Pickering 43-921 User manual

pickeringtest.com Issue 1.0, August 2023
PCIe to PXIe Remote Control Interface
PRELIMINARYPRELIMINARY
43-921 User Manual

Page (ii)
© Copyright (2023) Pickering Interfaces. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, translated or stored in any form, or by any
means without the written permission of Pickering Interfaces.
Technical details contained within this publication are subject to change without notice.
FM38792

Page (iii)
Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information
Pickering Interfaces Headquarters
Stephenson Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 4NL United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
USA
Tel: (West) [phone]
Tel: (East) [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
France
Tel [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Germany
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Czech Republic
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
China
Tel: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
Technical Support
For Technical Support please contact Pickering Interfaces either by phone, the website or via e-mail.
Warranty
All products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces are warranted against defective materials and workmanship for a period
of three years, excluding programmable power supplies, from the date of delivery to the original purchaser. Any product
found to be defective within this period will, at the discretion of Pickering Interfaces be repaired or replaced.
Products serviced and repaired outside of the warranty period are warranted for ninety days.
Extended warranty and service are available. Please contact Pickering Interfaces by phone, the website or via e-mail.
Environmental Policy
Pickering Interfaces operates under an environmental management system similar to ISO 14001.
Pickering Interfaces strives to fulfil all relevant environmental laws and regulations and reduce wastes and releases to the
environment. Pickering Interfaces aims to design and operate products in a way that protects the environment and the health
and safety of its employees, customers and the public. Pickering Interfaces endeavours to develop and manufacture products
that can be produced, distributed, used and recycled, or disposed of, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Page (iv)
Meaning/Description Symbol
PROTECTIVE EARTH (GROUND)
To identify any terminal which is intended for connection to an
external conductor for protection against electric shock in case of a
fault, or the terminal of a protective earth (ground) electrode.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
To indicate hazards arising from dangerous voltages.
WARNING/CAUTION
An appropriate safety instruction should be followed or caution to a
potential hazard exists.
Refer to the relevant instructions detailed within the product
manual.
HEAVY
If this product is heavy reference should be made to the safety
instructions for provisions of lifting and moving.
STATIC SENSITIVE
To indicate that static sensitive devices are present and handling
precautions should be followed.
!
kg
Safety Symbols
The following safety symbols may be used on the product and throughout the product documentation.
Product Safety

Page (v)
Contents
Copyright Statement........................................................................................................................................................(ii)
Technical Support and Warranty...................................................................................................................................(iii)
Product Safety...................................................................................................................................................................(iv)
Contents (this page).........................................................................................................................................................(v)
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................................................................(vi)
Section 1
Technical Specification....................................................................................................................................................1.1
Section 2
Technical Description ......................................................................................................................................................2.1
Hardware Description................................................................................................................................................2.1
53-921 Layout Connectors & Indicators..................................................................................................................2.1
43-921 Layout Connectors & Indicators..................................................................................................................2.2
Section 3
Installation.........................................................................................................................................................................3.1
Pre Operation Checks ................................................................................................................................................3.1
Installation of 53-921 in Host PC .............................................................................................................................3.1
Installation of 43-921 in PXIe Chassis.....................................................................................................................3.3
Cabling Host Computer to a PXIe Chassis..............................................................................................................3.5
Power ON/OFF Sequence ........................................................................................................................................3.5
Section 4
Trouble Shooting..............................................................................................................................................................4.1
Section 5
Maintenance Information................................................................................................................................................5.1

Page (vi)
WARNING - Hazardous Environments Symbol
This product is not specifically designed for use in hazardous environments, for example in explosive
atmospheres. If the product is to be used in hazardous environments we recommend that the user ensures
suitable protective measures are taken.
!
CAUTION - Handling of Electrostatic-Sensitive Devices Symbol
Certain semiconductor devices used in this equipment are liable to damage due to static voltage. Observe the
following precautions when handling these devices in their unterminated state, or sub-assemblies containing
these devices:
• Persons removing sub-assemblies from equipment using these devices must be earthed by a wrist strap
and a resistor at the point provided on the equipment.
• Soldering irons used during the repair operations must be low voltage types with earthed tips and isolated
from the mains voltage by a double insulated transformer.
• Outer clothing worn must be unable to generate static charges.
• Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) fitted with these devices must be stored and transported in anti-static bags.
Warnings & Cautions
WARNING - Danger of Electric Shock Symbol
This module may contain hazardous voltages. Before removing the module from the rack remove all supplies
and disconnect user I/O signals.
Unused slots in the PXI/PXIe/LXI chassis are populated with blanking plates to prevent access to user I/O
signals that may be present. Blanking panels are available to order from Pickering in a variety of slot widths.
If the product is not used in this manner for example by using an extender card then additional care must be
taken to avoid contact with exposed signals.
CAUTION - Product Documentation Symbol
Suitably qualified & trained users should ensure that the accompanying documentation is fully read and
understood before attempting to install or operate the product.
!
Safety Instructions
Safety Instructions
All cleaning and servicing requires the equipment to be isolated and disconnected from the power source and user I/O signals
(refer to the Maintenance Section).
• Appropriate manual handling procedures should be followed as dictated by the weight of the individual module or the
combined weight of the modules & chassis.
• Should a fault occur with the module or chassis, immediately isolate and disconnect the incoming power to the chassis and
the user I/O signals.
• Ensure the equipment is installed, operated and maintained by trained and authorised personnel.
• For suitably equipped products in the event of an emergency press the red “emergency stop” button situated on the front of
the unit.

