Comprehensive Product Summary: ACL‑Express‑1 InfiniBand 4X Cable (1 m) and Associated PCI Express‑to‑PCI Extension Systems

---

### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: ACL‑Express‑1
Model: ACL‑Express‑1
Series: ACL‑Express Series (High‑Speed PCI Express Extension Cables)
Article Number: ACL‑Express‑1
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.

Associated Systems:
- PCES‑8581‑4S: 4‑slot PCI Express‑to‑PCI Extension System
- PCES‑8581‑13S: 13‑slot PCI Express‑to‑PCI Extension System

The ACL‑Express‑1 is a high‑speed, shielded twisted‑pair copper cable designed for use with ADLINK’s PCES‑8581‑4S and PCES‑8581‑13S PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension systems. It provides a reliable, low‑latency physical link between a host computer equipped with a PCI Express interface and a remote PCI expansion chassis, enabling extended PCI connectivity up to 7 m away. The 1 m version (ACL‑Express‑1) is optimized for short‑distance, high‑integrity signal transmission in laboratory, industrial, and embedded computing environments.

---

### 2. Key Features

- High‑Speed PCI Express Extension: Supports data transfer rates up to 2.5 Gbps, ensuring full PCI Express x1 bandwidth (250 MB/s throughput).
- Shielded Twisted‑Pair Construction: Provides superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection and signal integrity over copper media.
- Flexible Length Options: Available in 1 m, 3 m, and 7 m variants (ACL‑Express‑1/‑3/‑7) to accommodate different system layouts.
- Plug‑and‑Play Transparency: No additional drivers or software required; PCI devices in the remote chassis appear as if installed directly in the host system.
- Extended PCI Connectivity: Enables control of up to 13 PCI devices (PCES‑8581‑13S) or 4 PCI devices (PCES‑8581‑4S) from a single host PC.
- Remote Operation Capability: Allows host and PCI devices to be separated by up to 7 m, protecting sensitive computing components from harsh environments.
- Industrial‑Grade Reliability: Designed for operation in 0 °C – 50 °C environments with resistance to shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.
- Comprehensive System Integration: Works seamlessly with ADLINK’s PCIe‑8560 host card and PCI‑8565 bridge card for complete end‑to‑end PCI Express‑to‑PCI conversion.

---

### 3. Technical Specifications

#### ACL‑Express‑1 Cable
- Length: 1 m
- Construction: Shielded twisted‑pair copper cable
- Signal Bandwidth: 2.5 Gbps
- Compatibility: PCIe‑8560 (host) ↔ PCI‑8565 (remote)
- Maximum Extension Distance: Up to 7 m (using ACL‑Express‑7)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C – 50 °C
- Storage Temperature: −20 °C – 80 °C
- Relative Humidity: 10 % – 90 %, non‑condensing

#### PCIe‑8560 Host Interface Card
- Compliance: PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a
- Interface: PCI Express x1 link
- Throughput: 250 MB/s
- Form Factor: Low‑profile PCI Express add‑on card
- Dimensions: 69 mm (H) × 87 mm (W)
- Power Requirement: +3.3 V DC, 210 mA (max)
- Cable Connection: ACL‑Express‑series cable

#### PCI‑8565 Bridge Card (Installed in Extension Chassis)
- Compliance:
- PCI‑to‑PCI Bridge Architecture Rev. 1.2
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 3.0
- Bus Support: 5 V and 3.3 V PCI buses
- Data Width/Frequency: 32‑bit / 33 MHz
- Distance Support: Up to 7 m
- Form Factor: Low‑profile PCI add‑on card
- Dimensions: 64 mm (H) × 120 mm (W)
- Power Requirement: +3.3 V DC, 720 mA

#### RK‑8005 Chassis (for PCES‑8581‑4S)
- Dimensions: 122 mm (W) × 195 mm (H) × 259 mm (D)
- Weight: 3.2 kg (7.04 lb)
- Backplane: 5 × 32‑bit/33 MHz full‑size PCI slots
- 1 slot for extension card (PCI‑8565)
- 4 slots available for PCI devices
- Power Supply:
- Input: 85 V AC – 265 V AC
- Output: 200 W
- Cooling: One 80 mm ball‑bearing fan

#### RK‑8014 Chassis (for PCES‑8581‑13S)
- Dimensions: 483.5 mm (W) × 177 mm (H) × 448.5 mm (D)
- Weight: 12 kg (26.4 lb)
- Backplane: 14 × 32‑bit/33 MHz full‑size PCI slots
- 1 slot for extension card (PCI‑8565)
- 13 slots available for PCI devices
- Power Supply:
- Input: 85 V AC – 265 V AC (auto‑switching)
- Output: 400 W
- Cooling: Two 120 mm ball‑bearing fans

---

### 4. Functionality

The ACL‑Express‑1 functions as the high‑speed physical link in ADLINK’s PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension architecture. The system operates as follows:

1. Host Interface: The PCIe‑8560 card is installed in the host computer’s PCI Express x1 slot.
2. Cable Connection: The ACL‑Express‑1 cable connects the PCIe‑8560 to the PCI‑8565 bridge card located in the remote extension chassis (RK‑8005 or RK‑8014).
3. Bridge Conversion: The PCI‑8565 converts the PCI Express signal into a standard PCI bus, distributing it across the backplane of the extension chassis.
4. Device Transparency: PCI devices installed in the remote chassis are enumerated by the host system as if they were locally installed, requiring no additional drivers or configuration.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Automation and Control: Enables remote placement of I/O and control cards near machinery while keeping the host PC in a protected area.
- Electronics Manufacturing Test: Facilitates high‑density test setups with multiple PCI instruments.
- Military/Aerospace Systems: Supports ruggedized, vibration‑resistant configurations with remote instrumentation.
- Video Capture and Processing: Allows multiple PCI video capture cards to be managed from a single host.
- Remote Test and Measurement: Ideal for DAQ systems requiring proximity to the device under test (DUT).
- Hazardous Environments: Protects CPUs and storage devices by isolating them from heat, vibration, or EMI sources.

