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PI7C9X111 PCI Express to PCI Reversible Bridge FAQ
Revision 0.2
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Page 1 of 8
What are the current datasheet and silicon versions?................................................................................................................ 2
What is a Reversible Bridge?.................................................................................................................................................... 2
What is the bandwidth of PCIe port of PI7C9X111?................................................................................................................ 2
What is the bandwidth of PCI ports of PI7C9X111? ................................................................................................................ 2
Are PCI ports of PI7C9X111 capable of 25MHz and 50MHz?................................................................................................ 2
Does PI7C9X111 require external PCI clock source in Forward mode? .................................................................................. 2
Does PI7C9X111 support 5V PCI devices on the PCI interface?............................................................................................. 2
Does PI7C9X111 support Industrial Temperature range? ........................................................................................................ 2
Does PI7C9X111 support Hot-Plug function?.......................................................................................................................... 2
Does PI7C9X111 support Burst Transmission mode?.............................................................................................................. 3
Does PI7C9X111 support 64-bit address space? ...................................................................................................................... 3
Can I supply 1.0V power to VTT to reduce the types of the supply voltages? ......................................................................... 3
Do I need to connect center pad (pin 129) on the bottom of the IC? ........................................................................................ 3
What is the requirement of power-up sequence for PI7C9X111?............................................................................................. 3
Does PI7C9X111 work without EEPROM? ............................................................................................................................. 3
If EEPROM is not used in the system, how should be done to the SMBCLK/SCL and SMBDATA/SDA pins?.................... 3
Which EEPORM models are compatible with PI7C9X111? .................................................................................................... 3
What is the length of trace that high speed PCIe signals support, and how is the length calculated if backplane is used? ...... 3
Voltage on “MSK_IN” pin must kept stable. How do we achieve this?................................................................................... 4
How should JTAG signals be handled if JTAG is not used? .................................................................................................... 5
Which PCI Bus signals should be pulled up? ........................................................................................................................... 5
Should AD, CBE, and PAR signals on PCI Bus be pulled up too? .......................................................................................... 5
If LOCK_L and PME_L signals are not used, can they be left floating?.................................................................................. 5
If INTA_L, INTB_L, INTC_L, and INTD_L signals are not used, can they be left floating? ................................................. 5
If there are multiple PCI devices connected, how should they be connected to INTA#, INTB#, INTC#, and INTD# signals?
5
What are the differences of INTA_L, INTB_L, INTC_L, and INTD_L in forward mode and reverse mode? ........................ 6
What are the differences of PERST_L and RESET_L in forward mode and reverse mode? ................................................... 6
How should the PCI device’s IDSEL signal be connected? ..................................................................................................... 6
How should the decoupling capacitor be placed in TN/TP pins of PCIe port?......................................................................... 7
How should the REFCLKN/REFCLKP pins of PCIe port of PI7C9X111 be connected?........................................................ 7
Does PI7C9X111’s PCIe port support asynchronous clock source?......................................................................................... 7
Which 100MHz differential clock generators do you recommend?.......................................................................................... 7
What should be done to CLKIN and CLKOUT pins in Reverse Mode? .................................................................................. 7
What should be done to REQ and GNT pins in Reverse Mode? .............................................................................................. 7
What should be done to PME_L pin in Reverse Mode? ........................................................................................................... 8
How should PRSNT1# and PRSNT2# pins in PCI slot be handled? ........................................................................................ 8
When PCI bus is working in 32-bit mode, what should be done to the ACK64# and REQ64# pin on the PCI slot?............... 8
Are there any other documents I can refer to in addition to the datasheet to clarify the questions I have? .............................. 8
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1
What are the current datasheet and silicon versions?
The current revision of the datasheet is rev.1.1
The current revision of the schematic for Forward bridge is “pi7c9x111sl forward V3.0”.
The current revision of the schematic for Reverse bridge is “PI7C9X111SL REVERSE V1.0”.
The current revision of the silicon is: PI7C9X111SLB
2
What is a Reversible Bridge?