Page 1.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
yPXI-5 PXI Express Hardware Specification rev.2.0
Compliant
yPCI Express® Base Specifications rev.2.0 Compliant
yPCIe Gen 2 x8 Ports Each Support up to 4 GB/s
yPXI Express Link Capability:
- Four Link Configuration: x4 x4 x4 x4
- Two Link Configuration: x16 x8
yExpansion Distance up to 5 m With 2 m or 5 m
Expansion Cables
yComprehensive Hardware & Software Transparency
yFlexible Option for Multi-chassis Expansion
as a Daisy-chain or Star-chain Configured
y3 Year Warranty
Control of two PXIe Chassis -
43-921-001 Control Interface in
First Chassis Daisy-chained to
43-921-002 Control Interface in
Second Chassis
Controller PC
12
Interface Cable
53-921-001 Card
(PCIe X8 Connector
in Host Computer)
43-921-001 Module
(System Slot in PXIe Chassis)
3 4 5 6 7
PXIe Chassis
123 4 5 6 7
PXIe Chassis
43-921-002 Module
(System Slot in PXIe Chassis)
Interface Cable
8
8
Controller PC
12
Interface Cable
53-921-001 Card
(PCIe X8 Connector
in Host Computer)
43-921-002 Module
(System Slot
in PXIe Chassis)
3 4 5 6 7
PXIe Chassis
123 4 5 6 7
PXIe Chassis
43-921-002 Module
(System Slot
in PXIe Chassis)
Interface Cable
8
8
43-921-003 Module
(Peripheral Slot
in PXIe Chassis)
The 43-921 PCI Express-to-PXI Express expansion kit allows
control of PXI Express modules installed in a PXI Express
chassis using high bandwidth PCI Express technology. The
extension kit provides up to 4 GB/s using PCIe Gen 2 x8
signalling. The 43-921 PCI Express-to-PXI Express expansion
kit provides additional PXI instrument slots to the host
computer by implementing a PCI Express-based control of
PXI modules. The technology consists of a 53-921-001 adapter
card installed in the host computer, a PCIe x8 cable, and a
43-921-00x 3U (Eurocard) remote control interface module.
The 53-921-001 comes in a PCI Express x8 footprint and is
equiped with a PCIe x8 cable connector.
The 43-921-001 with dual ports has the capability of multi-
chassis control in a daisy-chain configuration. The upper port
is connected to a 53-921-001 installed in a host PC and the
lower port is connected to a 43-921-002 in the system slot of
a second chassis. Alternatively, a 43-921-003 module fitted to
a peripheral slot in the first chassis can be used to control the
43-921-002 module in the second chassis - see diagram below.
With comprehensive hardware and software transparency, the
expansion kit enables fast and convenient detection of any PXI
cards installed in the system, requiring no additional drivers
or software.
Alternative Control of two PXIe
Chassis - 43-921-003 Peripheral
Interface in First Chassis Daisy-
chained to 43-921-002 Control
Interface in Second Chassis
pickeringtest.com
43-921
PCIe to PXIe Remote Control Interface
Issue 1.1 August 2023

