The Technobox 5243 PMC-to-PCI Express 1X Adapter bridges legacy Peripheral Module (PMC) cards to modern PCI Express systems. This hardware solution enables integration of existing 32-bit PMC modules into PCIe platforms without replacing functional legacy hardware, supporting system upgrades and expansions while maintaining backward compatibility with PMC software ecosystems.
Technical Specifications
Bridge Architecture
• PLX PEX8111 transparent bridge IC
• PCIe primary side: 2.5 Gbps per lane, single lane operation
• PCI secondary side: 33 or 66 MHz, 32-bit
PCI Express Interface
• Operating speed: 2.5 Gbps per lane in each direction (transmit and receive)
• Slot compatibility: 1X, 4X, 8X, or 16X physical slots; bandwidth limited to 1X when inserted into wider slots
• Lane 0 OK status indicator (LED)
PCI Interface
• Bus speed: 33 MHz or 66 MHz
• Bus width: 32-bit
• Signaling voltage: Configurable to 3.3V or 5V via jumper and voltage peg
Connectors & I/O
• 96-pin DIN connector (A and C rows) interfaces with PMC 64-pin user I/O (J4/P4)
• IEEE 1386 P2 connector compatible for VMEbus rear I/O support
• JTAG signal headers from both PCI and PCIe buses for optional connection
Power Delivery
• +3.3V and +12V supplied by PCIe motherboard
• -12V and +5V generated on-board via high-efficiency DC/DC converters from PCIe +12V bus
Physical Characteristics
• PCB envelope: 4.376 inches × 7.875 inches maximum
• Machined aluminum panel: 2.5 mm thick with 0.5 mm chamfered edge
• Form factor mimics PMC mechanical profile for host compatibility
Environmental & Compliance
• Operating temperature: -40 to +85 °C
• Storage temperature: -40 to +85 °C
• Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing
• RoHS compliant
– Key Features
• Transparent bridge operation—no software driver required; PCI software remains compatible
• Rear I/O support for extended functionality
• Optional fan assembly (P/N 4936) available for high-power PMC module cooling
• Dual voltage signaling support (3.3V and 5V PCI)
– Typical Applications
System modernization projects; PMC-based instrumentation integration into PCIe platforms; test and measurement equipment upgrades; legacy hardware preservation in new host environments.
– Compatibility & Integration
Supports 32-bit PMC modules with 3.3V or 5V PCI signaling. Integrates directly into standard PCIe slots while presenting PMC electrical and mechanical interface to mezzanine cards. Software support derives from PMC module supplier; no host-level drivers required.
