4G PCI Express Dual Port Fibre Channel Adapter Overview

The IBM 4 Gigabit PCI Express Dual Port Fibre Channel Adapter is a 64 bit, short form factor x4, PCIe adapter with an LC-type external fiber connector that provides single initiator capability over an optical fiber link or loop. The adapter automatically negotiates the highest data rate between the adapter and an attaching device at 1Gbps, 2Gbps, or 4Gbps of which the device or switch is capable. Distances between the adapter and an attaching device or switch can reach up to 500 meters running at 1Gbps data rate, up to 300 meters running at 2Gbps data rate, and up to 150 meters running at 4Gbps data rate.

4 Gigabit PCI Express Dual Port Fibre Channel Adapter Schematic Diagram

When used with IBM® Fibre Channel storage switches supporting long-wave optics, the adapter can reach distances of up to 10 kilometers running at either 1Gbps, 2Gbps, or 4Gbps data rates.

The adapter can be used to attach devices either directly, or with Fibre Channel switches. If you are attaching a device or switch with an SC type fiber connector, you must use an LC-SC 50 micron fiber converter cable or an LC-SC 62.5 micron fiber converter cable.

The adapter has the following features:

• Compliant with the PCIe Base and Card Electromechanical (CEM) 1.0a specifications:
• x1 and x4 lane link interface at 2.5Gbit/s (auto-negotiated with system)
• Supports VC0 (1 Virtual Channel) and TC0 (1 Traffic Class)
• Configuration and IO Memory read/write, completion, message
• Support for 64-bit addressing
• ECC error protection
• Link CRC on all PCIe packets and message information
• Large payload size: 2048 bytes for read and write
• Large read request size: 4096 bytes
• Compatible with 1, 2, and 4Gb Fibre Channel interface:
• Auto-negotiate between 1Gb, 2Gb or 4Gb link attachments
• Support for all Fibre Channel topologies: point-to-point, arbitrated loop, and fabric
• Support for Fibre Channel class 2 and 3
• Maximum Fibre Channel throughput achieved by using full duplex hardware support
• End-to-end data path parity and CRC protection, including internal data path RAMs
• Architectural support for multiple upper layer protocols
• Internal high-speed SRAM memory
• ECC protection of local memory, includes single-bit correction and double-bit protection
• Embedded shortwave optical connection with diagnostics capability
• Onboard Context Management by firmware (per port):
• Up to 510 FC Port Logins
• Up to 2047 concurrent Exchanges
• I/O multiplexing down to the FC Frame level
• Data buffers capable of supporting 64+ buffer-to-buffer (BB) credits per port for shortwave applications
• Link management and recovery handled by firmware
• Onboard diagnostic capability accessible by optional connection
• Parts and construction compliant with the European Union Directive of Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
• Performance up to 4.25Gbps full duplex

As an optical fiber optical communication service provider, Sopto supplies compatible gigabit PCI Express Cards for Cisco, IBM, HUAWEI and other brands’ devices. Our products have a reasonable price. For the details, please contact a Sopto representative by calling 86-755-36946668, or by sending an email to info@sopto.com.