Page 1.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 1 - Technical Specification
Specification
Compliance: PXI-5 PXI Express hardware
specification Rev.2.0 compliant
Maximum Data Throughput: 43-921-001: Two PCIe gen 2 x8
ports each up to 4 GB/s
43-921-002: PCI Express gen 2
x8 link with 4 GB/s
Connection Distance: Up to 5 m
Installation: Controller slot 1
(43-921-001 and 43-921-002)
Dimensions - 53-921-001: Low-profile PCI Express card:
142 mm (W) x 69 mm (H)
Dimensions - 43-921-00x: PXI Express system module:
175 mm (W) x 107 mm (H)
Product Order Codes
PCIe-to-PXIe Kit with 2 m Cable
with Daisy-chain Facility 43-921-001-KIT
(includes one 53-921-001, one 43-921-001 and one
43-921-200 2 meter cable)
PCIe-to-PXIe Kit with 2m Cable 43-921-002-KIT
(includes one 53-921-001, one 43-921-002 and one
43-921-200 2 meter cable)
PCIe Remote Control Interface Card
(for fitting to Host PC)
PCIe Low Profile Front Panel
(for use with 53-921-001 Interface Card)
PXIe Remote Control Interface Module
with Daisy-chain Facility
(for fitting to PXIe System Controller Slot)
PXIe Remote Control Interface Module
(for fitting to PXIe System Controller Slot)
PXIe Remote Control Interface Module
(for fitting to PXIe Peripheral/Hybrid Slot)
Interface Cable 2 m
Interface Cable 5 m
53-921-001
53-921-LPF
43-921-001
43-921-002
43-921-003
43-921-200
43-921-500
Safety & CE Compliance
All modules are fully CE compliant and meet applicable EU
directives: Low-voltage safety EN61010-1:2010,
EMC Immunity EN61326-1:2013,
Emissions EN55011:2009+A1:2010.
43-921 Remote Control
Interface Fitted to 42-925
18-Slot PXIe Chassis
43-921 Remote Control
Interface Fitted to 42-924
8-Slot PXIe Chassis
Operating/Storage Conditions
Operating Temperature:
Humidity:
0 °C to +55 °C
10 % to 90 % non-condensing
Storage/Transport Temperature:
Humidity:
-20 °C to +75 °C
10 % to 90 % non-condensing
43-921
pickeringtest.com Page 2
Specifications & Odering Information

Page 2.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Hardware Description
Figure 2.1 - PCIe to PXIe Interface Kit Functional Block Diagram
PXIe Slot 1
PXIe Slot 2
PXIe Slot n
PLX Switch
43-921-00x
Remote PXIe Chassis
PCIe Gen2
x4x4x4x4
or x8x16
PLX Switch
53-921-001 PCIe Gen2 x8
External Cable
PCIe Gen2 x8
via Edge Connector
Host PC
Switches
‘SW1’
Connector for
PCIe x8 External
Cable
PCIe x8 Edge
Connector
‘STATUS’ Indicator
‘HOST’ Indicator
Functional Block Diagram
53-921 Layout Connectors & Indicators
Figure 2.2 - 53-921 PCIe Remote Control Interface Card Mechanical Layout

Page 2.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 2 - Technical Description
Indicator/Switch Description
‘STATUS’ Indicator
Off: No power
Orange: Power OK
Green: 43-921 present
‘HOST’ Indicator
(Link status between
53-921 and 43-921)
Off: No link
0.5Hz Blinking: Link in PCIe Gen1 signaling
1Hz Blinking: Link in PCIe Gen2 signaling
‘SW1’ Switch Default settings are switch 3 ON and switches 1, 2, 4 OFF
Table 2.1 - 53-921 Indicators & Switches
Connector
for PCIe x8
External
Cable
‘PWR/PRSNT’
Indicator
‘LINK’
Indicator
43-921 Layout Connectors & Indicators
Figure 2.3 - 43-921 PXIe Remote Control Interface Module Mechanical Layout
Indicator Description
‘PWR/PRSNT’ Indicator
Off: No power
Orange: Power OK
Green: 53-921 present
‘LINK’ Indicator
(Link status between
53-921 and 43-921)
Off: No link
0.5Hz Blinking: Link in PCIe Gen1 signaling
1Hz Blinking: Link in PCIe Gen2 signaling
Table 2.2 - 43-921 Indicators

