functions that may necessitate the addition of the IOB30 or IOB31 to an MCX-series System Host Board.

The operating systems that Trenton Technology has tested that do not require the IOB30 or IOB31 are:

• Microsoft® Windows® 2000
• Microsoft® Windows® Vista 64-bit & 32-bit
• Microsoft® Windows® XP 64-bit & 32-bit
• Microsoft® Windows® 2003 Server 64-bit & 32-bit

The operating systems that Trenton Technology has tested that require the IOB30 or IOB31 in order to provide required PS/2 keyboard functions are:

• RedHat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) V4.0 ES 64-bit & 32-bit
• RedHat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) V4.0 AS 64-bit & 32-bit
• Fedora Core 6.0 64-bit & 32-bit
• SUSE Linux 9.0 Linux Enterprise Server 64-bit & 32-bit
• Sun Solaris 10

Mechanical

The cooling solution used on the MCX-series SHBs enables placement of option cards approximately 2.77” (70.36mm) away from the top component side of the SHB. The standard-memory versions of the SHBs (MCXT and MCXI) have overall dimensions of 13.330” (33.858cm) L x 4.976” (12.639cm) H. The relative PICMG 1.3 SHB height off the backplane is the same as a PICMG 1.0 SBC due to the shorter PCI Express backplane connectors. The extended-memory versions, models MCXT-E and MCXI-E, have overall dimensions of 13.330” ( 33.858cm) L x 5.726” (14.544cm) H.

Battery

Built-in lithium battery for data retention of CMOS memory.

Temperature / Environment

Operating temperature: 0° to 55° C. (2.33GHz LV CPUs)

Operating Temperature: 0° to 45° C. (All other processors)

Airflow requirement: 300LFM continuous airflow

Storage temperature: -40° to 70° C.

Humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing.

Agency Approvals

Designed for UL60950, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-00, EN55022:1998 Class B, EN61000-4-2:1995, EN61000-4-3:1997, EN61000-4-4:1995, EN61000-4-5:1995, EN61000-4-6:1996, EN61000-4-11:1994

Standards

- PCI Express™ Base Specification 1.0a - SHB Express™ System Host Board PCI Express specification - PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG®) 1.3

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

TBD POH (Power-On Hours) at 40°C., per Bellcore

Ordering Information

Model Names: MCXT, MCXI, MCXT-E, MCXI-E

MCXT = two processors, standard-memory configuration

MCXI = one processor, standard-memory configuration

MCXT-E = two processors, extended-memory configuration

MCXI-E = one processor, extended-memory configuration

* Please call Sarsen Technology on +44 1672 511166 for latest processor speed availability information. The stated bus speed, memory and communication interface speeds are component maximums; actual system performance may vary.

For further details of this Intel Dual-Core and Quad-Core PCI Express Single Board Computer and other PICMG 1.3 Trenton Technology products, please see the Trenton Technology web pages on this site or contact us via our Contacts page.