PCI Docking Stations
Docking stations provide a way to use PCI boards, even full length, with a Notebook PC.
This allows greater portability for operation out in the field, within vehicles, or simply
as a way to move between different test rigs without having to carry around a heavy desktop PC.
Furthermore this solution helps utilise the investment you may have already made in
a Notebook / Laptop PC. By insertion of different PCI boards it is possible for you to
build a system with almost limit less functionality. So for example with an additional Spectrum
PCI board component you could have a signal capture system, waveform generator or bus analyser.
There is an additional driver provided with the docking station, but to the
hardware this driver and thus the docking station is essentially transparent.
Whatever PCI card type you have, regardless of manufacturer, we are well placed to provide an effective solution.
All docking stations have an integral cooling fan and models are available that take
DC or AC supply. It is recommended that the DC power comes from a supply separate to the
computer. A sealed recharge able lead-acid may be used and a cable is available as an option
which terminates in a XLR-4 or vehicle cigarette type connector. Many automotive and electrical suppliers
can provide a mating connector/cable for these, or we can provide this too.
We can also supply without the card box enclosure for easier incorporation into your own designs.
This unit is for two PCI cards and has been specially designed to give extra
room for two 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch hard drives (if so required). Benefit can be obtained
using the special SATA hard drive controller slot, increasing data storage separate to the PC.
The main two PCI slots can be used in the normal way for a variety of board types increasing the
application possibilities, a stimulus and response system using being one of many examples.
For applications requiring four PCI cards we offer this unit, which still allows
easy portability if used with a Notebook PC, or equally well gives plenty of
extra expansion space for the desktop PC. Extra room is also provided for hard disk
drives and the 2U high DOCK4PCI can be rack mounted if required.
AC powered and efficiently cooled this versatile boasts a 310 watt power supply to
allow high powered ½, ¾ and full-length PCI boards to be fitted.
Frequently asked questions and answers about Docking Stations.
| Interfaces to Notebook PC's | |
|---|
| 1. ExpressCard 34 or 54 mm widths. |
 |
| 2. PC-Card/Cardbus (pcmcia) with PCI Busmaster Support. |  |
| Interface to desktop PC's | |
|---|
| PCI-Express interface card option. |  |
| PCI interface card (32 bit/33MHz)option. |  |
N.B: The PC-Card/Cardbus (pcmcia) interface is
slowly being phased out by some manufacturers of Notebook PC's.
New users are highly recommended to use the
ExpressCard interface whenever possible. Please check your PC has a suitable slot. |
OS compatibility:-Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS X (versions 10.4 +),
Also Windows Server 2003 and Redhat Linux 9, (for Cardbus interface models only).
Specifications overview
| MODEL (code summary) | SLOTS |
SIZE L x W x H (mm) | WEIGHT | POWER SUPPLY |
| DOCK1PCI-1H | One (cards to 178mm length) | 220x180x45 | 0.8Kg | External 115...230V AC / 12V DC |
| DOCK1PCI-1F | One | 355x180x45 | 1.0Kg | External 115...230V AC / 12V DC |
| DOCK2PCI-ACF | Two | 390 x 255 x 65 | 2.8Kg | Internal 115...230V AC |
|
| DOCK4PCI-ACF | Four | 417 x 333 x 89 | 4.1Kg | Internal 90...265V AC |
| CABLE OPTIONS |
| Cable (1.4m) for connecting DC models to 12VDC. Car cigarette adapter. |
DOCKxPCI-CAR |
| Cable (2.8m) for connecting DC models to 12VDC. XLR-4 male plug option. |
DOCKxPCI-XLR4 |
| Longer cable for connecting Docking Stations to Notebook PC. 1.5m (standard is 1.0m). |
DOCKxPCI-CAB1.5 |
The above tables represent a summary. For detailed specifications pages please click on the links below.
Technical specification is subject to variation.
© Dataquest Solutions, last revised 29.01.10
E&OE
Single slot Docking Station datasheet