SEBP15-6S-3/6

SIX-SEGMENT PCI EXPRESS™ BACKPLANE
The six system host board (SHB) segments on the Core SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane are flexible enough to be ordered in either a graphics-class or server-class configuration. Each segment supports either a graphics-class or server-class SHB and one or two PCI Express™ option card slots. Backplane versions are available that enable the SHB segments to operate independently or as part of the backplane’s Ethernet fabric network. Additional backplane ordering options are available that allow the segments to have power applied using either standard ATX/EPS power connectors or terminal blocks

SHB SLOTS
Each segment is supported by a single SHB Express™ (PICMG® 1.3) compliant graphics-class or server-class processor board. The density of the backplane card slots demands the use of system host boards featuring low power CPUs with low-profile cooling solutions. The Core CECD board is an example of a graphics-class SHB that satisfies this requirement. Backplanes with graphics-class configurations support SHB edge connectors A, B, C and D. Core’s CEDCX and CESDCX boards are examples of server-class SHBs than can be used effectively in server-class configurations of the SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane. Backplanes with server-class configurations support SHB edge connectors A, B and C.

PCI EXPRESS OPTION CARD SLOTS
GRAPHICS-CLASS CONFIGURATION
In a graphics-class configuration of the SEBP15-6S-3/6, the
SHB slot in each backplane segment supports a graphics-class PICMG 1.3 system host board such as Core’s CECD.  Each graphics-class SHB segment supports the segment’s x16 PCI Express (PCIe) mechanical slot with a x16 PCIe electrical link from the SHB. There is one x16 PCIe mechanical slot for each SHB segment: PCIe1-2, PCIe2-2, PCIe3-2, PCIe4-1, PCIe5-1 and PCIe6-1.

SERVER-CLASS CONFIGURATION
In a server-class configuration of the SEBP15-6S-3/6, the SHB slot in each backplane segment supports server-class PICMG 1.3 system host boards such as the Core CEDCX or CESDCX. Each server-class SHB segment supports the x16 PCI Express (PCIe) mechanical slot with a x8 PCIe electrical link from the SHB.

SHB segments A1, A2 and A3 also feature a x8 PCIe mechanical slot. These slots are labeled PCIe1-1, PCIe2-1 and PCIe3-1 and are driven by an SHB’s x4 PCI Express link in both graphics-class and server-class configurations of the backplane.

OPTIONAL ETHERNET FABRIC NETWORK
Core's SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane is available with an optional Ethernet fabric to enable the SHBs in each segment to share data and communicate information to and from the system host via the backplane's Ethernet hub port. The backplane's optional Ethernet hub switch makes this functionality possible. The Ethernet hub switch controls the SHB-to-SHB communication and the SHB's communication to the host system via the 10/100Base-T Ethernet port interface. This optional backplane capability requires that the SHB support the optional Ethernet interface routing to SHB edge connector C as defined in the PICMG 1.3 or SHB Express™ specification. The Ethernet fabric on the SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane enables many system advantages in applications that require cluster computing.

PRINTED CIRCUIT LAYERS
The backplane is a six-layer, .0 80” thick board with three separate signal, power (+5V/+12V, +3.3V ) and ground layers. Multi-layer backplane construction provides excellent noise immunity.

POWER INDICATORS
Surface-mount LEDs provide a convenient visual check for +5V, +5V AUX,+12V, -12V and +3.3V power connection and status. CAUTION: Never install or remove an SHB or any option card from any segment when any LED is illuminated.

POWER CONNECTION OPTIONS
Each backplane segment provides soft control power circuitry to control the power-up and power-down sequences of each SHB segment. Connecting an independent power source to each segment maximizes the power control aspect of each backplane segment. The SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane allows segments to be powered individually or grouped together for the purpose of being powered by a single power source. Care must be used when grouping segments together to ensure that adequate power is provided and the desired power sequences are controlled. See the section entitled USING SOFT-POWER CONTROL SIGNALS for more information. The SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane supports two backplane connector option types: ATX/EPS and terminal blocks.

STANDARD ATX/EPS SEGMENT POWER CONNECTORS
In this configuration, each SHB segment is usually powered by a separate ATX or EPS power supply.  A 24-pin vertical power connector in each SHB segment provides the interface to the segment’s power supply.  Each segment also includes a +12V auxiliary power connector for routing the auxiliary power directly to the SHB’s edge connectors.  This new capability of PICMG 1.3 compliant SHBs and backplanes eliminates the need for auxiliary power connections on the system host board. The SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane power connectors used in the standalone configuration are suitable for use with either an ATX or EPS power supply.

TERMINAL BLOCK SEGMENT POWER CONNECTORS
The terminal block connectors enable each SHB segment or multiple segments to be powered by a +12V power source. The voltage regulator circuits in each SHB segment provide all of the required voltage levels for the SHB and option card slots. Using the terminal blocks is the recommended method for grouping together segments in order to drive multiple segments with a common power supply.  (Note: grouping segments with the standard ATX/EPS power connectors is also allowed, but Core recommends using the terminal blocks for this type of multiple SHB segment power connection.) Each segment’s four-position terminal block provides additional power capacity and up to 80 Amps of +12V.

USING SOFT-POWER CONTROL SIGNALS
A different approach to connecting system power is required for the combination of new power supply technologies, soft-power control signals available via the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) supported by PICMG 1.3 SHBs, and auxiliary power connectors on PICMG 1.3 backplanes that deliver all of the SHBs power to the edge connectors.

Core’s PICMG 1.3 SHBs and backplane SHB edge connector slots have ample power pins available to meet the power demands of SHBs like the Core CEDCX, CESDCX or CECD.  The ATX/EPS and +12V power connectors on the SEBP15-6S-3/6 backplane also have a sufficient number of power pins available to meet these demands. The system designer needs to be aware of the potential power demands of the entire system, including the number of SHB segments connected to the power supply, and ensure that the power connectors in the cable harness can safely deliver the necessary power to drive the entire system.

Specific implementations of ACPI signals, power supply type and operating system software will determine the specific connection method for the power supply or power supplies. ACPI signal usage is optional and may be turned off using the SHBs BIOS and/or signal jumpers. Specific power connections and BIOS parameters will differ according to unique system design requirements. For more information refer to the Appendix B (Power Connection) and Advanced Setup BIOS sections of any Core Technical Reference Manual for your specific Core system host board for more information.