OSS nanoCUBE OSS-PCIe-nCUBE-1-PLEX User manual

User Manual
SKU: OSS-PCIe-nCUBE-1-PLEX
www.onestopsystems.com
nanoCUBE expansion unit, one PCIe x8 3.0 slot
OSS-PCIe-nCUBE-1-PLEX

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Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge ..........................................................................................................................................................5
1Product Information....................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Features ....................................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 General Specification ................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.3 Supported Configuration........................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 PCIe Slots .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
1.5 Adapter Cards ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Link Cable.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
2Hardware Requirements ................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 Computer Motherboard Requirement...................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Host and Target Cards...............................................................................................................................................................................8
2.2.1 x8 Gen3 OSS Host and Target cards ............................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 x4 Gen3 OSS Host and Target cards ............................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 x8 or x8 Ipass Cable................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3Software Requirement ..................................................................................................................................................10
4Before You Begin...........................................................................................................................................................11
5Create an ESD safe environment ...................................................................................................................................11
6Know your nanoCUBE ...................................................................................................................................................11
7Install Target Adapter Card ...........................................................................................................................................12
8Install PCIe card.............................................................................................................................................................12
8Push the sled back into the enclosure ...........................................................................................................................13
9Install Host Adapter Card ..............................................................................................................................................13
10 Connect Link Cable........................................................................................................................................................13
10.1 For PCIe connection to your PC or workstation ................................................................................................................................. 13
10.2 For Thunderbolt Connection.............................................................................................................................................................. 13
11 Connect Power Cable and Power UP .............................................................................................................................14
12 Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................................15
13 Contacting Technical Support........................................................................................................................................16
14 Returning Merchandise to One Stop Systems................................................................................................................16

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15 Shipping / transporting the unit ....................................................................................................................................17
16 APPENDIX A Compliance.............................................................................................................................................17
FCC ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
CE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

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Safety Instructions
Always use caution when servicing any electrical component. Before handling the One Stop Systems Expansion chassis, read the following
instructions and safety guidelines to prevent damage to the product and to ensure your own personal safety. Refer to the “Advisories” section
for advisory conventions used in this manual, including the distinction between Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note.
Always use caution when handling/operating the computer. Only qualified, experienced, authorized electronics personnel should access the
interior of the computer and expansion chassis.
WARNING
Never modify or remove the radio frequency interference shielding from your workstation or expansion unit. To do so may
cause your installation to produce emissions that could interfere with other electronic equipment in the area of your
system.
When Working Inside a Computer
Before taking covers off a computer, perform the following steps:
Turn off the computer and any peripheral devices.
Disconnect the computer and peripheral power cords from their AC outlets or inlets in order to prevent electric shock or system board damage.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
To help avoid possible damage to systems boards, wait five seconds after turning off the computer before removing a component, removing a
system board, or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector with locking
tabs. If you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull connectors apart, keep
them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before connecting a cable, make sure both connectors are correctly oriented
and aligned.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to service the system yourself except as explained in this manual. Follow installation instructions closely.

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Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the enemy of semiconductor devices. You should always take precautions to eliminate any
electrostatic charge from your body and clothing before touching any semiconductor device or card by using an
electrostatic wrist strap and/or rubber mat.
Static electricity can harm system boards. Perform service at an ESD workstation and follow proper ESD procedures to reduce the risk of
damage to components. One Stop Systems strongly encourages you to follow proper ESD procedures, which can include wrist straps and
smocks, when servicing equipment.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component’s anti-static packaging material until you
are ready to install the component in a computer. Just before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, be sure you are at an ESD workstation or
are grounded.
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an anti-static container or packaging.
Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
Handle components and boards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a board. Hold a board by its edges or by its metal
mounting bracket.