---

### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components (per system configuration):
- PCES‑8581‑4S Package:
- PCIe‑8560 host card
- RK‑8005 4‑slot extension chassis
- ACL‑Express‑3 cable (3 m standard)
- PCES‑8581‑13S Package:
- PCIe‑8560 host card
- RK‑8014 13‑slot extension chassis
- ACL‑Express‑3 cable (3 m standard)

Optional Accessories:
- ACL‑Express‑1: 1 m high‑speed cable (short‑distance applications)
- ACL‑Express‑3: 3 m high‑speed cable (standard configuration)
- ACL‑Express‑7: 7 m high‑speed cable (maximum supported distance)

Connectors:
- Proprietary high‑speed connectors compatible with PCIe‑8560 and PCI‑8565 interface cards.
- Shielded terminations to maintain signal integrity and minimize EMI.

---

### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host computer with an available PCI Express x1 slot.
- Compatible ADLINK extension chassis (RK‑8005 or RK‑8014).
- Appropriate ACL‑Express cable length (1 m, 3 m, or 7 m).
- AC power source (85 V – 265 V AC).

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the host computer and extension chassis.
2. Install the PCIe‑8560 card into the host’s PCI Express x1 slot.
3. Install the PCI‑8565 card into the designated slot in the extension chassis backplane.
4. Connect the ACL‑Express‑1 cable between the PCIe‑8560 and PCI‑8565 connectors.
5. Power on the extension chassis, then the host computer.
6. The host system automatically detects the remote PCI devices—no driver installation required.

Mounting Options:
- RK‑8005: Compact desktop or rack‑mountable form factor for small‑scale setups.
- RK‑8014: 19‑inch rack‑mount chassis suitable for laboratory or industrial rack systems.

Configuration:
- Fully transparent to the operating system; devices appear in the system’s PCI device tree.
- No BIOS or firmware modification required.

---

### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Throughput: 250 MB/s (PCI Express x1 link)
- Signal Bandwidth: 2.5 Gbps per channel
- Distance Capability: Up to 7 m (using ACL‑Express‑7)
- Slot Expansion:
- PCES‑8581‑4S: 4 usable PCI slots
- PCES‑8581‑13S: 13 usable PCI slots
- Power Output:
- RK‑8005: 200 W
- RK‑8014: 400 W
- Cooling Efficiency:
- RK‑8005: Single 80 mm fan
- RK‑8014: Dual 120 mm fans
- Environmental Tolerance:
- Operating: 0 °C – 50 °C
- Storage: −20 °C – 80 °C
- Humidity: 10 % – 90 %, non‑condensing

Limitations:
- Maximum cable length limited to 7 m for optimal signal integrity.
- Supports 32‑bit/33 MHz PCI devices only (no 64‑bit or 66 MHz operation).
- Requires ADLINK‑specific host and bridge cards for full compatibility.

---

### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a (PCIe‑8560)
- PCI‑to‑PCI Bridge Architecture Rev. 1.2 (PCI‑8565)
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 3.0
- Electrical Safety: Designed for operation within 85 V – 265 V AC input range with auto‑switching power supplies.
- EMI/EMC: Shielded cable construction minimizes electromagnetic interference.
- Environmental Compliance: Operates within industrial temperature and humidity ranges; suitable for rugged and high‑vibration environments.

---

### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
ADLINK provides a standard manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty terms vary by region and product line; typically one year from date of purchase.

Technical Support:
Comprehensive support resources are available through ADLINK’s technical service portal, including installation guides, firmware updates, and compatibility documentation.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of cable connectors and chassis ventilation recommended.
- Ensure fans and filters in RK‑8005/RK‑8014 remain unobstructed for optimal cooling.
- Avoid excessive bending or mechanical stress on ACL‑Express cables to maintain signal integrity.

Firmware & Software Updates:
- The system operates transparently without dedicated drivers; however, BIOS or firmware updates for host systems may enhance compatibility.
- ADLINK periodically releases updates for improved performance and extended hardware support.

Ordering Information:
- ACL‑Express‑1: High‑speed extension cable, 1 m
- ACL‑Express‑3: High‑speed extension cable, 3 m
- ACL‑Express‑7: High‑speed extension cable, 7 m
- PCES‑8581‑4S: 4‑slot PCI Express‑to‑PCI Extension System (includes PCIe‑8560, RK‑8005, ACL‑Express‑3)
- PCES‑8581‑13S: 13‑slot PCI Express‑to‑PCI Extension System (includes PCIe‑8560, RK‑8014, ACL‑Express‑3)

---

### Summary

The ADLINK ACL‑Express‑1 is a precision‑engineered, 1‑meter high‑speed copper cable designed to extend PCI Express connectivity between a host computer and a remote PCI expansion chassis. As part of ADLINK’s PCES‑8581 extension ecosystem, it enables seamless, driver‑free operation of multiple PCI devices over distances up to 7 m. With robust shielding, industrial‑grade durability, and compliance with PCI Express and PCI standards, the ACL‑Express‑1 provides a reliable interconnect solution for demanding applications in industrial automation, test and measurement, and rugged computing environments.

Its combination of high bandwidth, electrical integrity, and mechanical resilience makes it an essential component for engineers and system integrators seeking to expand PCI resources without compromising performance or reliability.