FAQ - PCI Analysis Probes

How to choose the correct PCI Analysis Probe for your needs

The PCI Bus is an international standard in the personal computer, workstation and embedded computer worlds. The software that is used in these different environments is almost identical, but the physical connection to the computer varies widely. Also, the measurement needs of the user vary considerably.

FuturePlus Systems has introduced many products for the PCI designer. Our goal is to cover as many of the different physical types as possible, while also meeting the measurement needs of the designer. This flow chart is designed to quickly lead you to the data sheet of the recommended solution. We do recommend careful study of the individual product data sheet to make sure it is the correction solution for you.

Question Number	Question	Answer
0	Are you using a PCI-X Bus?	Yes - go to PCI-X flow chart
1	Are you using a PCI Local Bus (used in personal computers and workstations)?	Yes - go to question 8 No - go to question 2
2	Are you using a PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) Bus (used in VME cardcages)?	Yes - see the FS3011 No - go to question 3
3	Are you using a CompactPCI Bus (used in CompactPCI cardcages)?	Yes - see the FS3020 No - go to question 4
4	Are you using a PCI CardBus (used in laptop computers)?	Yes - see the FS2004 No - go to question 5
5	Are you using a PCI EIO Bus (used in HP LaserJet printers)?	Yes - see the FS3030 No - go to question 6
6	Are you using a Mini PCI bus?	Yes - see application note No - go to question 7
7	Are you using a non-standard connection on a PCI bus?	Yes - see custom analysis probes No - special connectors
8	Which type of computer design are you involved in?	Motherboards - see the FS2001 Add-in cards - - see the FS2005 (3.3v) or FS2006 (5v)
9	Are you still having trouble reaching a decision?	Email one of our engineers, or call (719) 278-3540 and ask to speak to one of our engineers.

Custom Analysis Probes

If you are using a non-standard connection on a PCI bus (see question 7 above), we recommend a custom analysis probe. This probe would be designed to work with FuturePlus software and could be designed by either the customer or FuturePlus. The details of this connection can be found in Designing Your Own Physical Connection To A 32/64-bit Embedded PCI Bus For Use With FuturePlus PCI Analysis Tools.

Mictor or Samtec Connectors

If you are not using a standard connection and trying to decide how to probe a PCI bus, we recommend you incorporate either the Mictor or the Samtec connector into your design. These connectors are laid out in your design to work with FuturePlus PCI software and our Termination Adapters. The details of this connection can be found in Designing Your Own Physical Connection To A 32/64-bit Embedded PCI Bus For Use With FuturePlus PCI Analysis Tools.

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