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1 Product Information
The nanoCUBE supports a single PCIe x8 3.0 card up to 7.3" long, allowing you to add greater functionality workstation when connected with
PCIe expansion. Includes PCIe cable adapter and cable and 38-watt external power supply.
OSS target backplane only support OSS target adapter card.
OSS PCIe backplanes support expansion cards (PCIe card) designed to the PCIe PCI-SIG specification.
Thermistor Controlled Fan
1.1 Features
x8 Gen3 Slot
Support one single PCIe x8 Gen3 short card to 7.3" long
Ample Cooling and power
oThermistor Controlled Fan.
oFan will automatically starts when it detects the rise in temperature
oConnects via PCIe
oNo Additional driver required (other than those required for the add-in card)
oRemote Host Power Control
1.2 General Specification
Backplane: One single-wide PCIe x8 Gen3 slot
Dimension : 6.7" H x 2.3" W x”8.3” D
Power: Max Power per slot is 75W
o36W external power supply
Slots:
oOne Upstream slot for Target adapter card
oOne downstream slot for add-in card (PCIe card)
Connectivity: PCIe x4 or PCIe x8 cable adapter card and 1m Ipass Cable
Cooling: One low CFM fan
Operating Environment: 0-50⁰C 10-90% Relative Humidity 0-100 feet above sea level.
Storing Environment: -40 to 85⁰C 5-96% Humidity 0-50,000 feet above sea level.
1.3 Supported Configuration
Attached to a single computer.
Two Cable adapter cards: One in the expansion backplane and the other in the host computer.

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1.4 PCIe Slots
There are two PCIe slots on the backplane.
Upstream Slot: This is primarily assigned for the Target adapter card.
Downstream Slot: This is for add-in card or for PCIe card such as video card, Ethernet card and etc.
1.5 Adapter Cards
The nanoCube requires two OSS cable adapter cards.
Target card which is installed in the nanoCube backplane’s target slot (Upstream slot)
Host card which is installed in the host computer.
The adapter card works in pair. So, it is very important to use the same model of OSS adapter cards.
Using a different host card (made by a different vendor) is not supported as this can cause issues such as the following
No link between host and target
Unable to Power Up the target device
Host computer will not recognize or detect the add-in card in the backplane.
You can use the following OSS adapter cards.
x8 OSS Cable Adapter card: OSS-PCIe-HIB25-x8
x4 OSS Cable Adapter card: OSS-PCIe-HIB25-x4
1.6 Link Cable
Use a compatible Ipass cable. There are two Ipass cables that you can use depending on the adapter card.
x8 Ipass cable for x8 OSS Adapter card
x4 Ipass cable for x4 OSS Adapter card

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2 Hardware Requirements
This section provides the hardware parts needed for the nanoCube to. It is strictly recommended to follow and use the hardware requirements
listed below in order for the nanoCube to operate properly.
1. Computer motherboard with x8 or x16 Gen3 PCIe slot.
2. OSS Host and Target adapter cards. The HBA (Host Bus Adapter) card or HIB (Host Interface Board) works in pair. You can use the
following OSS adapter cards.
oOSS-PCIe-HIB25-x8
oOSS-PCIe-HIB25-x4
3. One Ipass cable
ox8 Ipass Cable for x8 adapter card
oOr x4 Ipass cable for x4 adapter card
4. Power Supply: External Power Supply
5. Add-in card: Make sure the card is PCI / PCIe compliant and it is supported by the operating system running in the host computer
oAn add-in card that is not compatible and supported by the Operating system is not going to function when installed in
the nanoCube expansion unit.
2.1 Computer Motherboard Requirement
Use a computer motherboard with a Gen3 x16 PCIe slots or Gen3 x8 PCIe slots.
2.2 Host and Target Cards
You can use either x8 or x4 OSS Host and Target cards.
The Host card must be installed in an available x8 PCI Express card slot on the host computer’s backplane or motherboard.
The Target card must be installed in the Upstream slot of an OSS backplane. The Target card will only work on the Upstream slot.
2.2.1 x8 Gen3 OSS Host and Target cards

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The x8 Host card does not have an Optocouplers. The x8 Host card will only operate in host mode and it is primarily plugged into
the computer's motherboard PCIe slot.
The Target card is populated with three Optocouplers (see photo above). The card will only operate in the OSS expansion backplane
Upstream slot.
2.2.2 x4 Gen3 OSS Host and Target cards
2.3 x8 or x8 Ipass Cable
Use either x8or x4 Ipass cables to link the host card and target card together. Preferably use a 1 meter long cable.
When using a x8 host and target cards, you need to use x8 Ipass cable.
x4 host and target card, use x4 Ipass cable

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3 Software Requirement
1. Computer running Windows 7, 8, 10, Server and or Linux based OS.
2. No driver is needed for the Host card, Target card and OSS-452 backplane.
3. The only driver you need to install is for the add-in card, this is your PCIe card. You can obtain the software / driver from the vendor
or manufacturer of the add-in card.
a. OSS does not provide 3rd party software / driver to customer.
b. It is the sole responsibility of the end-user / customer to contact the vendor of the add-in card for technical assistance.

