PCI version 2.3 Spec released
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on March 20, 2002 at 9:14:14 PM
Here is the PCI-SIG Press Release for the newest version of PCI bus and interface.
The new PCI v2.3 specification is the first major upgrade to "Conventional PCI" since PCI v2.2 was released in December 1998. It is an evolutionary change that makes a significant step in migrating the PCI bus from the original 5 volt signaling to 3.3 volt signaling. Like PCI v2.2, the new specification supports two system board add-in card connectors for both the 3.3 volt and 5 volt signaling environments. However, PCI v2.3 does not support 5 volt-keyed add-in cards, which are now "non-compliant" with the PCI v2.3 specification. PCI v2.3 continues to support the Universal-keyed and 3.3 volt-keyed add-in cards. The Universal card is capable of detecting the signaling environment in use and adapting itself to that environment. By always using 3.3 volt output signals and having 5 volt-tolerant inputs, the Universal card can be plugged into both types of PCI slots (including PCI-X slots). This change is particularly important to adapter card vendors who must adopt PCI v2.3 to remain compliant and compatible with the most current version of the PCI local bus specification.
The new PCI v2.3 specification is the first major upgrade to "Conventional PCI" since PCI v2.2 was released in December 1998. It is an evolutionary change that makes a significant step in migrating the PCI bus from the original 5 volt signaling to 3.3 volt signaling. Like PCI v2.2, the new specification supports two system board add-in card connectors for both the 3.3 volt and 5 volt signaling environments. However, PCI v2.3 does not support 5 volt-keyed add-in cards, which are now "non-compliant" with the PCI v2.3 specification. PCI v2.3 continues to support the Universal-keyed and 3.3 volt-keyed add-in cards. The Universal card is capable of detecting the signaling environment in use and adapting itself to that environment. By always using 3.3 volt output signals and having 5 volt-tolerant inputs, the Universal card can be plugged into both types of PCI slots (including PCI-X slots). This change is particularly important to adapter card vendors who must adopt PCI v2.3 to remain compliant and compatible with the most current version of the PCI local bus specification.