This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

DS80PCI402: PCIe compatibility

Part Number: DS80PCI402

We currently use the DS80PCI402 PCIe Gen 1/2/3 Redriver.
The Redriver is implemented on a PC Add-In Kate to realize the transmission over a 3m copper cable.
The PC card works in some PCs and some do not.
The customer wants to know which requirements apply to a PCIe PC slot for the PC card to work.
Can you tell us something about this?

Furthermore there is a "Rate" select pin. This configures the DS80PCI402 to PCIe Gen 1&2 transmission or(?) PCIe Gen 3 transmission.
Can a card configured to PCIe Gen. 3 work in a Gen 1 or Gen 2 PC slot?
On the other hand, can a card configured to PCIe Gen 2 or Gen 3 work in a Gen 3 PC slot?

  • Greetings,

    DS80PCI402 equalizer compensate for signal loss through the channel. It is possible some transmitter may have a better quality eye opening versus others and this could cause part to work in some application versus others. Also, part equalization setting may need to be set for good signal integrity - since it is not dynamic. Therefore equalization setting may not be optimum for some transmitters. 

    Using rate pin in Gen3 mode - it may work in Gen1 or 2. In Gen3 mode, device operate in linear mode and passes signals intended for training purpose. In this mode, device operates like an analog buffer. PCIe root complex and end point optimize their equalization settings while PCI402 is operating in this linear mode. I say it may since in Gen1 and 2 there is no training sequence therefor equalization settings or eye opening may not be optimum. Also, a card configured as Gen2 or Gen3 may work in Gen3 slot as long as equalization settings are right or good enough to pass error free data.

    Regards,, Nasser