PCI Express Active Cable Extender

The Amfeltec PCI Express Active Cable Extender is an advanced solution tailored for efficient production testing and debugging of PCI Express boards. It is ideal for hardware and software engineers involved in electronic product development, as well as technicians handling production testing and component programming for streamlines and enhance the testing process.

With its unique design, the Cable Extender allows the Unit Under Test (UUT) to be placed up to 10 feet away from the host computer, enabling convenient access to the UUT’s components for oscilloscope or logic analyzer probing during testing operation. As an active extender, it features hot-swap functionality, along with overcurrent and overvoltage protection for both the UUT and the host computer, ensuring reliable and safe operation.

Debugging PCI Express, MiniPCI Express, and M.2 Prototypes

 Debugging prototype boards during the development or resolving operational issues can be a daunting task for hardware engineers, especially when powering on a prototype for the first time. Common challenges fall into three main categories:

• Assembly Issues: Component misorientation, incorrect placement, missing components, or broken traces.
• Power-Related Issues: Short circuits, incorrect PSU voltage level, overheating components, or improper power rails sequencing.
• Design Issues: Missing or unstable clock signals, corrupt high-speed data signals, or design flaws.

The difficulty lies in probing signals due to extremely small component size, board layout, or restricted access inside chassis. Without proper precautions, these issues can damage both the prototype and the Host computer when directly connected.

The PCI Express Active Cable Extender mitigates these risks by relocating the prototype (UUT) outside the Host computer, providing unobstructed access to all components for oscilloscope or logic analyzer probing. Its built-in overvoltage and overcurrent protection shields both the UUT and Host system by cutting power in the event of a fault. Furthermore, it can immediately disconnect signals and power down the UUT to prevent overheating or critical damage, without requiring to wait a complete Host shutdown. This functionality also enables seamless hot-swapping of UUT boards, streamlining debugging and testing workflows.

Post-Assembly Testing of PCIe, MiniPCIe, and M.2 Boards

Small and medium-sized companies often lack dedicated testing equipment for post-assembly production and rely on general-purpose desktop computers or servers for verification. However, this approach presents several challenges:

• Test System Protection: General-purpose systems typically lack specialized circuits for overcurrent or overvoltage protection. A unit under test (UUT) with a power fault can damage both the UUT and the host system.
• Rapid Power Shutdown: Preventing damage to the UUT or host system during overheating or critical faults requires immediate power disconnection. Waiting for the host operating system to shut down prolongs response time, increasing the risk of damage during testing.
• Connector Durability: Standard motherboard connectors are not designed for frequent use and can suffer wear and tear from repeated plugging and unplugging. This mechanical stress can lead to signal instability or connector failure over time.
• Testing Efficiency: General-purpose systems require complete power cycles to replace the UUT, resulting in significant downtime for system boot-up and shutdown compared to the actual testing duration.

Standard Package Includes: