Comprehensive Product Summary: ACL‑Express‑3 High‑Speed InfiniBand 4X Cable (3 m)

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### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: ACL‑Express‑3
Model: ACL‑Express‑3
Series: ACL‑Express High‑Speed Extension Cable Series
Article Number: ACL‑Express‑3
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.

The ADLINK ACL‑Express‑3 is a 3‑meter high‑speed InfiniBand 4X cable designed as part of ADLINK’s PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension ecosystem. It serves as the critical interconnect between the PCIe‑8560 host interface card and the PCI‑8565 bridge card located within the PCES‑8581‑4S or PCES‑8581‑13S extension chassis. The cable enables reliable, high‑bandwidth communication over distances up to seven meters, allowing remote operation of PCI devices through a PCI Express link.

This cable is engineered for industrial, laboratory, and embedded computing environments where system separation, EMI isolation, or ruggedized deployment is required. It provides a robust, shielded, twisted‑pair copper construction optimized for 2.5 Gbps signal bandwidth, ensuring stable data transmission and minimal signal degradation across extended distances.

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### 2. Key Features

- High‑Speed Data Transmission: Supports up to 2.5 Gbps signal bandwidth, ensuring full PCI Express x1 throughput (250 MB/s) between host and extension chassis.
- Optimized Length: 3 m cable length provides an ideal balance between flexibility and signal integrity for most industrial and laboratory setups.
- Shielded Twisted‑Pair Construction: Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, maintaining signal quality in electrically noisy environments.
- InfiniBand 4X Connector Interface: Ensures secure, high‑density connectivity compatible with ADLINK’s PCI Express extension systems.
- Plug‑and‑Play Integration: Requires no additional drivers or software; the extension system operates transparently to the host PC.
- Rugged and Reliable: Designed for use in harsh industrial conditions, including high‑vibration and wide‑temperature environments.
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with ADLINK PCES‑8581‑4S (4‑slot) and PCES‑8581‑13S (13‑slot) PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension systems.
- Flexible Deployment: Enables remote placement of PCI devices up to 7 m from the host system, protecting sensitive computing hardware from hazardous environments.

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### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Cable Model | ACL‑Express‑3 |
| Cable Type | Shielded twisted‑pair copper cable |
| Interface Standard | InfiniBand 4X |
| Length | 3 m |
| Signal Bandwidth | 2.5 Gbps |
| Compatibility | PCIe‑8560 host card ↔ PCI‑8565 bridge card |
| Supported Systems | PCES‑8581‑4S, PCES‑8581‑13S |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C – 50 °C |
| Storage Temperature | −20 °C – 80 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 10 % – 90 %, non‑condensing |
| Maximum Extension Distance | 7 m (using ACL‑Express‑7) |
| Construction Material | High‑quality copper conductors with full shielding |
| Connector Type | InfiniBand 4X male connectors on both ends |
| Color/Finish | Industrial black, flexible jacket |
| Compliance | PCI Express Base Specification 1.0a compatible |

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### 4. Functionality

The ACL‑Express‑3 functions as the high‑speed physical link in ADLINK’s PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension architecture. The system consists of three main components:

1. PCIe‑8560 Host Card: Installed in the host computer’s PCI Express x1 slot, this card initiates communication with the remote chassis.
2. ACL‑Express Cable (ACL‑Express‑1/‑3/‑7): Provides the physical connection between the host and the extension chassis.
3. PCI‑8565 Bridge Card: Installed in the extension chassis (RK‑8005 or RK‑8014), converting the PCI Express signal into a standard PCI bus for downstream devices.

When connected, the ACL‑Express‑3 transmits PCI Express protocol signals over a shielded copper medium, maintaining full hardware and software transparency. PCI devices installed in the remote chassis appear to the host system as if they were locally installed, requiring no additional drivers or configuration.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial Automation: Enables remote control of PCI‑based I/O, motion control, or DAQ cards in factory environments.
- Test and Measurement Systems: Allows close proximity of measurement cards to the Device Under Test (DUT) while keeping the host PC in a safe or EMI‑free zone.
- Military and Aerospace: Supports ruggedized setups where vibration and temperature extremes are common.
- Video Capture and Processing: Facilitates high‑bandwidth data transfer between remote video acquisition modules and host systems.
- Electronics Manufacturing Test: Provides flexible test configurations for multi‑slot PCI instrumentation.

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### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Items (when part of PCES‑8581 systems):
- 1 × ACL‑Express‑3 cable (3 m)
- 1 × PCIe‑8560 host interface card
- 1 × PCI‑8565 bridge card (pre‑installed in chassis)
- 1 × Extension chassis (RK‑8005 or RK‑8014)

Optional Accessories:
- ACL‑Express‑1: 1 m high‑speed extension cable for short‑distance setups.
- ACL‑Express‑7: 7 m high‑speed extension cable for maximum separation distance.
- Replacement InfiniBand 4X connectors and mounting brackets (available from ADLINK).

Connectors:
- Dual InfiniBand 4X male connectors with secure locking mechanism.
- Fully shielded connector housings for EMI protection.

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### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Host computer with an available PCI Express x1 slot.
- ADLINK PCIe‑8560 host card installed in the host system.
- ADLINK PCI‑8565 bridge card installed in the extension chassis (RK‑8005 or RK‑8014).
- Appropriate ACL‑Express cable (1 m, 3 m, or 7 m depending on distance).