Page 3.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
kg
Pre-operation Checks (Unpacking)
1. Check the module for transport damage and report any damage immediately to Pickering Interfaces.
Do not attempt to install the product if any damage is evident.
2. Position the chassis relative to any other equipment the module(s) will connect with. Ensure the chassis
is not connected to the electrical supply.
3. Ensure that the designated area for the chassis containing the module is of flat and solid construction to
withstand and support the combined weight of the module(s) and chassis.
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual
These products require installation in a suitable PXIe chassis/host PC. They are designed for indoor use only.
!
Installation of 53-921 in Host PC
The host PC must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualified engineer.
The PC must be grounded.
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the card.
To avoid such damage in handling the board refer to page vi.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The card should be installed in accordance with the following procedure:
1. Ensure that the PC is turned OFF but still connected to mains so that it remains grounded.
2. Unscrew the fixing screws and remove the cover of you host PC to gain access to the backplane
3. Choose an available x8 or x16 PCI Express slot in the PC backplane.
4. Remove the blanking panel for the chosen slot and retain the fixing screw.
5. Carefully remove the 53-921 card from its anti-static bag and insert the card’s edge connector into the
chosen slot on the backplane (refer to Figure 3.1).
6. Make sure the card is fully inserted into the edge connector and its front panel is fully in contact with
the back of the card aperture of the host PC’s chassis.
7. Use the fixing screw to secure the front panel of the card to the chassis mounting rail.
8. Replace the cover of the host PC and secure with the appropriate fixing screws.

Page 3.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
Figure 3.1 - Installing the 53-921 PCIe Remote Control Interface Card in a Host PC
Industrial PC or
Desktop PC
with x8 PCI
Express Slot
53-921
PCI Express
Host Card
8x PCI
Express
Slot

Page 3.3 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
!
Installation of 43-921 in PXIe Chassis
The chassis must be electrically installed in accordance with local regional electrical codes by a qualified engineer.
The chassis must be grounded.
Electrostatic discharge can damage the components on the module.
To avoid such damage in handling the board refer to page vi.
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The module should be installed in accordance with the following procedure:
1. Ensure that the chassis is turned OFF but still connected to mains so that it remains grounded.
2. Choose an appropriate slot in the chassis (use the system controller slot when installing a 43-921-001
or 43-921-002 module).
3. Remove the blanking plate for the chosen slot.
4. Ensure that the injector/ejector handle is in its downward position. Align the module with the card
guides on the top and bottom of the slot.
Do not raise the injector/ejector handle whilst inserting the module as the module will not insert
properly.
5. Hold the handle whilst slowly sliding the module into the card guides until the handle catches on the
injector/ejector rail (refer to Figure 3.1).
6. Raise the injector/ejector handle until the module firmly seats into the backplane. The front panel of the
module should be flush with the front panel of the chassis.
7. Secure the front panel of the module using both screws to the chassis front panel mounting rails.

Page 3.4 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
Figure 3.2 - Installing the 43-921 PXIe Remote Control Interface Module into a PXIe Chassis
Note: The 40-921-001 and 40-921-002 modules must be installed in the PXIe System Controller Slot
of the chassis - peripheral slots cannot be used
PXIe
Chassis
43-921-001
or 43-921-002
Remote Control
Interface Module
System
Controller Slot
Ejector
Handle Injector/Ejector
Rail

Page 3.5 pickeringtest.com
Section 3 - Installation
Cabling Host Computer to a PXIe Chassis
Now that you have successfully installed the 53-921-001 into the Host computer and installed the 43-921-00x in the PXIe
chassis, you may connect the host PC and PXI chassis with a PCIe cable assembly.
Figure 3.3 - PCIe x8 Cable Assembly
1. Connect the cable assembly to the PCIe connector on the bracket of the 53-921-001 located in the host PC.
2. Connect the other end of the cable assembly to the connector of the 43-921-00x installed into the system slot of the PXIe
chassis.
Power ON/OFF Sequence
To power-on the PCIe to PXIe Extension Kit:
1. Ensure that the extension cable is properly connected to the host PC and PXIe chassis.
2. Power on the PXIe chassis.
3. When status LEDs of the PXI Express chassis and all installed modules indicate ready, power on the host PC
As the PCIe to PXIe Extension Kit is equipped with a standard PCIe switch, the BIOS will identify each device behind
the switch and assign resources to each during startup. Thus the PXI chassis must be powered up in order to acquire
appropriate resources from the BIOS.
To power down the PCIe to PXIe Extension Kit:
1. Power down the host PC.
2. Power down the PXIe chassis.
!
Caution: Removing the PCIe cable assembly after the system is powered on may cause system errors or
data loss. If the cable is unplugged improperly, reconnect it and reboot the host PC and PXI chassis.
Caution: DO NOT remove the cable after the system and PXIe chassis are powered on. Disconnecting the
cable while the system is running may cause unpredictable system errors and/or system crash.
!
Caution: DO NOT power down the PXIe chassis until the host PC is powered off. If the PXIe chassis is
powered off while the host PC is on, the host PC may hang or crash.
!