PI7C9X111 can be configured via “REVRSB” strap pin to work in Forward or Reverse mode.
In Forward mode, the device is capable of PCIe-to-PCI bridging and fan-out, I.e., CPU ←PCIe→PI7C9X111←PCI→
PCI end devices. The device is connected to CPU via PCIe interface and to up to 4 PCI devices via PCI interface. In
this mode, CPU handles the bridge as a PCIe end point, and for the PCI end devices, the bridge acts as a PCI host.
In Reverse mode, the device is capable of PCI-to-PCIe bridging, I.e., CPU ←PCI→PI7C9X111←PCIe→ PCIe end
device. The bridge in Reverse mode is useful in the application where the CPU has only PCI interface, but needs to
connect to PCIe end device. In this mode, CPU handles the bridge as a PCI device, and for the PCIe end device, the
bridge acts as the root complex.
3
What is the bandwidth of PCIe port of PI7C9X111?
PI7C9X111’s PCIe port is a x1 PCIe interface and capable of 2.5Gb/s clock rate.
4
What is the bandwidth of PCI ports of PI7C9X111?
PI7C9X111’s PCI ports are a 32-bit PCI interface and capable of 66MHz clock rate.
5
Are PCI ports of PI7C9X111 capable of 25MHz and 50MHz?
Yes, 25MHz and 50MHz clock signals have to be supplied to the PCI ports.
6
Does PI7C9X111 require external PCI clock source in Forward mode?
PI7C9X111 has internal clock source available for use shown in the table below. External clock source is not needed.
If the system needs to use external clock source, please refer the Clock Scheme section of the datasheet.
7
Does PI7C9X111 support 5V PCI devices on the PCI interface?
Yes, PI7C9X111 supports 5V PCI devices on the PCI interface.
8
Does PI7C9X111 support Industrial Temperature range?
9
Does PI7C9X111 support Hot-Plug function?
Yes, PI7C9X111 supports Industrial Temperature range (-40oC to 85oC).
Yes, PI7C9X111 supports Hot-Plug function, but only the system supports with compatible hardware, software, and
connectors. Please refer to the following specification for details:

PCI Hot-Plug Specification

PCI Standard Hot-Plug Controller and Subsystem Specification
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10 Does PI7C9X111 support Burst Transmission mode?
Yes, PI7C9X111 supports Burst Transmission mode.
11 Does PI7C9X111 support 64-bit address space?
Yes, PI7C9X111 supports 64-bit address space.
12 Can I supply 1.0V power to VTT to reduce the types of the supply voltages?
Yes, this can be done. In fact, the evaluation board was designed this way.
13 Do I need to connect center pad (pin 129) on the bottom of the IC?
Yes, the center pad on the bottom is a ground pad, and must be connected to the ground. It is recommended that a
few vias be designed in the board layout for adequate connection.
14 What is the requirement of power-up sequence for PI7C9X111?
PI7C9X111 requires 3.3V power supply before 1.0V.
15 Does PI7C9X111 work without EEPROM?
Yes, PI7C9X111 works without EEPROM. The device uses the default values in the registers. If EEPROM is available
during power-up, the device loads the values from EEPROM after validating the content, and over-writes the default
values in the registers. After initial power-up, the register values can be written via PCI/PCIe configuration registers.
16 If EEPROM is not used in the system, how should be done to the SMBCLK/SCL and
SMBDATA/SDA pins?
Per PCI Specification 4.3.3, these two pins should be pulled up. The recommended value of pull-up register is 5.1kohm.
17 Which EEPORM models are compatible with PI7C9X111?
PI7C9X111 is compatible with AT24C02B, AT24C04B, AT24C08B, AT24C16B, and other compatible EEPROM
models. However, AT24C64 is not recommended due to the addressing method of this model.
18 What is the length of trace that high speed PCIe signals support, and how is the length
calculated if backplane is used?
