The PEX8112-AA66BI is a PCI Express-to-PCI bridge from Broadcom Limited. It's designed to enable seamless connectivity between PCI Express (PCIe) and legacy PCI interfaces. This bridge allows systems with PCIe slots to interface with older PCI devices, ensuring backward compatibility and extending the life of existing hardware investments.

Applications

• Industrial PCs: Connecting legacy PCI cards to modern PCIe-based industrial computers.
• Data Acquisition Systems: Integrating older PCI-based DAQ cards into newer PCIe-based systems.
• Medical Imaging Equipment: Bridging between PCIe host systems and PCI-based imaging peripherals.
• Test and Measurement Equipment: Supporting legacy PCI instruments within contemporary PCIe test platforms.
• Embedded Systems: Providing a PCI interface in embedded applications based on PCIe architectures.

Features

• PCI Express to PCI Bridge: Converts PCIe signals to PCI and vice versa.
• Supports 32-bit/33MHz PCI: Compatible with standard PCI devices.
• Compliant with PCI Express Base Specification, Revision 1.0a: Adheres to the PCIe standard for interoperability.
• Supports PCI Bus Power Management Interface Specification, Revision 1.1: Enables power management capabilities for the PCI bus.
• Integrated DMA Controller: Facilitates efficient data transfer between PCI and PCIe.

Benefits

• Backward Compatibility: Allows the use of legacy PCI devices in modern PCIe systems.
• Extends Hardware Lifespan: Protects investments in existing PCI hardware by enabling its continued use.
• Reduces System Upgrade Costs: Avoids the need to replace all PCI devices when upgrading to a PCIe-based system.
• Simplified Integration: Provides a straightforward solution for connecting PCI and PCIe devices.
• Improved System Performance: Supports efficient data transfer between PCI and PCIe buses.

Additional Details

The PEX8112-AA66BI typically operates at 3.3V and is available in a BGA (Ball Grid Array) package. It supports both master and target PCI functions. It includes an integrated DMA controller for efficient data transfer and is compliant with PCI Power Management specifications. The operating temperature range is generally from 0°C to 70°C, but this can vary depending on the specific datasheet. It is essential to consult the product datasheet for complete electrical characteristics, timing specifications, and application notes. This bridge chip effectively isolates the PCI bus from the PCIe host, improving overall system stability. The chip supports Type 0 configuration space accesses. The PEX8112 provides a cost-effective method for interfacing between the older PCI standard and the newer, faster PCI Express architecture.