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4 Before You Begin
Verify that all items listed are present and inspected for shipping damage.
oYou should have PCIe cable adapter card
oAn Ipass Cable and PCIe (or Thunderbolt cable, if you ordered with Thunderbolt2 card)
oExternal power supply
5 Create an ESD safe environment
Electrostatic charges (ESD) easily build up in the body and can be damaging to your computer. For this reason it is vital to create
an ESD safe environment when working with computer components.
Always unplug the power cable before opening the enclosure.
Properly ground yourself (grounded wrist strap or ESD-protective mat).
Do not touch cards if you are not properly grounded.
When possible, handle cards only by the metal bracket or by their edges.
Avoid touching any cards or components unnecessarily.
Remember, you may not even feel a shock that could severely damage your compute
6 Know your nanoCUBE
Inside the box you will find:
nanoCUBE enclosure
PCIe host cable adapter (only applicable if you ordered the adapter card)
PCIe cable
External power supply

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7 Install Target Adapter Card
Remove the sled from the nanoCube enclosure
Unscrew the access screw located at the top of the sled.
Slide the sled out of the chassis.
Install the OSS adapter card in the Upstream slot of the backplane.
If the Target Adapter card is already installed, skip this and go to the next step.
8 Install PCIe card
Be sure to install the PCIe cards following the card manufacturer’s recommendations. Some PCIe card manufacturers recommend that you
install their software driver(s) prior to installing the hardware. If this is the case, you should install their driver or software before you connect
and power up the expansion chassis.
The backplane PCIe slot can accommodate x2, x4, and x8 cards.
Install your Add-in Card
Remove the slot cover of the add-in card slot
Carefully align the add-in card edge connector on top of the PCIe slot connector on the backplane and press firmly until the card is
seated.
Mount the screw on top of the card bracket, securing the newly-installed board into place

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8 Push the sled back into the enclosure
Ensure all board is firmly seated in the slots before returning the sled to the chassis.
Grab the sled from the bottom; slide the sled back into the chassis.
Remount the access screw at the top of the sled.
9 Install Host Adapter Card
Install the OSS Host adapter card directly on the computer’s motherboard PCIe slot. Plug-in the host card into an available x8 PCIe slot. Make
sure to verify that you have the correct host card prior to installation.
oPlace the cable adapter card in an open slot in your computer (the cable adapter will only operate at the base speed of the slot.
Ex: a x8 card in a x16 slot operates at x8 speeds.)
oSecure the card.
10 Connect Link Cable
10.1 For PCIe connection to your PC or workstation
To insert the PCIe cable, line up the keyed side of the cable connector with the keyed side of the connector on the board and insert.
oPull back the green tab on the retractor to allow the cable to lock into place.
oThe teeth of the cable connector must be completely seated.
10.2 For Thunderbolt Connection
Connect the Thunderbolt cable to the Thunderbolt connector in your workstation or laptop.
The cable can be connected to either of the Thunderbolt connectors on the nanoCUBE.

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11 Connect Power Cable and Power UP
Insert the power cable and turn on your computer to power up the nanoCUBE. Upon powering UP the host computer the nanoCube will
immediately turn ON.
Prior to powering UP make sure to check the following:
1. Make sure the Ipass cable connector is firmly inserted into the adapter cable connector.
2. That you are using the correct OSS host card.
3. Check the OSS host card is seated firmly in the PCIe slot.
4. The Target adapter card is in the correct Upstream slot on the OSS backplane.
5. You have power connected to the nanoCube.
6. The add-in card is present in the downstream slot and seated properly.

