HP ProLiant DL985 Introduction Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. HP Manuals
  4. Server
  5. ProLiant DL985
  6. Introduction manual
HP ProLiant DL985 Introduction Manual

HP ProLiant DL985 Introduction Manual

Hp local i/o strategy for proliant servers
Hide thumbs Also See for ProLiant DL985:
Table of Contents

Quick Links

See also: Troubleshooting Manual
HP local I/O strategy for ProLiant servers
Technology brief
Abstract.............................................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 2
Today's parallel bus system................................................................................................................... 2
PCI Express technology ........................................................................................................................ 3
Server topology ............................................................................................................................... 4
Dual-simplex lanes ........................................................................................................................... 4
8b/10b encoding............................................................................................................................ 5
Performance .................................................................................................................................... 5
Backward compatibility .................................................................................................................... 6
Form factors .................................................................................................................................... 6
Card interoperability ........................................................................................................................ 9
ProLiant server transition strategy ........................................................................................................... 9
Conclusion........................................................................................................................................ 10
For more information.......................................................................................................................... 11
Call to action .................................................................................................................................... 11
Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for HP ProLiant DL985

Summary of Contents for HP ProLiant DL985

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    HP local I/O strategy for ProLiant servers Technology brief Abstract.............................. 2 Introduction............................2 Today’s parallel bus system........................2 PCI Express technology ........................3 Server topology ..........................4 Dual-simplex lanes ........................... 4 8b/10b encoding..........................5 Performance ............................ 5 Backward compatibility ........................6 Form factors ............................

  • Page 2: Abstract

    Abstract This paper is intended to clarify HP local I/O strategy for ProLiant servers. HP server I/O priorities reflect the demands of IT managers. HP supports I/O technologies that protect customer investments and extend I/O performance, flexibility, and reliability. This paper describes today’s parallel bus architecture and explains why the industry is beginning a transition to PCI Express.

  • Page 3: Pci Express Technology

    Figure 1. Typical parallel bus architecture DRAM Standard Peripherals Memory (KB, video, Controller mouse, etc.) DRAM Bridge Bridge RAID Controller PCI-X 133 Slots PCI-X 100-MHz Slots The PCI and PCI-X specifications maintain full forward and backward compatibility from conventional 3.3-V, 33-MHz PCI to PCI-X 533. In other words, existing conventional 3.3-V, 33-MHz PCI, conventional 66-MHz PCI, PCI-X 66, PCI-X 133, PCI-X 266, and PCI-X 533 add-in cards will operate in any PCI (3.3 V) or PCI-X system.

  • Page 4: Server Topology

    Server topology The PCI Express architecture (Figure 2) provides point-to-point connections between devices. PCI Express sends the data serially, one bit after the other, over each link rather than sending the data in parallel, one bit beside the other, as in PCI-X. Therefore, PCI Express allows use of fewer pins. Figure 2.

  • Page 5: 8B/10B Encoding

    8b/10b encoding Serial communication requires a device to convert parallel data into a serial bit stream and vice versa. This device, called a serializer/deserializer (SerDes), contains a parallel digital interface, First-In-First-Out (FIFO) caches, 8 bit/10 bit (8b/10b) encoder and decoder, a parallel-to-serial converter, and a serial-to-parallel converter (see Figure 4).

  • Page 6: Backward Compatibility

    Figure 5 illustrates the bandwidths of PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express, which will provide sufficient I/O bandwidth migration for server I/O growth requirements. PCI Express bandwidth is shown using the sum of the receive and transmit bandwidths. Figure 5. I/O bandwidth of PCI, PCI-X, and PCI Express 9000 8000 7000...
  • Page 7 The standard card form factor is similar to the PCI card. Figure 6 illustrates the standard card form factor and connector sizes. Figure 6. Standard card form factor and connector sizes Standard card form factor Connector sizes The standard PCI Express card will be the standard height, full length, and same size as today’s PCI cards.
  • Page 8 The PCI Express specification also defines two other PCI-like form factors. A PCI Express Mini Card, similar to the Mini PCI card will include a x1 connector for use in portable products. The ExpressCard is similar to PCMCIA cards and will include a x1 PCI Express connector and a USB 2.0 connector for use in desktop and portable products.

  • Page 9: Card Interoperability

    Card interoperability The PCI Express specification provides interoperability features. For example, up-plugging (plugging “small cards” into “big slots”) is allowed. However, down-plugging (plugging a “big card” into a “small slot”) is physically prevented. Down-shifting is allowed in one case so that a x8 connector can be electrically wired (or “plumbed”) with a x4 link.

  • Page 10: Conclusion

    Conclusion As the customer requirements for higher bandwidth in the I/O subsystem continue to increase, the industry is beginning a transition to PCI Express technology to provide that bandwidth. HP will implement PCI Express in ProLiant servers while maintaining a commitment to PCI-X technology. PCI Express and PCI-X technology will coexist in ProLiant servers, giving customers flexibility in their choice of technology and providing a path for transition to higher bandwidth peripherals.

  • Page 11: For More Information

    Call to action Please send questions and comments about this paper to: [email protected]. © 2004 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services.

Table of Contents