Many factors affect length of the trace that can be supported including PCB material, connector, etc. Please refer to
PCIe Specification. If the trace length is longer than expected, or if backplane is used, we recommend that PCIe redrivers be used to improve the signals.
Please contact Pericom FAE for Re-Driver product information.
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19 Voltage on “MSK_IN” pin must kept stable. How do we achieve this?
MSK_IN pin is multi-functional. One of its functions is the input for shift registers to enable and disable the
corresponding CLKOUT signal (Please refer to register description: SECONDARY CLOCK AND CLKRUN CONTROL
REGISTER – OFFSET A4h). This is a legacy PCI function. Please see the legacy application circuit below. However,
most designers do not use this legacy circuit anymore. Instead, EEPROM or firmware is used to configure the
registers. In the case, MSK_IN must be pulled down through 1k-ohm resistor or grounded to keep voltage stable.
Keeping the voltage level stable will ensure no interference occurs to the shift registers.
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20 How should JTAG signals be handled if JTAG is not used?
TRST# signal should be pulled down through a 330ohm resistor.
TMS and TDI signals should be pulled up through a 5.1k-ohm resistor.
TCK signal should be pulled down through a 5.1k-ohm resistor.
TDO signal should be left floating.
21 Which PCI Bus signals should be pulled up?
Per PCI Specification 4.3.3, the following PCI Bus signals should be pulled up through a 5.1k-ohm resistor: FRAME#,
TRDY#, IRDY#, DEVSEL#, STOP#, SERR#, PERR#, LOCK#, INTA#, INTB#, INTC#, INTD#, REQ64#, and ACK64#.
Pull-up resistors are required on main board, but not on add-on card.
In forward mode, PI7C9X111 requires pull-up resistors on PCI side. In reverse mode, PI7C9X111 requires pull-up
resistors on CPU side.
22 Should AD, CBE, and PAR signals on PCI Bus be pulled up too?
No, AD, CBE, and PAR signals do not require pull-up resistors. Their states are ensured by PCI bus parking.
23 If LOCK_L and PME_L signals are not used, can they be left floating?
LOCK_L and PME_L signals must be pulled up through a 5.1k-ohm resistor whether they are used or not.
24 If INTA_L, INTB_L, INTC_L, and INTD_L signals are not used, can they be left floating?
These interrupt signals must be pulled up through a 5.1k-ohm resistor whether they are used or not.
25 If there are multiple PCI devices connected, how should they be connected to INTA#,
INTB#, INTC#, and INTD# signals?
INTA#, INTB#, INTC#, and INTD# signals are shared by multiple PCI devices in a daisy chain. It depends on which
AD signal is used on IDSEL pin. Please refer to the mapping table below, and PCI Specification 2.2.6 for more
information.
In Forward mode, INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, INTD# of PI7C9X111 are equivalent to the interrupt pins on the Motherboard
side in the table below - IRQW, IRQX, IRQY, and IRQZ. INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, INTD# on the PCI bus of PI7C9X111
are equivalent to the interrupt pins on the device side in the table below - INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, and INTD#.
In Reverse mode, INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, INTD# of PI7C9X111 are equivalent to the interrupt pins on the device side
in the table below - INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, and INTD#.
To clarify, the Motherboard side in the table below means the side close to the CPU. If PI7C9X111 is built on an addon card, INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, and INTD# are connected to the corresponding INTA#,INTB#, INTC#, and INTD# on
gold fingers.
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26 What are the differences of INTA_L, INTB_L, INTC_L, and INTD_L in forward mode and
reverse mode?
In Forward mode, INTA_L, INTB_L, INTC_L, and INTD_L are input signals. Interrupt signals of downstream PCI
devices should be connected to them.
In Reverse mode, INTA_L, INTB_L, INTC_L, and INTD_L are output signals, and should be connected to interrupt
signals of CPU.
27 What are the differences of PERST_L and RESET_L in forward mode and reverse mode?
Forward mode:
PERST_L is an input signal. CPU drives the reset signal to PI7C9X111.