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12 Troubleshooting
Question: Why is the nanoCube unable to power UP?
Answer: To Power UP and operate nanoCube, you must connect it to a host computer via cable. The nanoCube is remotely powered ON by
host computer.
Question: Why I am seeing a red LED on the board?
Answer: The red LED indicates that the backplane is waiting to be initialized and it also indicates that there is no link between the target and the
host.
Question: My PCIe card or my add-in card is not recognized. I am not using an OSS host card to link with the nanoCube. What should I do?
Answer: You must use an OSS host card to link with the OSS target expansion unit.
Question: Can I connect the Ipass cable or link cable while the computer is ON or running?
Answer: NO, do not connect the Ipass cable or the link cable while the computer is ON as this can cause hardware failure with the system.
Question: Can I unplug the Ipass cable to link cable while the computer is ON or running?
Answer: NO, you must power down the host computer first and the nanoCube before disconnecting the link Cable.
Question: Can I disconnect my add-in card or the cable adapter card while the unit is on power-standby mode?
Answer: NO, unplug the power supply or power source from the nanoCube before removing or installing the add-in card or the cable adapter
card.
Question: Do I need to install driver or software for the nanoCube and OSS adapter cards?
Answer: The nanoCube and OSS adapter cards require no driver / software.

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13 Contacting Technical Support
Our support department can be reached by fax at [phone] or by phone at [phone]. Support is available Monday through Friday,
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PT. When contacting One Stop Systems Technical Support, please be sure to include the following information:
1) Name
2) Company Name
3) Phone Number
4) Fax Number
5) Email Address
6) Model Number
7) Serial Number
8) Computer Make
9) Computer Model
10) Operating System and Version
11) Make/Model of PCI cards in expansion chassis
12) Detailed description of the problem
You can also visit our web site at: https://www.onestopsystems.com/support-0
To submit a support ticket or case, use our OSS Online Support portal: https://onestopsystems.desk.com/customer/portal/emails/new
For a quick response, use the Technical Support and RMA Request Form available in the Support Section of the website. Simply complete the
form with all required information. Please make sure that your problem description is sufficiently detailed to help us understand your problem.
For example: Don’t say “Won’t boot up.” Do say “Tried all the steps in the Troubleshooting Section and it still won’t boot up.”
For faster diagnosis of your problem, please run the two utility programs described in the following sections and include the diagnostic files
they generate with your email.
14 Returning Merchandise to One Stop Systems
If factory service is required, you must contact OSS Service Representative to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Put
this number and your return address on the shipping label when you return the item(s) for service. One Stop Systems will return any product
that is not accompanied by an RMA number. Please note that One Stop Systems WILL NOT accept COD packages, so be sure to return the
product freight and duties-paid.
Ship the well-packaged product to the address below:
RMA # ________
One Stop Systems
2235 Enterprise Street, Suite#110
Escondido, CA 92029
USA
It is not required, though highly recommended, that you keep the packaging from the original shipment of your One Stop Systems product.
However, if you return a product to One Stop Systems for warranty repair/ replacement or take advantage of the 30-day money back
guarantee, you will need to package the product in a manner similar to the manner in which it was received from our plant. One Stop Systems
cannot be responsible for any physical damage to the product or component pieces of the product (such as the host or expansion interfaces for
the PCIe expansion chassis) that are damaged due to inadequate packing. Physical damage sustained in such a situation will be repaired at the
owner’s expense in accordance with Out of Warranty Procedures. Please, protect your investment, a bit more padding in a good box will go a
long way to insuring the device is returned to use in the same condition you shipped it in. Please call for an RMA number first.

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15 Shipping / transporting the unit
PCI card should be removed from the slots when transporting or
shipping the unit as this can break the slot and damage the card.
IMPORTANT
PCIe cards should be removed (or not to be installed) prior to shipping to avoid or prevent possible damage, failure to
do so, will void the warranty of the unit..
16 APPENDIX A Compliance
FCC
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the service personnel will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the service personnel’s authority to
operate the equipment.
NOTE
The assembler of a personal computer system may be required to test the system and/or make necessary modifications if a
system is found to cause harmful interferences or to be noncompliant with the appropriate standards for its intended use.
Industry Canada
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numériqué de la classe A est conformé à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada
CE
The product(s) described in this manual complies with all applicable European Union (CE) directives. One Stop Systems will not retest or
recertify systems or components that have been reconfigured by customers

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