Page 4.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Troubleshooting
This section describes frequently asked questions that may assist in solving minor problems that may be encountered.
Question: What is the maximum extension length of the 43-921-00x-KIT?
Answer: Pickering provides cable accessories in 2 and 5 meter lengths, with maximum cable length 5 meters.
Question: When using the 43-921-00x-KIT, are there any additional drivers or software required to install?
Answer: It is designed to be a standard PCIe-to-PXIe bridge. It is not necessary to install additional drivers or software for
support.
Question: Which link configuration of the PXI Express system slot does the 43-921-00x-KIT support, 4- or 2-link? How are
the associated settings configured?
Answer: The 43-921-00x-KIT acts as a generic PXI Express system controller that supports both 4-link and 2-link PXI
Express system slots. It detects the backplane and configures automatically without any settings required.
Question: Are there any compatibility concerns with the 43-921-00x-KIT? How can a host PC be selected that will be most
compatible with the 43-921-00x-KIT?
Answer: Limited PCI bus availability is the major concern about compatibility. Available PCI bus numbers assigned by
system BIOS may exceed PCI bus numbers required by the 43-921-00x-KIT and PXI Express chassis. If PCI bus numbers are
occupied, the system may not boot correctly or devices not detected.
Theoretically, PC systems implementing PCI Express can support up to 256 bus numbers. However, maximum PCI bus
numbers of many PC systems are frequently limited by system BIOS based on system design or architecture. Conversely,
the PXI Express chassis consumes many PCI bus numbers. Each PXI Express peripheral slot reserves a PCI bus number
and PCI Express switches of PXI Express chassis also occupy several PCI bus numbers. Some peripheral modules may also
consume PCI bus numbers. PCI bus number requirements for Pickering PXI Express chassis are as shown.
Model PCI Bus Number Requirement
43-921-00x-KIT + 42-924-001 27
43-921-00x-KIT + 42-925-001 44
3rd party utilities like System Information Viewer (http://rh-software.com/) are able to check available PCI bus numbers in
system BIOS (Run SIV>>PCI Bus>>ACPI Buses), as shown.
Figure 4.1 - Bus Number Information Result

Page 4.2 pickeringtest.com
Section 4 - Troubleshooting
Question: One or more modules in PXI Express chassis connected via 43-921-00x-KIT are missing from Windows Device
Manager. How to best solve this or other compatibility problems (like no boot)?
Answer: Due to flexibility and variety of systems with PCI Express expansion, most compatibility issues are related with
abnormal device detection or resource assignment done by system BIOS. The following suggestions may help solve
frequently encountered issues.
• Check 43-921-00x-KIT and cable are properly installed
• Check any abnormal LED status of 43-921-00x-KIT. (See “53-921-001 Layout, Connectors and Indicators” on page 2.2.)
• Check 43-921-00x-KIT cable are free of broken, bend, or dirty/broken connector
• Make sure there are sufficient PXI Express bus numbers available
• Occasionally updated BIOS system fixes resource limitation issues
• Try different installation sequence of modules in PXI Express chassis
• Try different PCI Express slot or different host PC (different system BIOS)
• Remove some modules to free resources
Question: Does the 43-921-00x-KIT support Linux?
Answer: The 43-921-00x-KIT is designed as a standard PCIe-to-PCIe bridge should still support most modern Linux Kernels
without additional driver requirements. Since the PXI Express software specification is based on a Windows environment,
however, PXI software framework and SMBus controller of 43-921-00x-KIT are not operable under Linux.

Page 5.1 pickeringtest.com
Section 5 - Maintenance Information
General Cleaning
• Isolate the electrical power from the chassis and ensure that no user I/O signals are being applied.
• Wipe the product & chassis surfaces with a clean dry anti-static cloth only.
Software Update
For PXI/PXIe modules operating in a PXI/PXIe chassis, no module software updates are required. For the latest
version of the driver please refer to our web site pickeringtest.com where links to our Software Download page
will provide the latest version of the driver software for the various programming environments encountered.
For PXI modules which are supported in one of Pickering Interfaces’ Modular LXI Chassis (such as the 60-102B
and 60-103B) no module software update is required. If the module was introduced after the LXI chassis was
manufactured the module may not be recognized, in this case the chassis firmware may need upgrading. This is a
simple process which is described in the manual for the Modular LXI Chassis.
Periodic Maintenance
This product and its corresponding chassis do not require any periodic maintenance.
!
Refer to the Warnings and Cautions at the front of this manual.