Installation guide

G-8 PCI-SB StarFabric PCI Interface Card Installation Guide
Leaf Node
Refers to any edge node that is not configured as a Root bridge in a StarFab-
ric application. Typically, Leaf refers to downstream StarFabric-enabled edge
nodes in a path routing application. the Leaf node requires reset and enumer-
ation from the Root node to join the StarFabric.
Legacy Mode
A function of the PCI-to-StarFabric bridge that supports legacy address-
routed traffic, providing 100% backwards compatibility with existing PCI
hardware, software, drivers, and operating systems.
Legacy PCI
Refers to the existing local peripheral component bus architecture standard
developed by Intel Corporation. PCI is a 32- or 64-bit bus that runs at clock
speeds of 33 or 66 MHz and typically yields a throughput rate of 133 Mbps.
StarFabric technology enables legacy PCI devices to take advantage of next-
generation switch-serial interconnectivity without costly upgrades or soft-
ware development. Although developed by Intel, PCI is not tied to any par-
ticular family of microprocessors.
Link
The physical connection between two nodes that enables the nodes to com-
municate. The link includes the physical hardware that provides the interface
between the nodes and the Low Voltage Digital Signalling that connects
them.
LVDS
Low Voltage Differential Signaling (IEEE 1596.3) is a low noise, low power,
low amplitude method for high-speed (gigabits per second) data transmission
over copper wire. Low voltage means the standard 5 volts used for normal
digital I/O is replaced by either 3.3 volts or 1.5 volts.
With standard I/0 sig-
naling, data storage is contingent upon the actual voltage level and voltage
level can be affected by wire length (longer wires increase resistance, which
lowers voltage). But with LVDS, data storage is distinguished only by posi-
tive and negative voltage values, not the voltage level, so data can travel over
greater lengths of wire while maintaining a clear and consistent data stream.