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.

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

The above tables represent a summary. For detailed specifications pages please click on the links below.

Single slot Docking Station datasheet

Two slot Docking Station datasheet

Four slot Docking Station datasheet

Any technical specification is subject to variation.
E&OE