ADLINK Technology Inc. introduced the new ECS-8582-4S multi-slot ExpressCard®-to-PCI extension systems, offering expandability to four PCI slots. The ECS-8582-4S extension system enables a laptop computer with an ExpressCard slot to remotely manage and control PCI devices installed in an extension chassis. ExpressCard technology leverages the features of PCI Express bus but in a small form factor for laptop computer usage. With ECS-8582-4S, laptop users can easily plug an ExpressCard host adapter into the laptop, and then cable it to an extension chassis up to 7 meters away. For laptop computer users, a major limitation is to connect external devices for specific tasks. A laptop computer usually provides only USB and LAN connectivity and has no means of PCI™ connectivity.

With the ECS-8582-4S extension system, however, this limitation is removed. Users can use a laptop computer with an ExpressCard™ slot to manage and control PCI™ cards installed in the extension chassis. The ExpressCard-to-PCI extension system works as a transparent bus bridge and requires no additional software or driver installation, so that users can control PCI™ cards as if they are directly installed in the same computer. Any program written for a desktop or IPC can be executed on a laptop now with the extended PCI™ connectivity with ECS-8582-4S. The ECS-8582-4S extension system consists of an EC-8560 installed in the laptop computer, a RK-8005 extension chassis with pre-installed backplane and PCI-8565 extension card to accommodate PCI™ cards, and a cable to connect them. The EC-8560 is an ExpressCard/34 module that re-drives the PCI Express® signal and transmits it through the cable. The ExpressCard-to-PCI extension system implements PCI Express®-based control of PCI modules and consists of an EC-8560 ExpressCard® extension card, a shielded cable, and the extension system. The EC-8560 is in the ExpressCard/34 form factor, uses one x1 lane, and communicates with the extension PXI chassis via the shielded twisted copper cable. The extension system (with a PCI extension card) then converts the PCI Express® signal into a 32-bit/33 MHz PCI interface for additional PCI slots.

The ECS-8582 series extends 5 V and 3.3 V PCI slots from an ExpressCard®-based laptop computer via a shielded cable connection up to seven meters (23 feet) in length. PCI devices installed in the extension system behave and work as if they are directly installed in the host system and do not require any additional driver or software installation. The extension chassis is capable of accommodating four half-size PCI cards with built-in power supply. The ECS-8582-4S extension system operates in 32-bit/33 MHz configuration with 132 MB/s full PCI™ bandwidth and comes with comprehensive hardware and software transparency. PCI cards installed in the extension system behave and work as if these are directly installed into the host system, requiring no additional drivers or software installation.

Features of the ExpressCard-to-PCI extension system include:

• Providing a ruggedized extension system that can withstand high temperatures and harsh vibrations so that host systems with a ExpressCard® interface can both be located at a safe distance from such environment and directly control remote PCI devices
• Expanding the I/O capability of measurement and automation systems beyond the limited number of onboard PCI slots common in host systems
• Offering excellent isolation to minimize the affect of high frequency interference from the CPU, memory, or chipset of the host system on PCI devices
• Supporting the ExpressCard form factor so the ECS-8582-4S extension system can be installed in a laptop computer with high mobility.

Related products

• Not found at this time