SEBP5-4

SERVER-CLASS PCI EXPRESS BACKPLANE
Core's SEBP5-4 is a server-class backplane. A server class backplane enables the maximum number of high-bandwidth; i.e x4 or greater, PCI Express links from the System Host Board to the backplane's PCIE option card slots.

SHB SLOT
Accepts an SHB Express (PICMG® 1.3) compliant processor. Core's current CEDX, CESX and future CEDCX, CESDCX system host boards (SHBs) are examples of compliant PICMG 1.3 processors. Single Board Computer or SBC is another common term used to describe these boards. The SEBP5-4 is optimized to fully utilize all available PCI Express links from server-class SHBs like Core's CEDX, CESX, CEDCX and CESDCX.

PCI EXPRESS SERIAL SLOTS
Two PCI Express slots (slots PCIE1 and PCIE2) on the SEBP5-4 are x8 slots that mechanically support x8, x4 and x1 PCI Express cards. PCI Express option card slot PCIE2 is driven directly by the SHB via a x4 PCI Express link (B0) between the SHB and the PCIE2 backplane slot. In order to use the PCIE1 backplane slot a Core CE-00031 I/O expansion board must be used on the system host board. The CE-00031 provides the x4 PCI Express electrical connection to the PCI Express Expansion slot (PCIES) that enables communication between the SHB/CE-00031 and the PCI Express option card in backplane slot PCIE1.

PCIE3 and PCIE4 are x16 PCI Express mechanical slots that are driven by two x8 PCI Express links (A0 and A2) from the SHB. The slots mechanically support x16, x8, x4 and x1 PCI Express option cards.

The actual speed of a PCI Express connection to an option card slot is determined by the SHB's PCI Express link configuration and the auto-negotiation/link training features of PCI Express.

OPTIONAL USB 2.0 INTERFACES
The SHB Express specification defines optional I/O routings from the SHB to the backplane. Core's SEBP5-4 takes advantage of this new specification feature by providing two USB 2.0 headers capable of providing up to four USB 2.0 backplane ports. The Core CEDX/CESX System Host Board supports two USB ports with a factory installed option. Contact Core if you are interested in this optional CEDX/CESX functionality.

OPTIONAL ETHERNET INTERFACES
Core's SEBP5-4 backplane supports the optional Ethernet routing feature of the SHB Express (PICMG 1.3) specification. Two 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet RJ-45 connectors are available for use on the backplane. Data communication performance of the backplane's Ethernet interfaces depends on the Ethernet controller hardware and configuration on the system host board. Consult your SHB Ethernet interface implementation method for details. The SHB OPTIONAL BACKPLANE I/O SUPPORT TABLE explains the backplane I/O capabilities supported by Core's PICMG 1.3 System Host Boards.

POWER CONNECTORS
The standard SEBP5-4 backplane is available with a low-profile, right angle power connector suitable for use with either an ATX or EPS power supply. An optional SEBP5-4 is available with straight-in or vertical power connectors. Using straight-in power connectors may interfere with a full-length option card placed in the PCIE3 slot.

POWER INDICATORS
Surface-mount LEDs provide a convenient visual check for +5V, -5V, +5V AUX,+12V, -12V and +3.3V power connection and status. CAUTION: Never install or remove the SHB or any option card from the BPX5 backplane if the +5V AUX LED is GREEN. If the system appears to be off and the+5V AUX LED is GREEN then you need to remove or turn-off the incoming power to the system power supply.

AUXILIARY POWER CONNECTOR
The +12V power connector is also a right angle connector on the standard BPX5 and provides for routing auxiliary power 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. Optional straight-in or vertical connectors are available.

PRINTED CIRCUIT LAYERS
The backplane is a six-layer, .062" thick board with three separate signal layers: +5V/+12V, +3.3V and ground. Multi-layer backplane construction provides excellent noise immunity.

CONNECTING POWER
The combination of new power supply technologies, soft-power control signals available via the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) now 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 are requiring a different approach to connecting system power.

Auxiliary power connectors on the backplane are provided to help improve system Mean Time To Repair (MTTR). All power can be delivered to the SHB via the board's 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 high-performance, dual processor SHBs like the Core CEDX. The ATX/EPS and +12V power connectors on the BPX5 backplane also have an ample 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 particular SHB to ensure that both the power supply and the power connectors in the cable harness can safely deliver the necessary power to drive the entire system.

Specific implementations of ACPI signals, ATX/EPS power supply type and the operating system software will determine the specific connection method for the power supply. 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.