Installation Steps:
1. Power off both the host PC and the extension chassis.
2. Install the PCIe‑8560 card into an available PCI Express x1 slot on the host PC.
3. Connect one end of the ACL‑Express‑3 cable to the InfiniBand 4X port on the PCIe‑8560 card.
4. Connect the other end to the corresponding InfiniBand 4X port on the PCI‑8565 card inside the extension chassis.
5. Power on the extension chassis first, then the host PC.
6. The system automatically enumerates the remote PCI devices as if they were locally installed.

Mounting Options:
- The cable is flexible and can be routed through standard cable management channels.
- Ensure minimum bend radius is maintained to prevent signal degradation.
- Avoid running parallel to high‑voltage power lines to minimize EMI.

Configuration:
- No software or driver installation required.
- The extension system is fully transparent to the operating system and BIOS.

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### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Data Throughput: Up to 250 MB/s (PCI Express x1 link).
- Signal Bandwidth: 2.5 Gbps per lane.
- Distance Capability: Up to 7 m using ACL‑Express‑7; 3 m standard with ACL‑Express‑3.
- Latency: Negligible; hardware‑level bridging ensures near‑native PCI performance.
- Power Efficiency: Passive cable design requires no external power.
- Reliability: Shielded construction minimizes bit errors and maintains consistent signal integrity.
- Environmental Tolerance: Operates reliably from 0 °C to 50 °C with humidity up to 90 %.
- Limitations:
- Maximum supported distance limited to 7 m.
- Designed for PCI Express x1 link width; not suitable for x4/x8/x16 configurations.
- Intended for use exclusively with ADLINK PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension systems.

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### 8. Standards & Compliance

- PCI Express Base Specification Rev. 1.0a compliant (via PCIe‑8560 interface).
- PCI‑to‑PCI Bridge Architecture Specification Rev. 1.2 compliant (via PCI‑8565).
- PCI Local Bus Specification Rev. 3.0 compliant.
- InfiniBand 4X Physical Layer compatible.
- Electrical Safety: Meets industrial low‑voltage and insulation standards for shielded copper cabling.
- EMI/EMC Compliance: Shielded design minimizes emissions and susceptibility to interference.
- Environmental Compliance: RoHS‑compliant materials; halogen‑free insulation.
- Quality Assurance: Manufactured under ISO 9001‑certified processes.

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### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
ADLINK provides a standard one‑year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and workmanship for the ACL‑Express cable series. Extended warranty and service contracts are available upon request.

Technical Support:
- Global technical support via ADLINK’s regional service centers.
- Online documentation, installation guides, and firmware updates available at [www.adlinktech.com](https://www.adlinktech.com).
- Dedicated engineering support for OEM and system integrators.

Maintenance:
- Periodically inspect connectors for dust or oxidation; clean with approved contact cleaner.
- Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the cable.
- Store in a dry, temperature‑controlled environment when not in use.

Product Updates:
The ACL‑Express cable family (‑1, ‑3, ‑7) is part of ADLINK’s ongoing PCI Express extension product line. Future revisions may include enhanced shielding, higher bandwidth support (5 Gbps or greater), and extended environmental ratings.

Ordering Information:
| Model | Description |
|------------|----------------|
| 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 |

Associated Systems:
- PCES‑8581‑4S: 4‑slot PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension system (includes PCIe‑8560, RK‑8005 chassis, and ACL‑Express‑3 cable).
- PCES‑8581‑13S: 13‑slot PCI Express‑to‑PCI extension system (includes PCIe‑8560, RK‑8014 chassis, and ACL‑Express‑3 cable).

Chassis Specifications (for reference):
- RK‑8005 (4‑slot): 122 mm (W) × 195 mm (H) × 259 mm (D); 3.2 kg; 200 W PSU; one 80 mm fan.
- RK‑8014 (13‑slot): 483.5 mm (W) × 177 mm (H) × 448.5 mm (D); 12 kg; 400 W PSU; two 120 mm fans.

Environmental Ratings:
- Operating: 0 °C – 50 °C
- Storage: −20 °C – 80 °C
- Humidity: 10 % – 90 %, non‑condensing

Applications Summary:
- Industrial control and automation
- Electronics manufacturing test systems
- Military and aerospace instrumentation
- Video capture and processing
- Remote test and measurement
- High‑density I/O expansion

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### Summary

The ADLINK ACL‑Express‑3 is a 3‑meter InfiniBand 4X high‑speed extension cable purpose‑built for PCI Express‑to‑PCI expansion systems. It provides a robust, shielded, and high‑bandwidth link between the host computer and remote PCI chassis, enabling seamless control of multiple PCI devices over extended distances. With its 2.5 Gbps signal bandwidth, industrial‑grade construction, and plug‑and‑play transparency, the ACL‑Express‑3 is an essential component for engineers, integrators, and system designers requiring reliable remote PCI connectivity in demanding environments.

Whether used in test laboratories, industrial automation, or rugged field applications, the ACL‑Express‑3 ensures stable, high‑performance communication between host and peripheral systems—delivering the flexibility, safety, and scalability that modern embedded and industrial computing solutions demand.