RESET_L is an output signal to control the downstream PCI devices connected to PI7C9X111.
Reverse mode:
RESET_L is an input signal. CPU drives the reset signal to PI7C9X111.
PERST_L is an output signal to control the downstream PCIe device connected to PI7C9X111.
28 How should the PCI device’s IDSEL signal be connected?
Forward mode:
PI7C9X111’s IDSEL should be grounded through a 1k ohm resistor. IDSEL signals of the connected PCI devices
should be connected to one of AD16-AD31 signals per PCI Specification. The AD signal used determines the PCI
device’s device number. Please refer to the table below:
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Reverse mode:
IDSEL signal should be connected to the IDSEL signal of the PCI controller on the CPU side.
29 How should the decoupling capacitor be placed in TN/TP pins of PCIe port?
Per PCI Express Specification, the egress signals of PCIe port require 0.1μF decoupling capacitor to be placed.
Therefore, PI7C9X111’s TN/TP pins require 0.1μF decoupling capacitor. Similarly, the egress signals of the PCIe port
of the connected PCIe device require 0.1μF decoupling capacitor.
30 How should the REFCLKN/REFCLKP pins of PCIe port of PI7C9X111 be connected?
The REFCLKN/REFCLKP pins require 0.1μF decoupling capacitor. In testing the signals, only AC characteristics
should be tested to comply with PCIe Specification. There is no requirement to testing DC characteristics.
31 Does PI7C9X111’s PCIe port support asynchronous clock source?
Yes, PI7C9X111 supports asynchronous differential 100Mhz clock sources on two sides of the PCIe port, provided
the PCIe device on the other side supports asynchronous clock sources too. It should be noted that not all PCIe
devices support asynchronous clock sources.
32 Which 100MHz differential clock generators do you recommend?
We recommend Pericom’s own PI6C557-03, PI6C20400, and PI6C20800 models, which are specifically designed to
provide PCIe differential clock sources. PI6C557-03 provides 2-channel output, while PI6C20400 provides 4-channel
and PI6C20800 provides 8-channel. PI6C557-10 is capable of PCIe differential clock output and 33MHz clock output
simultaneously.
Please contact Pericom FAEs for more information.
33 What should be done to CLKIN and CLKOUT pins in Reverse Mode?
In Reverse Mode, CLKOUT0 is the PCI clock input, which should get PCI clock source from CPU or system, i.e.
33MHz. CLKIN, CLKOUT1, CLKOUT2, and CLKOUT3 should be pulled down through a 1k-ohm resistor.
34 What should be done to REQ and GNT pins in Reverse Mode?
In Reverse Mode, REQ0 is an input pin, and should be connected to GNT pin on CPU side. GNT0 is an output pin,
and should be connected to REQ on CPU side.
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35 What should be done to PME_L pin in Reverse Mode?
In Reverse Mode, PME_L is an output pin, and should be connected to PME_L pin on CPU side through a 5.1k-ohm
pull-up resistor.
36 How should PRSNT1# and PRSNT2# pins in PCI slot be handled?
PRSNT1# and PRSNT2# pins in PCI slot are used by add-in card to indicate the presence status. On the
Motherboard, they should be pulled up. On the add-in card, they should be configured based on the card’s power
status.
Please refer to PCI Specification 4.4.1 for more information.
37 When PCI bus is working in 32-bit mode, what should be done to the ACK64# and
REQ64# pin on the PCI slot?
These two signals should be pulled up through a 5.1k-ohm resistor.
Please refer to PCI Specification 4.4.1 for more information.
38 Are there any other documents I can refer to in addition to the datasheet to clarify the
questions I have?
PI7C9X111 is a standard PCIe Bridge and compliant with standard PCI/PCIe specifications. For more information,
please refer to the following specifications:




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PCI
PCI
PCI
PCI
Express Base Specification
Express Card Electromechanical Specification
Local Bus Specification
Express to PCI/PCI-X Bridge Specification
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