Industry Support for PCI-X: Compaq Leads Development of PCI-X-Based Systems with Golden Master Program

Compaq Computer Corporation is the largest global supplier of computer systems, including hardware, software, and enterprise solutions. As part of its strategy to enable best-in-class performance in next-generation computing platforms, Compaq created the PCI-X Golden Master Program. This program provides member companies with access to Compaq's PCI-X technology and tools, allowing vendors to bring PCI-X-based products to market quickly and effectively. The Golden Master Program includes industry leaders like Synopsys, Altera, Tundra, Serverworks, LSI Logic, 3Com, and Adaptec.

The combined expertise of these companies supplies independent hardware and software vendors with a platform that accelerates the development of PCI-X-based systems:

• Compaq licenses its PCI-X core source code, PCI-X architectural and partitioning guidelines, and PCI-to-PCI-X enhancement guidelines.
• Synopsys provides a structured PCI-X test environment for streamlining overall PCI-X design and test processes.
• Altera has become the first semiconductor company to launch a PCI-X intellectual property core.
• Compaq provides Golden Master Participants with support for the PCI-X core technology in order to speed the development of PCI-X products.

"We have been a driving force in the development of PCI-X technology because we believe that it is the future of high-performance local I/O," said David Heisey, manager of Advanced Technical Initiatives, Compaq Computer Corporation. "Through the Golden Master Program, we have teamed with companies that have applied our technology in the development of PCI-X-based solutions. Together, we are accelerating the deployment of high-performance I/O architectures for a variety of systems."

PCI-X increases performance, eliminates I/O bottleneck

Able to, one, provide up to four times the speed of existing PCI bus technology, and, two, eliminate I/O bottlenecks by allowing simultaneous bus transactions, PCI-X provides the highest level of performance for demanding applications. The 64-bit architecture runs at speeds up to 133 MHz, delivering burst transfer rates of up to 1 GByte/s. Designers can choose whether to put four 66-MHz slots behind each PCI bridge or one 133-MHz slot behind each bridge. This flexibility is critical to meeting specific performance requirements of systems with advanced peripheral devices, multiple PCI-X buses running at different speeds, and maximum slot capacity.

PCI-X is a compatible extension to the existing PCI bus, which is used in almost every PC today, as well as in new applications like routers, NICs and embedded systems. As a fully backward-compatible technology, PCI-X allows significant enhancements, while protecting the customer's investment in current PCI adapter technology.

About Compaq

Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the second largest computer company in the world and the largest global supplier of computer systems. Compaq develops and markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, networking and communication products, commercial desktop and portable products, and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in environmentally friendly programs and business practices.

Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are available at http://www.compaq.com or by calling 1-800-OK-COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations are available by calling 1-800-345-1518.

About the PCI-SIG

Formed in 1992, the PCI Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG) is the organization that develops and manages what has become one of the most successful I/O bus standards ever, the PCI bus specification. Through wide industry support and active developer participation, the PCI bus specification has been a well-maintained, open and non-proprietary solution that is scalable to the needs of today's industry, while also retaining legacy compatibility. In addition to the advancement of the PCI specification, the PCI-SIG educates the industry on the latest developments of the PCI interconnect through technical seminars and via its Compliance Workshops (Plugfests), which provide forums for testing the interoperability of the many PCI-related systems and software in the market.

The PCI-SIG has continued to develop successful extensions to the PCI bus, such as PCI-X and Mini PCI, and remains committed to furthering and advancing the specification. By adding new features and increased functionality, the PCI-SIG is driving the evolution of one of the most successful standards ever created for the computing industry.