Press Release
PCI-SIG Delivers Latest Version of the Conventional PCI Specification with the Introduction of Version 3.0New specification maintains compatibility with version 2.3 and completes the migration to 3.3V-only slotsPORTLAND, Ore. - April 19, 2004 - The PCI-SIG®, the Special Interest Group responsible for Conventional PCI™, PCI-X®, and PCI Express™ industry-standard I/O technologies, announced today that it has released version 3.0 of the Conventional PCI specification. Revision 3.0 is the latest version of the Conventional PCI specification that builds upon version 2.3 and completes the migration of the PCI bus from the original 5.0V (volt) signaling to 3.3V-only slots. As semiconductor signaling technologies have progressed since the 1992 release of the Conventional PCI 1.0 spec, the base signaling voltages have dropped from the standard of 5.0V to the current 3.3V. Subsequent Conventional PCI specifications, versions 2.0 and 2.3, responded to industry needs by first enabling 3.3V and then initiating the migration to 3.3V-only slots. The new Conventional PCI 3.0 spec completes the migration to 3.3V-only slots by removing support for 5.0V-only keyed add-in cards. Universal keyed add-in cards (cards that are keyed for both 5.0V and 3.3V slots) continue to be supported by the Conventional PCI 3.0 spec. Version 3.0 also incorporates the errata and ECNs (Engineering Change Notifications) to version 2.3 specification. Version 3.0 continues to provide the backbone technology for multiple bus specifications: PCI 66, PCI-X, Mini PCI, and Low Profile PCI. "Conventional PCI is a mature technology that has been proven in real-life applications throughout the last decade. It has adapted to the latest market needs while preserving the backward compatibility and protecting investments that companies have made over the years. With the release of version 3.0, Conventional PCI completes the migration to the 3.3V slots which is the current industry standard," said Tony Pierce, PCI-SIG chairman. "We are proud of the contribution that PCI-SIG has made with Conventional PCI over the last 12 years." Benefits of PCI-SIG Membership As an additional and extremely valuable benefit of PCI-SIG membership, members are given the right to receive patent licenses from any other member of our organization with necessary claims of patent embodied within our specifications. These licenses may be limited in scope to an implementation of a particular specification, but must be granted to all members on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. About the PCI-SIG The PCI-SIG is the Special Interest Group that owns and manages PCI specifications as open industry standards. The organization defines and implements new industry standard I/O (Input/Output) specifications as the industry's local I/O needs evolve. The PCI Special Interest Group was formed in 1992, and the organization became a nonprofit corporation, officially named "PCI-SIG" in the year 2000. Currently, more than 860 industry-leading companies are active PCI-SIG members worldwide. The PCI-SIG's current directors are employed by the following PCI-SIG member companies: AMD, Broadcom, HP, IBM, Intel, LSI Logic, Microsoft, Phoenix Technologies, and Texas Instruments. For more information about the PCI-SIG, and PCI-SIG membership benefits, contact the PCI-SIG by phone, at (503) 291-2569 (within the United States), or by fax at (503) 297-1090, or visit the PCI-SIG web site at http://www.pcisig.com. ### PCI-SIG, PCI Conventional, PCI-X and PCI Express are trademarks or registered trademarks of PCI-SIG. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. |
