Pcie backplane

Types of PCIE backplanes

A PCIE backplane is a circuit board or chassis that holds connectors for plugging in several printed circuit boards. There are various types of PCIE backplanes, which include;

• Passive backplane: It does not provide any functionality to the cards but only routes signals between them. Cards plugged into a passive backplane must handle all processing tasks independently.
• Active backplane: Unlike a passive backplane, the active one provides services to the plugged cards. It has circuits to process signals going to and coming from the cards. An active backplane multiplexes the signals so that cards can communicate directly, improving data transfer speed.
• Managed backplane: It can control and monitor slot connections, such as determining which cards can communicate. A managed backplane enhances system security and card compatibility.
• Smart backplane: Also known as a hybrid backplane, combines features of passive and active backplanes. It has some intelligence with signal processing but does not provide the full functionality of an active backplane. A hybrid backplane provides some system interfaces and monitoring capabilities while maintaining low costs.

Backplanes are also categorized based on connection type, including;

• Serial backplane: It connects cards using serial cables, which consist of one wire and send data one bit at a time. A serial backplane improves signal integrity and reduces electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for high-speed connections.
• Parallel backplane: It connects cards using parallel cables, which have multiple wires sending data simultaneously. A parallel backplane is simpler and less expensive than a serial one, even though it has limitations like signal degradation and reduced speed.

Functions and Features of PCIe Backplanes

Applications of the PCIe backplane range from telecommunication centers to large-scale server farms. It has several key features, including;

• Hot swapping capability: This refers to the ability to remove or add cards to the backplane without turning off the system. For a successful hotswap, the electronic components need to be disconnected from the card and the backplane. The cards are then inserted into a running system, where the system detects the card without needing the user to perform any manual configuration.
• Cold swap: This is different from hot swap in that it requires the removal of cards from the backplane while the system is powered down. Cold swapping is done if, for example, the cards have a repair or are damaged and need to be replaced. It is mainly done during scheduled downtime. To do this, first power off the system, then remove the card and replace it with a new or repaired one. Power the system back on to finish swapping.
• IPMI interface: Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) allows administrators to manage and monitor systems independently of the operating system. It enables system health monitoring, remote management, and control of the server. The PCIe backplane can have an IPMI interface that includes features like sensor data, remote access, and control and system event log access.
• Mounting options: It has mounting options like rackmount and desktop mount. For rackmount, the PCIe backplane can be mounted into a standard 19–22-inch rack. These racks, which contain several card slots, are ideal for cases where many cards are to be installed. A desktop mount is used when space is constrained. It is compact and suitable for placing on a desktop or in tight spaces.

Scenarios

A PCIe backplane finds applications in industries that require high-speed data transfer and extensive system expansion. The following are some of its usage scenarios;

• Telecommunication: In a telecommunication system, a PCI Express backplane is used to build a server that handles immense data processing tasks like signal processing, data routing, and switching.
• Financial trading: The financial market uses a PCIe backplane system to execute trades at extremely high speeds and process vast amounts of market data and financial analytics.
• Video production and broadcasting: In video production and live broadcasting studios, a PCIe backplane is employed to create a powerful server that handles uncompressed HD/video editing and transcoding tasks.
• Industrial applications: An industrial PCie backplane can be used in industrial environments to build control systems for tasks such as data acquisition, signal processing, and control.
• Defense and aerospace: Applications in this category require a robust system architecture with high throughput and reliability. PCI Express backplanes are used in situations like onboard processing for defense systems, which involve processing tasks like sensor data fusion, target recognition, and situational awareness.
• Medical imaging and diagnostics: A PCIe backplane can be used to construct a diagnostic workstation for a medical imaging application that involves processing large amounts of data from several imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.
• Research and development: In laboratories or R&D centers, the PCIe backplane is useful for building a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster for simultaneous data processing tasks like computational modeling, data mining, and algorithm development.

How to Choose Pcie backplane

The PCIe backplane to choose depends on factors such as density requirements, physical size, expansion slots, and network applications.

• Know the slot density requirements

  The number of PCIe expansion slots required to meet specific needs must be figured out. Choose a high-density backplane if the application requires many expansion slots in a single chassis. It will have a high number of slots packed into a single chassis.

• Form Factor

  The PCIe backplane's physical size must be compatible with the server chassis. This is because, for proper installation, it must match the form factors of the server. Whether it is an ATX, micro ATX, or custom form factor, another thing to consider is whether it is compatible with the PCIe card's form factor. Common form factors include full-height/full-length, low-profile/short cards, and custom sizes.

• Expansion Slots

  Ensure the backplane has enough expansion slots to accommodate the number of PCIe devices needed. Expansion slots vary in type and number. Some devices require using every expansion slot. Others may only need a few, depending on features and connectivity requirements.

• Connectivity

  Verify that the backplane provides the necessary PCIe slot configuration and connects to the servers' peripherals and devices. This includes the types of PCIe connectors and their arrangement on the board.

• Version and Bandwidth

  Every version of PCIe offers a different bandwidth per slot. For applications needing high data transfer rates, consider the bandwidth.

• Power Management

  The ability to provide and control power to connected devices is another crucial factor to consider. Ensure it offers reliable power to all PCIe devices. Options with power management enabling monitoring and controlling power utilization are better. Selecting a backplane with good power management helps enhance its performance and uptime.

• Redundancy and Reliability

  For applications that need high availability, redundant backplanes with dual power supplies and cooling fans are suitable. These types can support systems that cannot afford downtime.

• Applications

  A wide spectrum of applications, such as servers, workstations, data acquisition systems, and embedded designs, use PCIe backplanes. Knowing the intended application helps to narrow choices.

Pcie backplane Q & A

Q1: How to choose a pcie backplane?

A1: When considering a backplane for PCIe, there are several key factors that need to be evaluated. The primary consideration is ensuring that the backplane is scalable and adequately meets performance requirements. One must also evaluate whether the backplane features a fault tolerance design.

Q2: What are advantages of backplanes?

A2: Backplanes offer several advantages such as providing a neat and organized way of connecting multiple components, simplifying connectivity between cards and systems, and reducing potential connection issues by integrating all necessary connectors into a single printed circuit board.

Q3: Do PCIe riser cards need backplanes?

A3: No, backplanes are not a requirement for PCIe riser cards. However, certain systems may use backplanes to provide a modular connection platform for PCIe cards.

Q4: Do PCIe backplanes require power?

A4: Yes, PCIe backplanes need to receive power to function, as they facilitate communication between the various PCIe cards and the motherboard. Without power, the data signals cannot be transmitted through the backplane.

Q5: What is a PCIe backplane?

A5: A PCIe backplane, also known as a PCIe backplane motherboard or PCIe backplane chassis is a circuit board that comes with multiple PCI Express slots. It is a physical interface that allows the installation of various add-on cards such as graphics cards, network cards, storage controllers, and many other expansion cards.